Posttraumatic Stress in Physical Illness: Understanding and Coping with Psychological Symptoms

Posttraumatic Stress in Physical Illness, authored by Man Cheung Chung, delves into the development of posttraumatic stress reactions and other psychological symptoms in individuals suffering from physical illnesses. The book focuses on various illnesses such as myocardial infarction, cancer, HIV, vascular and neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and autoimmune diseases.

Factors Contributing to Posttraumatic Stress

The book analyses several factors that contribute to the severity, likelihood of distress, or PTSD symptoms associated with physical illnesses. These factors include demographic and disease-related characteristics, previous trauma or PTSD due to previous trauma, subjective experience of the illness, personality traits, and coping strategies of the individual.

Impact on Family Members

Not only do patients experience these symptoms, but they are also significant for their family members or loved ones. Understanding the symptoms or pathological features and exploring the development of posttraumatic growth in both patients and relatives play major roles in this book.

Guidance for Treatment and Wellbeing

As psychopathological and positive psychological responses to adversity can influence the formulation of psychological interventions, Posttraumatic Stress in Physical Illness provides essential guidance for those involved with the treatment and wellbeing of patients.

Publication Details: Published by OUP Oxford, December 9, 2023. Language: English. ISBN: 9780198727323, 9780191040771.