Thanks for your post! One observation. All medical opinion is an
outgrowth of historical processes and is political, not just the
formation of DSM III, IIIR or VI. I do hope your book does not fail
to include this perspective--otherwise the evolution of PTSD diagnosis
will appear abberrant, a unique product of political action. The
literature on PTSD makes it very clear that its evolution is, in
fact, typical, and in no way vitiates its clinical accuracy, such as
those things go!
(Personally, without it, DSM III etc,. myself and many friends would
have no context--any context--with which to grapple with stuff that
was and remains otherwise impossible to share or address)
Will you be coming to Texas Tech for the triennial conf. on Vietnam?
There is a panel on the history of PTSD diagnosis--taking the
opposite tack that Jonathan Shay does--there. Its is around
April 17- 21. I can get you further info if you are interested.
Marc