Description
Book SynopsisThe trauma experts Mark C. Russell and Charles Figley offer an impassioned and meticulous critique of the systemic failures in military mental health care in the United States. The book offers actionable prescriptions for change and a comprehensive approach to significantly improving military mental health.
Trade ReviewMark C. Russell and Charles Figley provide a thorough and thoughtful analysis of how the U.S. military has historically failed to adequately manage the mental health problems that inevitably occur during and in the aftermath of military action, and they suggest potential solutions to prevent repeating such failures in the future. -- Brian Bride, former editor in chief of
Traumatology: An International JournalAs promised, Russell and Figley once again deliver a thorough history of a neglected but critical topic. The authors continue to highlight what is most needed in behavioral health treatment for our military warriors who serve our country. -- Kathryn S. Collins, University of Maryland and principal investigator, Family Informed Trauma Treatment Center
Russell and Figley provide a blood-stirring and much needed examination of the many reasons that behavioral health concerns continue to affect the ranks of the military. This book should be mandatory reading for anyone concerned with the care and well-being of America’s forces, from indoctrination to discharge and beyond. -- Col. Jeffrey S. Yarvis, PhD, U.S. Army (retired)
Russell and Figley provide a stark yet riveting investigation into the history and current status of behavioral health care in the military.
Psychiatric Casualties is a must-read for all senior military and civilian leaders who have the responsibility of putting men and women in combat. -- Col. M. C. Boone, United States Marine Corps
An impassioned and meticulous critique of the systemic failures in military mental health care in the United States. * Library Bookwatch *
Table of ContentsPreface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Genesis of the Military’s Mental Health Dilemma
1. A War to Die For: Casualty Trends of Modern Warfare
2. The Dark Side of Military Mental Health: A History of Self-Inflicted Wounds
3. Cruel and Inhumane Handling: The First Dark-Side Strategy
4. Legal Prosecution, Incarceration, and Executions of Mental Illness: The Second Dark-Side Strategy
5. Humiliate, Ridicule, and Shame into Submission: The Third Dark-Side Strategy
6. Denying the Psychiatric Reality of War: The Fourth Dark-Side Strategy
7. Purging Weakness: The Fifth Dark-Side Strategy
8. Delay, Deceive, and Delay Again: The Sixth Dark-Side Strategy
9. Faulty Diagnosis and Backdoor Discharges: The Seventh Dark-Side Strategy
10. Avoiding Responsibility and Accountability: The Eighth Dark-Side Strategy
11. Inadequate, Experimental, or Harmful Treatment: The Ninth Dark-Side Strategy
12. Perpetuating Neglect, Indifference, and Self-Inflicted Crises: The Tenth Dark-Side Strategy
13. Toward a Resilient and Mentally Healthy Military
14. Transforming Military Mental Healthcare: Three Options for Change
Appendix
Notes
References
Index
