Despite advances in understanding and treatment for trauma-related problems, PTSD still goes undetected in most individuals who have it. Parents are being inappropriately blamed for their children's problems because of misinterpretations of the research data. Patients are being told extraordinary stories that trauma has damaged their brains. And treatments that work are being ignored by clinicians. Dr. Scheeringa understands the desperation many parents feel and explains the impact of trauma, simplifies the science into layman's terms, debunks the myths, and provides direction on navigating the confusing maze of the mental health world to find appropriate care. He offers rational, evidence-based solutions to counter the current distortions found with many PTSD diagnoses.

Paths to acceptance: A beginning -- Life threat is trauma -- Not all stress is not trauma -- Symptoms -- Seven reasons why PTSD is under-recognized -- Proper assessment -- Complex problems -- Facing the disinformation critics of the DSM-5 -- Blame the mother -- The facts on parents: Do they help, hurt, or make no difference? -- The decision to get help: If you build it, they won't come -- How to find good treatment -- Treatment for complicated cases -- Memory: The unwelcome guest and the girl who forgot she was abused -- Neurobiology: does traumatic stress damage the brain? -- Frequently asked questions -- Appendix A: How to talk with youths following traumas -- Appendix B: Elements of cognitive behavior therapy for PTSD -- Appendix C: Therapist likeability checklist.