Damaged: Childhood Trauma, Adult Illness, and the Need for a Health Care Revolution

Childhood adversity is a significant public health issue, but healthcare systems struggle to acknowledge it. In "Damaged," Dr. Robert Maunder and Dr. Jonathan Hunter argue for a radical change in the medical system to be more compassionate and effective at recognizing the impact of trauma on everyone's health. The book offers an open and honest window into the private world of psychotherapy, featuring the story of Maunder's career-long work with a patient named Isaac. It highlights the ways in which childhood trauma harms Isaac's health and how patients can affect the doctors who care for them. The book emphasizes the importance of safe, respectful, and caring relationships between doctors and patients and serves as a reminder that the way we care for those who suffer most reveals who we are as a society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2022
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Childhood adversity that is severe enough to have a lasting impact on an individual's life is a significant public health concern that healthcare systems struggle to address adequately. In their book "Damaged," Dr. Robert Maunder and Dr. Jonathan Hunter advocate for a radical shift in the medical system, emphasizing the need for greater compassion and effectiveness in recognizing the impact of trauma on everyone's health, from patients to practitioners. Drawing on their extensive experience in psychiatric care, Maunder and Hunter offer an insightful and candid glimpse into the private world of psychotherapy.

At the core of the book is the poignant yet inspiring story of Maunder's career-long work with a patient named Isaac. Through unfiltered accounts of their therapy sessions, the reader witnesses the profound ways in which childhood trauma harms Isaac's health throughout his life. The book also sheds light on the profound impact that patients can have on their doctors and the positive effects of a caring and collegial relationship between doctors.

"Damaged" makes it clear that human relationships are at the heart of medicine and that a revolution in healthcare must begin with the development of safe, respectful, and caring relationships between doctors and patients. It serves as a powerful reminder that the way we care for those who suffer most reveals our values as a society.

By highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in healthcare, "Damaged" contributes to a broader understanding of the impact of trauma and the importance of addressing it in clinical practice. It encourages healthcare professionals to adopt a more compassionate and patient-centered approach, recognizing the significance of acknowledging and addressing the root causes of health issues rather than solely treating symptoms.

In conclusion, "Damaged" is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on the pervasive effects of childhood adversity and the urgent need for a healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of its patients. It serves as a call to action for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and society as a whole to address the root causes of trauma and work towards creating a safer, more compassionate, and effective healthcare system for all.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487528355