Imagine a disease that has no noticeable external symptoms, yet can take over your entire body and cause harm for the rest of your life. Dr. Paul Conti, one of the leading psychiatrists today, urges us to understand trauma exactly this way: as an uncontrolled epidemic with a potentially fatal prognosis. In this book, Dr. Conti analyzes cutting-edge research, clinical experience, and dozens of real cases to offer a deep and current look at trauma. Step by step, the book breaks down effective methods that can be carried out both individually and in society—to lessen the consequences of trauma and prevent further traumatization in the future.