The Evil Hours: A Biography of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The Evil Hours combines personal narrative with historical research to examine post-traumatic stress disorder. Morris, a former Marine and war correspondent who developed PTSD after serving in Iraq, documents his own experiences while investigating the condition's origins, science, and treatment. The book traces PTSD from the American Civil War through both World Wars and into modern conflicts, revealing how understanding and treatment have evolved. Morris interviews experts, doctors, and fellow veterans while exploring both conventional and alternative therapies practiced in military and civilian settings. The scientific and medical aspects of trauma are presented alongside cultural perspectives on how societies deal with psychological wounds. The author examines PTSD's impact not just on veterans but on survivors of accidents, assaults, natural disasters, and other traumatic events. At its core, The Evil Hours is an investigation of human resilience and the struggle to reclaim meaning after devastating experiences. The work challenges readers to consider broader questions about memory, identity, and how individuals rebuild their lives in trauma's aftermath.

Readers appreciate Morris's combination of personal PTSD experience with thorough research and historical context. Many note his clear writing style and ability to explain complex medical concepts. Veterans and trauma survivors say the book helped them understand their own experiences. Readers highlight the sections on treatment options and criticism of ineffective VA programs. The examination of PTSD through literature and film resonates with many reviewers. Some readers found parts repetitive and wanted more focus on non-combat PTSD. A few mention the book's heavy subject matter made it difficult to read in long stretches. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (1,300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (230+ ratings) "This book saved my life" appears in multiple reader reviews. One veteran writes: "Finally, someone put into words what I couldn't explain to my family." Critical reviews note: "Too much personal narrative" and "Could have been more concise in the historical sections."

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk This research-based examination reveals how trauma reshapes both brain and body while exploring paths to recovery through neuroscience, psychology, and human experience.

On Combat by Dave Grossman This study investigates the psychological impact of deadly combat on military personnel and first responders through scientific research and firsthand accounts.

Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman This work presents a framework for understanding trauma through political and psychological contexts while examining the healing processes of survivors.

What It Is Like To Go To War by Karl Marlantes This memoir combines personal combat experiences from Vietnam with philosophical reflections on war trauma and its lasting effects on soldiers.

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce Perry This clinical study explores trauma's impact on child brain development through case studies from a psychiatrist's practice.

🔹 David J. Morris, a former Marine infantry officer, experienced PTSD firsthand after working as a war correspondent in Iraq, bringing both professional expertise and personal insight to his research. 🔹 The term "post-traumatic stress disorder" wasn't officially recognized until 1980, when it was added to the DSM-III, though the condition has existed throughout human history under different names like "shell shock" and "soldier's heart." 🔹 Ancient Mesopotamian texts, including the Epic of Gilgamesh, contain what many scholars consider to be the earliest written accounts of PTSD-like symptoms, dating back to around 2000 BCE. 🔹 The book reveals that only about 7-8% of the U.S. population will develop PTSD in their lifetime, but certain groups face much higher risks - including 20-30% of war veterans and up to 50% of sexual assault survivors. 🔹 Morris explores how MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) was used in therapeutic settings to treat PTSD before being banned in 1985, and discusses current research into its potential revival as a treatment option.