Old Before Their Time

“Dr. Frank Putnam is one of the world’s greatest scientists in the area of child abuse, which the Centers for Disease Control has called the largest public health problem in America. Starting with his work at the National Institutes of Health, he and his team have meticulously followed over 100 sexually abused girls over a time span of more than 30 years and measured their (and their children’s) mental health, physical, hormonal, emotional, and cognitive development. Their stunning research findings form the bedrock for our understanding of the pervasive long-term effects of early abuse, as well as providing a guide to effective intervention. His research work then led Dr. Putnam to implement a stunningly effective intervention program across three adjacent states, which should be a model for prevention and treatment around the country.

This is a riveting story detailing the science of child abuse, the incredible political complexities of studying this dark aspect of our society, and the (sometimes malicious) resistance of the mental health field to fully and realistically deal with its devastating consequences. It is a must read for anyone interested in understanding and alleviating human suffering.”

—Bessel Van Der Kolk, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Body Keeps the Score

Frank W. Putnam, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Recipient of numerous awards, he is internationally recognized for his research on the psychobiological effects of child maltreatment.