Evaluating evidence behind popular trauma narratives: neurobiological and treatment claims in <i>The Body Keeps the Score</i>

Bessel van der Kolk's book <i>The Body Keeps the Score</i> has maintained exceptional cultural and clinical influence since its publication in 2014, remaining a best-seller and shaping public discourse on trauma. Its central claims - that trauma causes lasting neurobiological damage and that body-based treatments are uniquely effective - have been widely embraced but seldom subjected to systematic critical evaluation in peer-reviewed literature. This commentary synthesises the evidentiary basis for these claims as a counterweight to an influential narrative. It situates these findings within broader discussions of neuroscience framing, cultural appeal and evidence-based communication, underscoring the need for rigorous, balanced engagement with widely disseminated mental health narratives.