[Overview of therapeutic approaches for complex psychotrauma in children and adolescents].

Abstract

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), caused by repeated traumatic events of interpersonal origin (such as physical or sexual violence, or war), leads to severe disorders of emotional regulation, self-perception and interpersonal relationships. Without early diagnosis and intervention, children and adolescents with C-PTSD are at risk of developing chronic mental disorders. Rapid therapeutic interventions are thus required in order to avoid the persistence of symptoms and at-risk behaviours altering the development and life trajectory of these young people. The aim of this article is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of existing therapeutic interventions aimed at professionals who screen, diagnose or care for children or adolescents with C-PTSD. The specific clinical and treatment profiles of these patients (e.g., stabilization, trauma treatment, promoting cognitive and psychological integration processes, self-compassion and engagement in interpersonal relations, family involvement) are detailed, in order to propose a diagnostic strategy and set out the various possibilities for comprehensive management based on adaptations of existing therapeutic protocols for these paediatric populations. Therapeutic, psychological and psychopharmacological approaches that are either validated or in development are presented, along with their current level of scientific evidence. This article highlights the importance of training French-speaking child and adolescent psychiatric professionals in these therapies, and of further developing research in this field.