Cognitive therapy for PTSD following multiple-trauma exposure in children and adolescents: a case series.

Background: Cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD) is an efficacious treatment for children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following single incident trauma, but there is a lack of evidence relating to this approach for youth with PTSD following exposure to multiple traumatic experiences.

Aims: To assess the safety, acceptability and feasibility of CT-PTSD for youth following multiple trauma, and obtain a preliminary estimate of its pre-post effect size.

Method: Nine children and adolescents (aged 8-17 years) with multiple-trauma PTSD were recruited to a case series of CT-PTSD. Participants completed a structured interview and mental health questionnaires at baseline, post-treatment and 6-month follow-up, and measures of treatment credibility, therapeutic alliance, and mechanisms proposed to underpin treatment response. A developmentally adjusted algorithm for diagnosing PTSD was used.

Results: No safety concerns or adverse effects were recorded. Suicidal ideation reduced following treatment. No participants withdrew from treatment or from the study. CT-PTSD was rated as highly credible. Participants reported strong working alliances with their therapists. Data completion was good at post-treatment (n=8), but modest at 6-month follow-up (n=6). Only two participants met criteria for PTSD (developmentally adjusted algorithm) at post-treatment. A large within-subjects treatment effect was observed post-treatment and at follow up for PTSD severity (using self-report questionnaire measures; ds>1.65) and general functioning (CGAS; ds<1.23). Participants showed reduced anxiety and depression symptoms at post-treatment and follow-up (RCADS-C; ds>.57).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that CT-PTSD is a safe, acceptable and feasible treatment for children with multiple-trauma PTSD, which warrants further evaluation.