Psychological and pharmacologic treatment of youth with posttraumatic stress disorder: an evidence-based review

Abstract

This article reviews the evidence for the treatment of children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatment strategies are discussed along with clinically relevant considerations with regard to choosing a modality, working with parents, and adaptations for specific populations. Current data suggest the efficacy of trauma-focused psychotherapies for the treatment of pediatric PTSD. Limited data from psychopharmacologic trials suggest that several classes of medications may have efficacy in youth with PTSD. The extant treatment studies in pediatric patients with PTSD and consensus recommendations suggest that treatment should be based on the individual child's most distressing and functionally impairing symptoms.

Keywords: Posttraumatic stress disorder; Prevention; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI, SRI); Trauma; Trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT).