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Evidence-Based Interventions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Youth

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Handbook of Evidence-Based Therapies for Children and Adolescents

Part of the book series: Issues in Clinical Child Psychology ((ICCP))

Abstract

This chapter discusses the prevalence and incidence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), in addition to issues of diagnosis, assessment, and evidence-based treatments. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is unique among psychological disorders in that it is precipitated by an external event. Specifically, exposure to potentially traumatic events, such as school shootings, terrorist attacks, motor vehicle accidents, devastating natural disasters, interpersonal violence, and life-threatening illnesses and injuries may lead to significant psychological distress and functional impairment, resulting in PTSD. The chapter authors review the key treatment approaches that have been identified as effective for youth based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses. They also describe the underlying principles for evidence-based treatments. Well-established treatments include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Treatment which are presented in detail. Also covered are treatments including Prolonged Exposure and EMDR. Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have evaluated psychological treatments for PTSD in youth. Overall, these reviews support the efficacy of cognitive behavioral treatments, and especially that are trauma-focused, for treating PTSD or posttraumatic stress symptoms among trauma-exposed youth.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Florida, USA

    Annette M. La Greca & Naomi Tarlow

  2. Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA

    BreAnne A. Danzi

Authors
  1. Annette M. La Greca
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  2. Naomi Tarlow
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  3. BreAnne A. Danzi
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Correspondence to Annette M. La Greca .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

    Ric G. Steele

  2. Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

    Michael C. Roberts

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La Greca, A.M., Tarlow, N., Danzi, B.A. (2020). Evidence-Based Interventions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Youth. In: Steele, R.G., Roberts, M.C. (eds) Handbook of Evidence-Based Therapies for Children and Adolescents. Issues in Clinical Child Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44226-2_7

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