Treating Trauma-related Symptoms in Children and Adolescents

The significant impact of trauma on children is well documented. This chapter focuses on trauma-specific treatments for children and adolescents that have at least one randomized controlled trial in which one or more standardized outcome measures of trauma symptoms were used. These treatments address varying traumas, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, exposure to violence or loss, medical trauma, and disasters. Many of the treatments demonstrate promising results, but the research is often hampered by methodological limitations. The efficacy of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) has been documented in over 17 scientific studies, including 10 randomized trials. A more detailed description of TF-CBT is presented in the chapter. Also discussed are future research directions, including specific scientific questions, to advance our knowledge about trauma treatment for children and adolescents.