Interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents

Clinical features, epidemiology, and aetiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are
outlined. Treatment outcome studies involving children with PTSD who have survived
traumatic accidents, natural disasters and child sexual abuse are reviewed. An evidencebased
assessment and treatment protocol is outlined for children and adolescents with
PTSD. Key components of effective treatment are psychoeducation about trauma
reactions, sustained exposure to trauma-related cues and memories until habituation
occurs, coping skills training for children to help them manage anxiety, and parent training
to equip parents with the skills to help them facilitate their children’s recovery.