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 two randomized controlled trials in which one or more standardized outcome measures were used. These treatments address varying traumas, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, exposure to violence or loss, and disasters. The efficacy of one such treatment, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), has been documented in over 50 scientific studies, including 22 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.