Effect of Developmentally Adapted Cognitive Processing Therapy for Youth With Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Childhood Sexual and Physical Abuse

Importance: Despite the high prevalence, evidence-based treatments for abuse-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents have rarely been studied. Objective: To examine whether developmentally adapted cognitive processing therapy (D-CPT) is more effective than a wait-list condition with treatment advice (WL/TA) among adolescents with PTSD related to childhood abuse. Design, Setting, and Participants: This rater-blinded, multicenter, randomized clinical trial (stratified by center) enrolled treatment-seeking adolescents and young adults (aged 14-21 years) with childhood abuse-related PTSD at 3 university outpatient clinics in Germany from July 2013 to June 2015, with the last follow-up interview conducted by May 2016. Of 194 patients, 88 were eligible for randomization. Interventions: Participants received D-CPT or WL/TA. Cognitive processing therapy was enhanced by a motivational and alliance-building phase, by including emotion regulation and consideration of typical developmental tasks, and by higher session frequency in the trauma-focused core CPT phase. In WL/TA, participants received treatment advice with respective recommendations of clinicians and were offered D-CPT after 7 months. Main Outcomes and Measures: All outcomes were assessed before treatment (baseline), approximately 8 weeks after the start of treatment, after the end of treatment (posttreatment), and at the 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome, PTSD symptom severity, was assessed in clinical interview (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents for DSM-IV [CAPS-CA]). Secondary outcomes were self-reported PTSD severity, depression, borderline symptoms, behavior problems, and dissociation. Results: The 88 participants (75 [85%] female) had a mean age of 18.1 years (95% CI, 17.6-18.6 years). In the intention-to-treat analysis, the 44 participants receiving D-CPT (39 [89%] female) demonstrated greater improvement than the 44 WL/TA participants (36 [82%] female) in terms of PTSD severity (mean CAPS-CA scores, 24.7 [95% CI, 16.6-32.7] vs 47.5 [95% CI, 37.9-57.1]; Hedges g = 0.90). This difference was maintained through the follow-up (mean CAPS-CA scores, 25.9 [95% CI, 16.2-35.6] vs 47.3 [95% CI, 37.8-56.8]; Hedges g = 0.80). Treatment success was greatest during the trauma-focused core phase. The D-CPT participants also showed greater and stable improvement in all secondary outcomes, with between-groups effect sizes ranging from 0.65 to 1.08 at the posttreatment assessment (eg, for borderline symptoms, 14.1 [95% CI, 8.0-20.2] vs 32.0 [95% CI, 23.8-40.2]; Hedges g = 0.91). Conclusions and Relevance: Adolescents and young adults with abuse-related PTSD benefited more from D-CPT than from WL/TA. Treatment success was stable at the follow-up and generalized to borderline symptoms and other comorbidities

Mental imagery in adolescent PTSD patients after child abuse : a comparison with matched healthy controls

BACKGROUND: Intrusive mental imagery (MI) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Evidence on the characteristics of MI in adolescents suffering from PTSD is sparse. The aim of this study was to thoroughly assess MI in an adolescent sample suffering from PTSD after the experience of childhood sexual abuse and/or childhood physical abuse (CA). METHODS: Thirty-two adolescents with a primary diagnosis of PTSD after CA and 32 adolescents without any mental disorder and without a history of CA, matched for age and gender, completed questionnaires assessing the characteristics of negative and positive MI, as well as images of injury and death that lead to positive emotions (ID-images). RESULTS: The PTSD group reported significantly more frequent, more vivid, more distressing and more strongly autobiographically linked negative MI compared to the control group. Although positive MI was highly present in both groups (PTSD: 65.6%; controls: 71.9%), no significant differences emerged between the two groups regarding the distinct characteristics of positive MI. The frequency of the ID-images did not significantly differ between the two groups (PTSD: 21.9%; controls: 9.4%), although the ID-images were more vivid in the PTSD group. DISCUSSION: Negative MI appears to be crucial in adolescent PTSD, whilst positive MI are unexpectedly common in both the PTSD and the control group. The role of positive MI as well as that of ID-images remain unclear. Specific interventions for changing negative MI that are tailored to the developmental challenges in adolescents with PTSD should be developed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Some of the PTSD patients in this study were also part of a randomized controlled trial on Developmentally adapted Cognitive Processing Therapy (D-CPT). This trial was registered at the German Clinical Trial Registry (GCTR), DRKS00004787, 18 March 2013. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12888-022-03706-8

Which trauma treatment suits me? Identification of patients' treatment preferences for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Several psychotherapy treatments exist for posttraumatic stress disorder. This study examines the treatment preferences of treatment-seeking traumatized adults in Germany and investigates the reasons for their treatment choices. Preferences for prolonged exposure, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), psychodynamic psychotherapy and stabilization were assessed via an online survey. Reasons for preferences were analyzed by means of thematic coding by two independent rates. 104 traumatized adults completed the survey. Prolonged exposure and CBT were each preferred by nearly 30%, and EMDR and psychodynamic psychotherapy were preferred by nearly 20%. Stabilization was significantly less preferred than all other options, by only 4%. Significantly higher proportions of patients were disinclined to choose EMDR and stabilization. Patients who preferred psychodynamic psychotherapy were significantly older than those who preferred CBT. Reasons underlying preferences included the perceived treatment mechanisms and treatment efficacy. Traumatized patients vary in their treatment preferences. Preference assessments may help clinicians comprehensively address patients' individual needs and thus improve therapy outcomes

Effect of therapeutic competence, adherence, and alliance on treatment outcome in youth with PTSD treated with developmentally adapted cognitive processing therapy

Background: Developmentally adapted cognitive processing therapy (D-CPT) is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents and young adults. It is unclear if therapeutic adherence and competence in D-CPT are associated with higher PTSD treatment gains. Objective: To assess if higher therapeutic adherence and competence in D-CPT are associated with higher symptom reduction of PTSD in adolescents and young adults, while controlling for therapeutic alliance. Participants and setting: Participants were 38 patients (aged 14–21 years; M = 17.61 years, SD = 2.42 years) of a multicenter randomized controlled trial in which the efficacy of D-CPT was compared to a waitlist with treatment advice. Methods: Videotaped therapy sessions were rated using validated ratings scales to assess adherence and competence. Therapeutic alliance was assessed via weekly patient ratings. We used hierarchical linear modelling to assess the relationship of adherence and competence on PTSD symptoms being measured by both clinician and patient while controlling for alliance. Results: Neither adherence nor competence were related to treatment outcomes in clinician or patient rated PTSD symptom severity. Higher alliance was associated with a lower symptom severity at 12 months posttreatment in both clinician and patient rated PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: In this study of young adults with PTSD, who were treated with D-CPT by well-trained therapists, therapeutic adherence and competence were not related to treatment outcome. This might be explained by a lack of range in therapist adherence and competence. Therapeutic alliance had a positive effect on PTSD symptom severity

Die neue S3-Leitlinie Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung (PTBS) : Störungsbild und Diagnostik der PTBS bei Kindern und Jugendlichen

Aufgrund der vergleichsweise hohen Prävalenz potenziell traumatischer Ereignisse im Kindes- und Jugendalter sollte die Erhebung einer differenzierten Traumaanamnese in Form eines Selbst- und eines Fremdberichtes Teil der Befunderhebung bei allen psychodiagnostischen Abklärungen sein. Dabei sollen ein altersadäquates Vorgehen gewählt und der familiäre und kulturelle Kontext berücksichtigt werden. Zur Erhebung der Traumaanamnese sollten die entsprechenden Fragen aus den validierten PTBS-Erhebungsinstrumenten verwendet werden. Bei Vorliegen eines oder mehrerer potenziell traumatischer Ereignisse soll eine PTBS-Diagnostik durchgeführt werden. Diese soll nach klinischen Kriterien (nach jeweils gültiger Version von ICD / DSM) erfolgen und funktionelle Einschränkungen in der Beurteilung mitberücksichtigen. Zur Informationsgewinnung sollen Eltern (und / oder Bezugspersonen) und Kinder bzw. Jugendliche befragt werden. Bei positiver Traumaanamnese sollten PTBS-spezifische Screening-Verfahren und bei der Diagnosestellung strukturierte klinische Interviews eingesetzt werden. Zur Unterstützung können psychometrisch überprüfte PTBS-spezifische Tests verwendet werden. Potenziell gefährdende Symptome (z. B. mangelnde Affektregulation, mangelnde Impulskontrolle, dissoziative Symptome, Substanzmissbrauch, Selbstverletzungen, Suizidalität, Störungen des Sozialverhaltens) sollten diagnostisch abgeklärt werden

Die neue S3-Leitlinie Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung (PTBS) : Behandlung der PTBS bei Kindern und Jugendlichen

Wie bei Erwachsenen sollte auch jedem Kind und Jugendlichen mit einer PTBS eine traumafokussierte Psychotherapie angeboten werden. Die traumafokussierte kognitive Verhaltenstherapie stellt hierbei aufgrund der breiten Evidenz die Behandlung erster Wahl dar. Eine Psychopharmakotherapie, insbesondere der Einsatz von Benzodiazepinen, ist aufgrund ihres Suchtpotenzials zu vermeiden. Der Einbezug von Eltern und / oder Bezugspersonen wird in altersangemessener Weise empfohlen. Für eine komplexe PTBS sollte auch bei Kindern und Jugendlichen die Behandlung mit einer Kombination traumafokussierter Techniken erfolgen, bei der Schwerpunkte auf der Verarbeitung der Erinnerung und / oder ihrer Bedeutung liegen sowie auf Techniken zur Emotionsregulation und zur Verbesserung von Bindungsproblemen. Bei Behandlungsbeginn sollte die aktuelle Gefährdung des Kindes bzw. des Jugendlichen abgeklärt und bei anhaltender Bedrohung geeignete Maßnahmen zur Sicherung des Kindeswohles ergriffen werden. Bei schwerwiegenden komorbiden Symptomen und akuter Suizidalität können vor dem Einsatz traumafokussierter Techniken geeignete Interventionen durchgeführt werden. Zusätzliche Probleme wie z. B. das Risiko weiterer Viktimisierung, Aggressivität, Trauerprozesse und Selbstwertdestabilisierung sollten abgeklärt und berücksichtigt werden. The newly developed German guidelines for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – treatment in children and adolescents As recommended by the guidelines for adults, children or adolescents suffering from PTSD should also be offered trauma-focused treatment. Based on robust findings trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy is the recommended first-line-treatment. Psychopharmacotherapy and specifically benzodiazepines should not be given due to the high risk for substance dependence. It is recommended to include parents and / or significant others in an age-appropriate way in the treatment. In the case of complex PTSD the treatment should be a combination of trauma-focused techniques aiming at the processing of memories of the traumatic events and / or their respective meanings as well as emotion-regulation techniques. Problems regarding attachment should be addressed and improved. At the beginning of treatment, possible imminent threat for the respective child / adolescent needs to be addressed and in case of continuing danger, safety measures need to be installed with a high priority. In case of severe comorbid symptoms and acute suicidality, adequate interventions may be provided before starting trauma-focused therapy. Further problems such as the danger of revictimization, aggression, grief processes as well as negative self-concept should be addressed

Therapeutic adherence and competence scales for Developmentally Adapted Cognitive Processing Therapy for adolescents with PTSD

Background: The assessment of therapeutic adherence and competence is often neglected in psychotherapy research, particularly in children and adolescents; however, both variables are crucial for the interpretation of treatment effects. Objective: Our aim was to develop, adapt, and pilot two scales to assess therapeutic adherence and competence in a recent innovative program, Developmentally Adapted Cognitive Processing Therapy (D-CPT), for adolescents suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childhood abuse. Method: Two independent raters assessed 30 randomly selected sessions involving 12 D-CPT patients (age 13–20 years, M age=16.75, 91.67% female) treated by 11 therapists within the pilot phase of a multicenter study. Results: Three experts confirmed the relevance and appropriateness of each item. All items and total scores for adherence (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC]=0.76–1.00) and competence (ICC=0.78–0.98) yielded good to excellent inter-rater reliability. Cronbach's alpha was 0.59 for the adherence scale and 0.96 for the competence scale. Conclusions: The scales reliably assess adherence and competence in D-CPT for adolescent PTSD patients. The ratings can be helpful in the interpretation of treatment effects, the assessment of mediator variables, and the identification and training of therapeutic skills that are central to achieving good treatment outcomes. Both adherence and competence will be assessed as possible predictor variables for treatment success in future D-CPT trials

The relationship of acculturation, traumatic events and depression in female refugees

Recent research has identified significant correlations between traumatic events and depression in refugees. However, few studies have addressed the role of acculturation strategies in this relationship. This study explored the relationship between cultural orientation, traumatic events and depression in female refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, and Somalia living in Germany. We expected acculturation strategies to moderate the effect of traumatic experiences on depression. The sample included 98 female refugees in Germany. The depression scale of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL) represented the dependent measure. The trauma checklists derived from the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) as well as the Frankfurt Acculturation Scale (FRACC) were used as independent measures for traumatic events and orientation toward the host culture as well as orientation toward the culture of origin, respectively. A moderation analysis was conducted to examine whether the relationship between the number of traumatic events and depression was influenced by the women’s orientation toward the culture of origin and the host culture. We identified a significant model explaining 26.85% of the variance in depressive symptoms (Cohen’s f2 = 0.37). The number of traumatic events and the orientation toward the host culture exerted significant effects on depressive symptoms. The moderating effect was not significant, indicating that the effect of the number of traumatic events was not influenced by cultural orientation. Based on our results, orientation toward the host culture as well as traumatic experiences exert independent effects on depressive symptoms in refugees