Developmental Considerations in the Use of Cognitive Therapy for Posttraumtic Stress Disorder

Abstract

This article discusses empirical support for cognitive behavioral therapy with children and adolescents experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Developmental features influencing the presentation of PTSD symptoms include age-related differences in arousal modulation, cause and effect reasoning, language and conceptual skills, and social information processing. Basic cognitive behavioral procedures for treating PTSD in children and adolescents include coping skills training, exposure to traumarelated stimuli, cognitive restructuring, and education and information giving. These procedures must be adapted to match developmental capabilities in language and conceptual skills, emotion regulation and coping skills, and memory. Family, contextual influences, and comorbidity should be evaluated and included in treatment planning. When indicated, treatment of PTSD should be imbedded in a broader conceptualization of the child or adolescent’s adaptive functioning, comorbid conditions, and caretaking environment.