PTSD In Adolescents Research Articles

Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Sexual Abuse-Related Adolescent PTSD

Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Sexual Abuse-Related Adolescent PTSD

Individual Risk Factors for PTSD in Adolescents from the 2010 Earthquake in Yushu: The Predictor Effect of Rumination

Individual Risk Factors for PTSD in Adolescents from the 2010 Earthquake in Yushu: The Predictor Effect of Rumination

The underexamined association between posttraumatic stress disorder, medical illness and suicidal behavior

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is concerning not only because of the severity and chronicity of its symptoms - including distressing nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety attacks and maladaptive patterns of avoidant and nearly paranoid behavior - but also because of the wide spectrum of clinical and social impairments it is tightly associated with. The most striking example of clinical morbidity associated with PTSD is the well-known increase in the risk of suicidal behavior. Given that PTSD and medical illnesses increase the likelihood of suicide separately and independently, it is reasonable to suggest that the risk of suicidal behavior differs between patients suffering from PTSD comorbid with medical illnesses and patients having either condition alone. The available data point toward a novel clinical notion, an altered risk of suicidal behavior in patients suffering from comorbid PTSD and medical illnesses. This area of overlap between medicine and psychiatry is still in its infancy, with many unanswered questions about the rate, patterns and psychobiological mechanisms of suicidal behavior in this patient population. The positive association between PTSD, medical illness and suicidal behavior that appears to exist in the adult population, most likely affects the pediatric population as well. Closer investigation into the significance of the association between chronic medical illnesses, PTSD and suicidality in children, adolescents and adults is necessary.

Attachment styles and PTSD in adolescents in three Nordic Countries

Studies of possible variables influencing development of posttraumatic stress (PTSD) are of great importance in the effort to enhance preventive and interventional methods in the aim to prevail this devastating condition. Despite the vast research in adults, little is still known of adolescents. Although research is scarce, attachment style has been identified to be an influencing factor in adults, and still research in adolescent is almost non-existent. To our knowledge, no prior study has been conducted, looking at the relationship between attachment style, exposure to a broad range of potentially traumatic events, and subsequent PTSD symptoms in a cross cultural perspective. This is the aim of the present study. Procedure: Data was collected from questionnaire surveys of 1283 adolescents (mean age 14.1 years). Measures: PTSD was measured with The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire-Part IV (HTQ); and attachment style was studied using the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS). Potentially traumatic events were examined using a broad event list of 19 events. Results: Contrary to what was expected, significant cross cultural differences were found in the distribution of securely, preoccupied, and dismissive attached. Around half of the Faroese population was securely attached, contrary to the Danish and Icelandic population, where the majority was dismissive attached. Cross cultural differences were also found in the distribution of attachment style among those adolescents with PTSD. The majority of the Danish adolescent population with PTSD was dismissive attached; the majority of the Faroese adolescent population with PTSD was securely attached, and in the Icelandic adolescents with PTSD were distributed somewhat even between the four attachment styles. Finally, cross cultural differences were identified in which potentially traumatic events had a significant contribution to the variation in PTSD. The results are discussed and clinical recommendations are presented.

1668 – Prevalance of PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms among adolescents 6 months after van-erciş earthquake 2011

Introduction Earthquakes, one of the major natural disasters, tend to be unpredictable, uncontrollable, and highly destructive. They lead to strong initial trauma and significant long-term effects such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, or other symptoms. Objectives In this research, posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms were studied among adolescents 6 months after Van-Ercis Earthquake 2011. Method In the present study a total of 738 Turkish high school students, aged 13-17 years, participated in the study in Van city affected severely by the earthquake. Participants completed a set of questionnaires including the demographic measures, posttraumatic stress reactions, depression, anxiety and dissociation. Results The results of the present study showed the presence of probable diagnosis of PTSD in 295 (40.69%), of anxiety in 384 (53.04%) and of depression in 245 (33.70%) of the adolescent examined. Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the predictive values of independent variables on development of posttraumatic, anxiety, depressive, and dissociative psychopathology among adolescents experienced Van earthquake. Conclusions Our results show high rates of PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents who survived the October 2011 Van-Ercis earthquake. Further, our results highlight the relevance of gender differences, previous psychopathology, trait anxiety, anxiety sensitivity in the response to mass trauma that should be taken into account when facing such events. Our results confirm the pervasive effects of a disaster and risk factors, such as an earthquake, for mental health in adolescents.

Prospective Risk Factors for Adolescent PTSD: Sources of Differential Exposure and Differential Vulnerability

There are two types of risk factors for developing PTSD: factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing a potentially traumatizing event and factors that increase the likelihood of developing symptoms following such events. Using prospective data over a two-year period from a large, diverse sample of urban adolescents (n = 1242, Mean age = 13.5), the current study differentiates these two sources of risk for developing PTSD in response to violence exposure. Five domains of potential risk and protective factors were examined: community context (e.g., neighborhood poverty), family risk (e.g., family conflict), behavioral maladjustment (e.g., internalizing symptoms), cognitive vulnerabilities (e.g., low IQ), and interpersonal problems (e.g., low social support). Time 1 interpersonal violence history, externalizing behaviors, and association with deviant peers were the best predictors of subsequent violence, but did not further increase the likelihood of PTSD in response to violence. Race/ethnicity, thought disorder symptoms, and social problems were distinctly predictive of the development of PTSD following violence exposure. Among youth exposed to violence, Time 1 risk factors did not predict specific event features associated with elevated PTSD rates (e.g., parent as perpetrator), nor did interactions between Time 1 factors and event features add significantly to the prediction of PTSD diagnosis. Findings highlight areas for refinement in adolescent PTSD symptom measures and conceptualization, and provide direction for more targeted prevention and intervention efforts.

The Role of Exercise in Reducing Childhood and Adolescent PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression

The authors review the role of physical exercise in reducing childhood and adolescent posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. A good deal of the existing research on the influence of exercise in reducing negative emotional states and enhancing perceptions of self-efficacy has been conducted with adult samples. Comparatively few empirical studies that target children and adolescents have been done; however, those that have been conducted support the efficacy of exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, in reducing negative emotional states. The authors review a number of explanations for these beneficial effects. Although no explanatory position has received universal support, the psychological benefits of exercise appear to be compelling. The use of exercise programs in schools can be beneficial to children's physical health and valuable to emotional health.

The Missing Link between Juvenile Delinquency and Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Attachment Theory Lens

The present paper reviews pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder, emphasizing the relational basis of the disorder and highlighting the missing link between juvenile delinquency and trauma. The first part of the paper defines trauma and the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, noting child-specific features. The second part reviews the literature emphasizing the relational and attachment relevant nature of trauma. The third part explores psychological mechanisms for how attachment relations could affect trauma responses. Attachment relations (1) shape core schemas of the world, others, and the self and (2) foster emotional engagement or disengagement, both of which have been associated with traumatic responses. The most empirically supported pediatric trauma treatment, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), acknowledges the attachment figure's influence and includes treating and training the parent and conjoint child-parent discussion. The next section reviews the noteworthy link between juvenile delinquency and trauma history. More awareness of trauma and PTSD in children and adolescents is recommended to effectively address juvenile delinquency. The review ends with a few helpful points for practicing pediatricians regarding childhood trauma.

Evidenced-Based Treatment of PTSD in Children and Adolescents: Where Does Psychopharmacology Fit?

Evidenced-Based Treatment of PTSD in Children and Adolescents: Where Does Psychopharmacology Fit?

Impact of war, religiosity and ideology on PTSD and psychiatric disorders in adolescents from Gaza Strip and South Lebanon

This study investigated the extent to which differences in the types of war trauma, economic pressure, religiosity and ideology accounted for variation in PTSD and psychiatric disorders among adolescents from Gaza Strip and South Lebanon. Participants were 600 adolescents aged 12–16 years. They were selected from the public school system in the highly war exposed areas. Questionnaires were administered in an interview format with adolescents at school by two trained psychologists. Results indicated that the various types of trauma had differential effects on the psychological status of adolescents in both countries. Economic pressure was more predictive of PTSD and psychological distress in adolescents from Gaza. Differences in religiosity and ideology did not account for similar variation in stress response among adolescents from Gaza and South Lebanon. While higher levels of religiosity evidenced the greatest levels of depression and anxiety in adolescents from Gaza, religiosity had an attenuated effect on adolescents from South Lebanon. Ideology was negatively associated with depression and anxiety in Gaza strip adolescents, whereas it did not play a role for adolescents from South Lebanon. The clinical and research implications of these conclusions are discussed.

Prolonged Exposure Versus Dynamic Therapy for Adolescent PTSD: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Prolonged Exposure Versus Dynamic Therapy for Adolescent PTSD: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Prolonged Exposure Versus Dynamic Therapy for Adolescent PTSD: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Prolonged Exposure Versus Dynamic Therapy for Adolescent PTSD: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Prolonged Exposure Versus Dynamic Therapy for Adolescent PTSD: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Prolonged Exposure Versus Dynamic Therapy for Adolescent PTSD: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Clinical Considerations in Assessing Trauma and PTSD in Adolescents

The developmental tasks and underlying neurobiological development associated with adolescence result in high rates of traumatization and posttraumatic stress disorder for this age group. Although the development of new measures is ongoing, assessing traumatized adolescents continues to present challenges. This article outlines some of the issues complicating an accurate assessment of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder. Inaccuracies inherent in reporting traumatic exposure and associated sequelae are confounded by varying definitions of trauma, chronicity or multiplicity of exposure, and developmental factors unique to adolescence. Considerations in conducting thorough assessments are reviewed, with a focus on understanding the factors underlying the unintentional minimization and/or active concealment of traumatic events and trauma symptoms. Suggestions for enhancing assessment accuracy are offered, and treatment implications are discussed.

Erratum for “Psychophysiological Characteristics of PTSD in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Literature”

Erratum for “Psychophysiological Characteristics of PTSD in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Literature”

Prolonged Exposure Versus Dynamic Therapy for Adolescent PTSD: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

To examine the efficacy and maintenance of developmentally adapted prolonged exposure therapy for adolescents (PE-A) compared with active control time-limited dynamic therapy (TLDP-A) for decreasing posttraumatic and depressive symptoms in adolescent victims of single-event traumas. Thirty-eight adolescents (12 to 18 years old) were randomly assigned to receive PE-A or TLDP-A. Both treatments resulted in decreased posttraumatic stress disorder and depression and increased functioning. PE-A exhibited a greater decrease of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptom severity and a greater increase in global functioning than did TDLP-A. After treatment, 68.4% of adolescents beginning treatment with PE-A and 36.8% of those beginning treatment with TLDP-A no longer met diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder. Treatment gains were maintained at 6- and 17-month follow-ups. Brief individual therapy is effective in decreasing posttraumatic distress and behavioral trauma-focused components enhance efficacy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY INFORMATION: Prolonged Exposure Therapy Versus Active Psychotherapy in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adolescents, URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov, unique identifier: NCT00183690.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Review of Psychopharmacological Treatment

PTSD in children and adolescents differs from the adult disease. Therapeutic approaches involve both psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy. The current paper aims at reviewing studies on psychopharmacological treatment of childhood and adolescent PTSD. Additionally, developmental frameworks for PTSD diagnosis and research along with an experimental model of quenching and kindling in the context of stress exposure are presented. We conducted an extensive literature search of reviews on psychopharmacotherapy as well as studies on psychopharmacological treatment for PTSD among children and adolescents. We used the database PubMed and focused on the time period of the last 10 years up to January 2009. Pertinent earlier papers were also included.There are a limited number of studies specifically assessing the psychopharmacological treatment of PTSD in children and adolescents. The vast majority of them lack verification in RCTs. Only the use of imipramine, divalproex sodium and sertraline were already evaluated in RCTs. Future studies should take into account developmental approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD in children and adolescents. In this context, different underlying neurobiological patterns, which are reflected in distinct clinical symptomatology, require a precise investigation and a symptom-orientated psychopharmacological approach.

Disturbo Post-Traumatico e comportamento criminale negli adolescenti. Una revisione della letteratura

The article reviews studies of PTSD in delinquent adolescents. Articles on PTSD in delinquent adolescents were retrieved through search engines (MEDLINE, Psychlit) and by exploration of references in those articles. The review highlights that delinquent adolescents have higher rates of PTSD symptoms when compared to adolescents in the general population. Published research shows substantial limitations and contradictory findings that need further investigations to be more informative. The developmental significance of the cooccurrence of PTSD and criminal behaviour is discussed within the Developmental Criminology paradigm aiming to encourage further empirical investigations and treatment implications.Keywords: trauma, PTSD, antisocial behaviour, adolescence Parole chiave: trauma, PTSD, comportamento antisociale, adolescenzaParole chiave: procedure, linee guida, protezione, abuso all'infanzia.

Victimization and PTSD in a Lithuanian National Youth Probability Sample

Twenty-one potentially traumatizing and distressing events, and the impact of these events were described in a representative sample of 183 9^th grade Lithuanian adolescents (M = 15.1 years). The participants had been directly exposed to a mean of 1.9 events, and indirectly exposed to a mean of 2.4 events. The estimated lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 6.1%. Subclinical levels of PTSD reached 12.2%. Results are generally comparable to other European youth studies. Variables pertaining to female gender, living with a single parent, direct and indirect exposure to traumatic events, number of traumatic events, and the temporal proximity of trauma events, predicted higher PTSD levels. Both direct and indirect exposure to traumatic events may lead to subsequent mental health problems and PTSD in adolescents.

Effects of Community Violence Exposure and Parental Mental Health on the Internalizing Problems of Urban Adolescents

Previous research has documented an association between adolescent community violence exposure (CVE) and poor psychological functioning. The purpose of this study is to delineate the relations of CVE, parental mental health, and adolescent PTSD and depression. Participants consisted of 121 pairs of junior high and high school students and their parents. Adolescents completed measures to assess their history of violence exposure and current psychological functioning. Parents completed a demographic questionnaire and measures assessing their psychological functioning. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted, and results indicated that, after controlling for demographic variables and family violence exposure, parental mental health emerged as a moderating variable in the relation between CVE and adolescent-rated PTSD, but not in the association between adolescent CVE and depression. Clinical implications of this study and directions for future research are discussed.