Stability of treatment effects and caregiver-reported outcomes: A meta-analysis of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents

Date

2024

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Child maltreatment

Abstract

The efficacy of trauma-focused treatments for children and adolescents is well researched. However, less is known about the long-term and caregiver-reported effects. Searched databases were PsychInfo, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PTSDPubs, PubMed, Web of Science, and OpenGrey. Treatment effects of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) were computed at 12-month follow-up with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) as primary outcome and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and grief as secondary outcomes. Concordance between participant and caregiver ratings were investigated. TF-CBT showed large improvements across all outcomes from pre-treatment to 12-month follow-up (PTSS: g = 1.71, CI 1.27– 2.15) and favorable results compared to active treatments and treatment as usual at 12-month follow-up (PTSS: g = .35, CI .13– .56). More pronounced effects were found in group settings. No significant differences were detected between participant and caregiver ratings with high reliability across almost all outcomes and assessment points. TF-CBT is a reliable treatment for pediatric PTSS and secondary symptoms with stable results at 12-month follow-up.

Description

Keywords

adolescents, caregivers, Treatment effects, longterm effects, traumatic stress, meta-analysis, secondary symptoms, Germany, International publication

Citation

Thielemann, J. F. B., Kasparik, B., König, J., Unterhitzenberger, J., & Rosner, R. (2024). Stability of treatment effects and caregiver-reported outcomes: a meta-analysis of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents. Child maltreatment, 29(2), 375-387.

DOI