Trauma-focused Cognitive-behavioural Therapy(TF-CBT) for Children: A Study of Process and Outcome.

Trauma-focused Cognitive-behavioural Therapy for Children: A Study of Process and Outcome.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)is more effective in the treatment of traumatized youth than treatment as usual(TAU).

Children experiencing traumas, such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, serious accidents, or natural disasters, may develop severe health problems.

This study will examine the short and long-term effects of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy on children exposed to serious trauma, and moderating factors of treatment outcome.

The study will use a random control design, and will be implemented in regular clinical practice in Norway.

More knowledge within this field is important for practitioners as well as policy makers in planning interventions and therapy for children and their caregivers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children between the age of 10-18
• referred to a guidance clinic
• who have experienced trauma
• present with PTSD reactions
• participants and the primary caretaker must be able to speak Norwegian.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe psychosis
• Severe mental retardation.
• The youth must not have had severe conduct disorders previous to the trauma experience