Comparing Behavioral Therapies for Treating Adolescents With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Related to Sexual Abuse

Comparing Behavioral Therapies for Treating Adolescents With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Related to Sexual Abuse

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common disorder among childhood sexual abuse survivors and is associated with substantial psychosocial and medical problems, but evidence-based treatment for PTSD in adolescents is lacking. This study aims to examine the efficacy and effectiveness of prolonged exposure therapy for adolescents with client-centered therapy.

Inclusion Criteria: female gender, age 13-18, and a primary DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of chronic or subthreshold PTSD related to sexual assault

Exclusion Criteria: current suicidal ideation with intent, uncontrolled bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, other thought disorders, or conduct disorder, the presence of a pervasive developmental disorder, initiation of treatment with psychotropic medication within the previous 12 weeks, and current inpatient psychiatric treatment