Evidence Base Update for Psychosocial Treatments for Children and Adolescents Exposed to Traumatic Events

A meta-analysis of dropout from evidence-based psychological treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and young people

BACKGROUND

Despite the established evidence base of psychological interventions in treating PTSD in children and young people, concern that these trauma-focused treatments may 'retraumatise' patients or exacerbate symptoms and cause dropout has been identified as a barrier to their implementation. Dropout from treatment is indicative of its relative acceptability in this population.

OBJECTIVE

Estimate the prevalence of dropout in children and young people receiving a psychological therapy for PTSD as part of a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify RCTs of evidence-based treatment of PTSD in children and young people. Proportion meta-analyses estimated the prevalence of dropout. Odds ratios compared the relative likelihood of dropout between different treatments and controls. Subgroup analysis assessed the impact of potential moderating variables.

RESULTS

Forty RCTs were identified. Dropout from all treatment or active control arms was estimated to be 11.7%, 95% CI [9.0, 14.6]. Dropout from evidence-based treatment (TFCBTs and EMDR) was 11.2%, 95% CI [8.2, 14.6]. Dropout from non-trauma focused treatments or controls was 12.8%, 95% CI [7.6, 19.1]. There was no significant difference in the odds of dropout when comparing different modalities. Group rather than individual delivery, and lay versus professional delivery, were associated with less dropout.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence-based treatments for children and young people with PTSD do not result in higher prevalence of dropout than non-trauma focused treatment or waiting list conditions. Trauma-focused therapies appear to be well tolerated in children and young people.

Best practices in supervising cognitive behavioral therapy with youth

Clinical supervision of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with youth ensures better patient care and fosters trainees' professional development. However, often insufficient attention is directed toward disseminating best practices in supervision of CBT with youth. This Therapeutic Advances contribution aims to communicate the core content of supervision. Additionally, the key supervisory practices associated with CBT with youth are described. Supervisory outcomes are summarized and recommendations for supervisory practices are made.