Investigating the Effect of Evidence-based Treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Youth

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based practice (EBP) for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among children and adolescents. In the current study, data were collected from youth receiving TF-CBT in specialized child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and their caregivers in 2018-2021.

Implementation of TF-CBT is a state-wide initiative, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services, and is without costs for the clinics and patients. The Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS) is responsible for the project. TF-CBT trainers at NKVTS train therapists at the participating CAMHS in TF-CBT. Data are collected to monitor the training and patient outcomes. Data are collected anonymously to support and ensure high-quality treatment and also provide the opportunity to investigate the effect of the implementation of TF-CBT in Norwegian CAMHS. In the period 2018-2021, additional data were collected as part of a larger study where the aim was to investigate the effect of the implementation leadership support on implementation outcomes (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03042832). Data were collected through online questionnaires before, during, and after TF-CBT was provided based on usual care. Routine procedures for trauma exposure screening and related posttraumatic stress symptoms were implemented. Those who scored above a predefined clinical cut-off were enrolled into TF-CBT based on the child and her or his caregiver's consent. The aim of the study is to investigate the patient outcomes and therapeutic processes in TF-CBT.