Intensive Trauma-Focused Treatment for Adolescents With PTSD: Feasibility and Preliminary Effects

Background Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is associated with a high risk of chronicity if untreated. Rapid and effective interventions are crucial for reducing symptom burden and preventing long-term complications. According to NICE treatment guidelines, the two primary recommended treatments for PTSD in children and adolescents are Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), both of which are supported by substantial empirical evidence. These treatments typically involve 6-9 months of weekly sessions.

A notable challenge in treating adolescents with PTSD is the high rate of premature treatment termination. Increasing treatment intensity may reduce dropout rates, as studies indicate that more frequent sessions lead to greater symptom reduction and improved retention. In adult populations, intensive programs that combine evidence-based therapies such as EMDR and Prolonged Exposure (PE), alongside physical activity and psychoeducation, have shown promising results, including significant symptom reduction and lower dropout rates.

While EMDR and exposure-based therapies share some similarities, they operate through different mechanisms. TF-CBT utilizes continuous exposure to facilitate habituation and fear extinction, whereas EMDR employs dual attention stimulation, often via eye movements. The hypothesis that combining both approaches can enhance treatment effects through complementary mechanisms requires further investigation, particularly in an intensive format.

For adolescents, treatment protocols similar to those developed for adults have emerged, evaluating variations of 5-8 days of intensive treatment that integrate therapeutic modalities such as EMDR and CBT-based treatments like PE or TF-CBT, along with parental support and physical activity. In the Netherlands, a Brief Intensive Trauma Treatment (KIT; Korte Intensieve Traumabehandeling) model has been developed, which combines EMDR with TF-CBT, physical exercise, and parental support.

Despite promising outcomes indicating rapid symptom alleviation-often within a week-existing research on intensive trauma treatments for children and adolescents is limited. Notably, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been published, and many studies lack control groups. Observed results suggest that the majority of participants no longer meet PTSD diagnostic criteria post-treatment while reporting reduced depressive symptoms. However, methodological limitations call for cautious interpretation of these findings.

This project is designed as a feasibility study utilizing a within-group design to assess the viability and preliminary effects of a Swedish adaptation of the KIT model. This intensive five-day trauma-focused intervention will incorporate EMDR and TF-CBT elements alongside physical activity and parent sessions, targeting adolescents with PTSD referred to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) Trauma Unit in Stockholm. Ethical approval for the study has been granted (Dnr 2024-05726-02).

Time points for data assessment Data is collected at baseline and at five weeks post treatment week for all measures. In addition, two of the measures are collected with higher intensity, the CRIES 13, self rated measure of PTSD symptoms is collected daily during the treatment week and at one and two weeks post treatment. The CATS 2 is assessed at one and two weeks post treatment by both the patient and the caregiver.

Data Analysis As a pilot study with a limited sample size, inferential statistics are not planned. Instead, changes in PTSD symptoms and mental health will be examined descriptively. Planned analyses include within-group effect sizes, proportion of treatment drop-out, and proportions of patients in full or partial remission. Attrition rates will be compared to dropout rates reported in earlier studies.

Patients with PTSD between 13 and 17 years of age who are referred to the specialized trauma unit within Stockholm Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Patients who meet inclusion criteria after assessment at the BUP Trauma Unit are informed about the study. If interested, they attend a meeting to receive further information and provide consent. Background data is collected, and a diagnostic interview (CAPS-CA-5) is scheduled. Inclusion is decided during treatment planning meetings.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of PTSD
• No or stable medication involving antidepressants, stimulants, and/or antipsychotics
• At least one caregiver can participate in the treatment

Exclusion criteria

• High risk for suicide
• IQ below 75
• Current substance abuse