Neural Connectivity Before and After Each of the Three Treatment Phases of Trauma-focused Therapy for Adolescent Posttraumatic Stress
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder in adolescence impairs neurobiological networks underlying cognitive, social and emotional skills. Neuroimaging research that seeks to identify the neural mechanisms of treatments for PTSD could lead to novel treatments, but progress has been slow using current methods. The proposed study uses an innovative approach to identify neural mechanisms of specific phases of trauma-focused therapy for youth with PTSD, allowing a new understanding of brain changes associated with the process of therapy.
Description
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during adolescence negatively impacts brain networks underlying cognitive, social, and emotional function. Early intervention is important for mitigating long-term effects, but about 20% of youth do not improve sufficiently with current approaches. By identifying the neurobiological mechanisms of effective therapies, the investigators facilitate the development of novel or personalized treatment approaches for youth with PTSD. However, there has been limited progress in identifying the neural mechanisms of treatment using neuroimaging, partly because most s…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 12–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * ages 12-17 and Tanner stage 2 or above * history of interpersonal trauma * PTSD symptoms with a rating of '2' or higher on at least one symptom from each of the 4 clusters, using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents, and having a duration of at least one month Exclusion Criteria: * current or past use of psychiatric medications * severe suicidal/homicidal ideation * current hospitalization * other current psychotherapy or previous treatment with TF-CBT * history of head injury with loss of consciousness for \>5 minutes * IQ\<85 * major med…
Interventions
- BehavioralTF-CBT
evidence-based psychotherapy for trauma in youth
- BehavioralTAU
treatment as usual
Location
- UT Health Department of PsychiatrySan Antonio, Texas