Optimizing Behavioral Health Services Following Pediatric Trauma Exposure

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the extent to which different treatment components work to improve pediatric post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It will also provide evidence for how these components work. The main research questions are: What are the effects of different components used to treat PTSD? What do these components change to produce benefits in PTSD? Researchers will: Compare components to a psychological placebo to estimate their effects and measure how they work Examine how components work alone and in conjunction with other components Participants will: Receive different combinations of components and placebo Attend weekly treatment sessions Provide information to evaluate changes in PTSD

Eligibility

Age range

8–17 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Behavioral
  Emotion Regulation

  Participants learn to reduce acute subjective distress, stabilize negative mood, promote positive mood, and alter physiological responses to trauma

• Behavioral
  Exposure

  Participants engage in written exercises to reduce avoidance of trauma reminders and reinforce approach behaviors consistent with personal goals

• Behavioral
  Cognitive Processing

  Participants learn ways to identify, challenge, and overcome the influence of cognitive distortions resulting from trauma exposure

• Behavioral
  Bi-lateral Stimulation

  Participants engage in horizontal eye movements while recalling a traumatic memory and describing their affective and physiological state

• Behavioral
  Psychological Placebo

  Participants receive non-directive support therapy, where they will guide the treatment session but not be required to discuss prior trauma exposure

Location