Empirically Supported Treatment Options for Children and Adolescents with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Integrating Network Models and Treatment Components

Purpose of review This review aims to provide an overview of recent neurodevelopmental network models of PTSD in youth as an avenue towards a better understanding of treatment options for this group. Present empirically supported psychosocial intervention components for youth exposed to trauma in the context of the neurodevelopmental network model of PTSD in youth. Recent findings Key brain regions and regional connections implicated in childhood trauma may be targeted by the specific components taught in interventions. Intervention components may have differential use and effectiveness by community therapists and depending on patient presentation. Summary Treatments for PTSD in youth are effective with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) techniques among the psychosocial treatment options endorsed for use. Researchers have begun to identify the most successful and commonly used components of treatments. The current review identifies components of CBT and EMDR, their potential for packaging to meet patient profiles and main presenting issues, and also discusses the augmentation of exposure techniques with D-cycloserine (DCS) and other options such as cue-centered therapy.