Treatment of traumatized children and adolescents, TF-CBT

The study has three objectives:

1. to give therapists training in a trauma-focused therapeutic model
2. to implement this model in regular polyclinics
3. to study the extent to which this therapeutic model is more effective in relation to traumatized children and adolescents than usual polyclinical practice.

The therapeutic model that was examined is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT).TF-CBT was developed by Ester Deblinger, Judy Cohen and Anthony Mannarino in the USA. It was first used with children exposed to sexual abuse. It has been gradually adapted for use with children who have been exposed to types of traumas other than violence, who have been witnesses to violence and certain disasters. In addition, work is being done to adapt the model for use with children who have been exposed to traumatic grief. Several studies show documented effectiveness, and the treatment principles have been included in ‘Best Practice’ guidelines in the USA and England.Similar studies have not been conducted in Norway or in the rest of Europe. NKVTS is the first organization to test TF-CBT in Europe. Experiences from this study will also provide the basis for planning similar studies pertaining to the treatment of refugee children and adult refugees.

The study is a randomized, controlled study conducted in regular polyclinics in Norway. Therapists from eight mental health clinics were trained in the model. Other therapists in the clinics were the control group. Children who meet the criteria for participation were randomly allocated to receive TF-CBT or traeatment as usual. Each is assessed at the start of therapy, during the course of therapy, at the end of treatment, one year after treatment start and at 18 months follow-up. 

International and national partners

Judith Cohen and Anthony Mannarino of the Center for Traumatic Stress in Children & Adolescents in Pittsburg, USA, have assisted in both the training and the research aspects associated with carrying out the project. Professor Stephen Shirk of the University of Denver has advised on process objectives.Collaboration with Dr. Lutz Goldberg of the Department for Child and adolescent Psychiatry, University of Ulm, Germany, is established. A joint European cooperation on implementing TF-CBT in Europe has started.