Treating sexually abused children with posttraumatic stress symptoms: A randomized clinical trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of child and caregiver participation in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of sexually abused children with posttr aumatic stress symptoms. Method: Thirty-six sexually abused children (aged 5-17 years) were randomly assigned to a child-alone cognitive-behavioral tr eatment condition, a family cognitive-behavioral treatment condition, or a waiting-list control condition. Results: Compared with controls. children w ho received treatment exhibited significant improvements in posttraumatic s tress disorder symptoms and self-reports of fear and anxiety. Significant i mprovements also occurred in relation to parent-completed measures and clin ician ratings of global functioning. In general, parental involvement did n ot improve the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Maintenance of imp rovement was evident at a 12-week follow-up assessment. Conclusions: Cognit ive-behavioral treatment was useful, but further research is required on ca regiver involvement.