Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in children after disasters caused by natural hazards
Citation: Galvan MS, Lueke AE, Mansfield LTE, et al. A systematic research review: how to best treat post-traumatic stress disorder in children post-natural disaster. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment. 2021;31(6):701-715.
Language: Abstract and full text available in EN.
Free to view: No.
Funding sources: The authors reported no external funding.
What is this? In this systematic review, the authors searched for articles about treatments or interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD-like symptoms in children aged 21 years or younger after disasters caused by natural hazards. They included 12 peer-reviewed articles.
What works: The most effective approach for children with PTSD after disasters caused by natural hazards was mass screening in schools, followed by cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT was associated with healthier coping skills and an improved ability to express emotions. Because children are resilient, their symptoms may diminish over time without interventions.
What doesn’t work: Nothing noted.
What is uncertain: It is uncertain if eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR) therapy is effective in children. It appears to be beneficial as a follow-up treatment after cognitive behavioural therapy, however, more research is needed to determine if this is a suitable intervention for children, as it may heighten feelings of distress. There were varying findings for Bounce Back Now (BBN), an educational intervention for both parents and children. It was uncertain if BBN influenced the parent-child relationship in a way that improved a child’s mental health.
Implications: The authors of the review stated that treating children for PTSD following disasters caused by natural hazards is of utmost importance. School-based screening and CBT are the most effective ways to screen and treat PTSD, however, the authors noted that CBT can only be used where culturally appropriate.
Other considerations: The authors of the review discussed some of their findings in the context of age, socioeconomic status, and culture.
This summary was written by Briann Mensour, checked by Beirut Ibrahim and finalized by William Summerskill.