Structured group therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in incarcerated male juveniles.

Abstract

This is the first study to evaluate the efficacy of a structured group therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in incarcerated male juveniles. Ten groups of juveniles (n = 45) completed a 12-session intervention with pre- and postassessments composed of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index (C. Frederick, 1985) and supplementary measures of anxiety, anger, and depression. Overall, group participants experienced significant reductions in self-reported PTSD symptoms. Supplemental analyses suggest that this treatment was most beneficial for youth with trauma related to gang and community violence.

Structured Sensory Therapy (SITCAP-ART) for traumatized adjudicated adolescents in residential treatment

“…These results are consistent with the findings of Ovaert et al (2003) who assert was the first controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of a structured cognitive behavioral therapy program for traumatized incarcerated youth. The researchers used a measure of post-traumatic stress PTSD-RI (Frederick, 1982) that is somewhat similar to the CAQ.…”

“…The study discussed earlier (Ovaert et al, 2003) did not demonstrate reductions in symptoms of anxiety, anger and depression. Goenjian (1997), in a study of the outcome of psychotherapy among early adolescents after trauma, similarly did not report reductions in depression after trauma treatment.…”

“…In fact, cognitive/behavioral therapy has been recommended as the "best practice" approach by the International Society for Traumatic Stress (Ovaert, Cashel, & Sewell, 2003) and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP, 1998). However, because of the cognitive distortions and deficits produced by traumatic events, it may be more difficult and potentially less effective to treat children and adolescents using only cognitive/behavioral therapy.…”

Adding value to education through improved mental health: A review of the research evidence on the effectiveness of counselling for children and young people

“…The Office for National Statistics Health Survey (2001) found that the spectrum of behaviour problems (from disruptive behaviour to autistic spectrum disorder) to be present in 7.4% boys and 3.2% girls in the U.K. Ovaert et al (2003) suggests links between behaviour problems and mental health issues associated with post traumatic stress. They assert that causative trauma may be overlooked or neglected in the face of problems in school caused by the behaviour.…”

“…Anxiety can have far reaching effects on school attendance, learning, achievement and peer relationships. One systematic review (Compton et al 2002); two experimental studies (Mendlowitz et al 1999, Pfeffer et al 2002 and five simple before and after studies (Benazon et al 2002, March et al 1998, Kaplan et al1995, Ovaert et al 2003, Thieneman et al 2001) provided evidence of effectiveness of CBT counselling for emotional problems related to anxiety. Compton et al (2002) provided evidence of effectiveness of CBT in the 6-13 years age group with generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety and avoidant disorder and showed effectiveness in reducing 08 108 •…”