Making sense of change after Intensive Trauma Treatment: a mixed-methods study into adolescents’ experience of efficacy

Abstract

Abstract Background While evidence-based interventions are effective for children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), some adolescents may not respond sufficiently. Intensive trauma treatment (ITT) has shown promise for adults, but research on its efficacy for adolescents is limited. This study therefore aimed to explore the efficacy and subjective experience of change in adolescents participating in ITT. Methods The present study employed a mixed-methods approach among a sample of adolescents with PTSD (N = 22; 90.1% female, age M = 17.0, SD = 1.72) who participated in an ITT program. Clinical data and narratives were combined to assess treatment efficacy and subjective experiences of change. Results Quantitative analysis revealed a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms post-ITT, aligning with prior research. Qualitative analysis highlighted themes such as negative thoughts impacting treatment success, the importance of social support, and identity-related struggles. Conclusions The study contributes to understanding ITT efficacy and emphasizes the need for developmental sensitivity, systemic interventions, and continued research to enhance PTSD treatment for adolescents.

Keywords

• PTSD
• Trauma treatment
• Adolescence
• Social support
• Identity