MODERN PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC MODELS FOR TREATING STRESS DISORDERS AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS EXPOSED TO TRAUMATIC EVENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF ARMED CONFLICT

Abstract

The present study is devoted to the theoretical substantiation and analysis of psychotherapeutic models for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents in the context of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine. The paper provides a theoretical analysis of contemporary scientific literature addressing the problem of psychological trauma. The findings indicate that three main models of psychotherapeutic intervention are currently applied in the treatment of PTSD in children and adolescents. All three approaches represent variations of the cognitive-behavioral paradigm: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Adolescents (PE-A), and the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS). Each of these therapeutic models is considered evidence-based and reliable and is recommended for clinical practice by the American Psychiatric Association. The most extensive empirical evidence base is associated with the trauma-focused model (TF-CBT) developed by J. Cohen, A. Mannarino, and E. Deblinger. TF-CBT is currently recognized as an international evidence-based protocol for the treatment of PTSD in children and adolescents. According to international clinical guidelines for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in children, adolescents, and youth, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is regarded as the first-line intervention (as recommended by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry). TF-CBT demonstrates the strongest empirical support and is the most widely implemented treatment approach for PTSD in children aged 3 to 17 years. The model integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and relaxation techniques. The primary objective of TF-CBT is to assist children in overcoming symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related psychological difficulties. The treatment protocol developed by J. Cohen, A. Mannarino, and E. Deblinger has become a recognized standard in the treatment of childhood psychological trauma. Empirical studies reviewed in the paper confirm the effectiveness of the TF-CBT protocol even in cases of severe trauma, demonstrating significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in children’s emotional well-being. Furthermore, the protocol has been shown to produce greater reductions in PTSD symptoms compared to other psychotherapeutic approaches, including client-centered therapy and supportive therapy. The study also highlights the long-term effectiveness of TF-CBT, with therapeutic outcomes remaining stable even 12 months after the completion of treatment. Positive therapeutic effects have also been observed among clients who discontinued therapy before completing the full course. In addition, preschool children aged 3–6 years who underwent psychotherapy demonstrated a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms.