The experiences of psychotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents: A meta-synthesis of qualitative literature.

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is relatively common in children and adolescents, and psychotherapeutic approaches are the first-line treatment. However, the experience of psychotherapy by young people suffering from PTSD is still little explored in the scientific literature.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to synthesize the results of qualitative studies exploring children's and adolescents' experiences of psychotherapies for PTSD.

METHODS AND DATA SOURCES: We conducted a systematic literature review using SSCI, PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and CINAHL between January 2023 and October 2024. We used the "Inductive Process to analyze the Structure of lived Experience - Synthesis" method to carry out the thematic analysis. Articles' quality was assessed using the "Critical Appraisal Skills Program".

RESULTS

We included 27 articles published between 2007 and 2024 conducted in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, covering the data of 629 participants from 4 to 22 years old. Most of the explored psychotherapies were cognitive-behavioral interventions. Three central themes emerged from the analysis: Engaging in therapy; Unsafety and safety in therapy; From therapy to everyday life.

CONCLUSIONS

Results show that fear of stigmatization and lack of family support are barriers in youth's engagement in therapy. Safety is the starting point for the engagement in therapeutic work. An approach promoting active collaboration and emotional containment seems necessary. If the setting is sufficiently safe, it encourages sharing and social openness. We identified clinical and research perspectives on patient safety, parent education, cultural barriers and group peer-support.