1Clinical Psychologist, King George's Medical University, U.P., Lucknow, India
2Associate Professor cum Child psychologist, King George's Medical University, U.P., Lucknow, India
3Professor, Deptt of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, U.P., Lucknow, India
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychological trauma resulting in suffering at the emotional level with significant impairment in social area which has proved to be a challenge concerning the therapeutic response. This case study presents use of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in an 8-year-old child with complaints of PTSD. A detailed diagnostic testing was conducted which included confirmation of diagnosis and current intellectual functioning of the child as well as severity of PTSD symptoms and aggressive behaviour measurement A total of 12 CBT with three booster sessions were conducted over 15 weeks. At the time of intake evaluation the child had increased aggressive and defiant behaviour reduced by the use of contingency contracting. Use of relaxation techniques reduced irritability. The crying spells and sleep difficulty reduced and the child became more expressive about his thoughts and emotions. The severity score of PTSD symptoms had reduced from 39 to 6 and aggressive behaviour reduced from 17 to 5. PTSD in children represents a mental suffering, disturbing all sectors of life with the risk of persistence of some complications even during adulthood. This case study shows how a child with PTSD can be effectively treated with a structured CBT, enhanced with psycho education and behavioural activation strategies. This case report is intended to bring to attention the feasibility of Trauma focused CBT in children with PTSD.
Trauma, Cognive Behaviour Therapy, , PTSD
