Abstract
This chapter discusses the prevalence and incidence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), in addition to issues of diagnosis, assessment, and evidence-based treatments. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is unique among psychological disorders in that it is precipitated by an external event. Specifically, exposure to potentially traumatic events, such as school shootings, terrorist attacks, motor vehicle accidents, devastating natural disasters, interpersonal violence, and life-threatening illnesses and injuries may lead to significant psychological distress and functional impairment, resulting in PTSD. The chapter authors review the key treatment approaches that have been identified as effective for youthYouth based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses. They also describe the underlying principles for evidence-based treatments. Well-established treatments include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Behavioral TreatmentBehavioraltreatments which are presented in detail. Also covered are treatments including Prolonged Exposure and EMDREye-movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have evaluated psychological treatments for PTSD in youthYouth. Overall, these reviews support the efficacyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)efficacy of cognitive behavioral treatments, and especially that are trauma-focused, for treating PTSDPosttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or posttraumatic stress symptoms among trauma-exposed youth.