Treating PTSD in Preschoolers A Clinical Guide

Adapting cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to meet the needs of 3- to 6-year-olds with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this book provides an evidence-based framework for assessment and treatment. Step-by-step instructions are provided for conducting graduated exposure in a safe, developmentally appropriate fashion. Case examples and sample dialogues illustrate how to implement each component of therapy, engage both children and parents, and motivate them to complete treatment successfully. The treatment is suitable for children exposed to any type of trauma. In a large-size format for easy photocopying, the book contains dozens of reproducible handouts and forms. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials.

Michael S. Scheeringa, MD, MPH, is Remigio Gonzalez, MD, Professor of Child Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Tulane University School of Medicine. His research focuses on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in youth, including preschool children, and has included large multimodal assessment studies and randomized clinical trials. He developed and tested a cognitive-behavioral therapy manual on preschool PTSD treatment, which was the basis for this book. Dr. Scheeringa also developed one of the few diagnostic assessment interviews for young children, the Diagnostic Infant and Preschool Assessment (DIPA). He is currently working to support the implementation of evidence-based screening, assessment, and treatment for trauma-related problems in the child welfare system in Louisiana. Dr. Scheeringa is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a recipient of the Irving Phillips Award for Prevention from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, among other honors.

I. Introduction and Background
1. Overview of Preschool PTSD Treatment
Why Is Treatment Needed?
Development of Preschool PTSD Treatment
The Evidence Base
Who Is Appropriate for Treatment?
How Is the Treatment Theorized to Work?
Components of PPT
Feasibility of Using CBT Techniques with Young Children
Parent-Child Relational Considerations
Practical Matters
2. Assessment
What Are Traumas for Young Children?
Assessment of PTSD Is More Difficult Compared to Other Disorders
What Do We Know about Assessing PTSD in Young Children?
Symptomatic and Impaired, but Not Diagnosed
Assessment Measures
The Intake Assessment before Session 1
II. Treatment Manual
Session 1. Psychoeducation
Session 2. Oppositional Defiance
Session 3. Feelings
Session 4. Coping Skills
Session 5. Tell the Story
Session 6. Easy Exposure
Session 7. Medium Exposure
Session 8. Medium Exposure
Session 9. Worst Exposure
Session 10. Worst Exposure
Session 11. Relapse Prevention
Session 12. Graduation
III. Parent Handouts, Child Worksheets, and Therapist Forms
Appendix 1. Illustrations of PTSD Symptoms
Appendix 2. Fidelity and Achievement ChecklisT (FACT)
Appendix 3. Cheat Sheets
References
Index