Treating child abuse-related posttraumatic stress and comorbid substance abuse in adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
Child abuse is a risk factor for developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and subsequent Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge about effective treatments for adolescent abuse-related PTSD, SUD, and the co-occurrence of these conditions.


METHODS
The literature on empirical treatment studies for these conditions in adolescence was reviewed, summarized, and synthesized.


RESULTS
Randomized controlled studies of abuse-related PTSD and SUD in adolescents have supported the efficacy of cognitive behaviorally-based individual and family treatment components. Components overlap considerably in empirically supported treatments for each disorder. An integrated treatment approach is described for use in adolescents with abuse-related PTSD and SUD, with recommendations for optimizing services for this population and for future research.


CONCLUSIONS
The available evidence on effective treatments suggests that integrated PTSD- and SUD-focused cognitive-behavioral and family treatment for adolescents with comorbid abuse-related PTSD and SUD may optimize outcomes for this population.
Cohen
Judith A
JA
Department of Psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine, Allegheny General Hospital, Four Allegheny Center, 8th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA.
Mannarino
Anthony P
AP
Zhitova
Aren C
AC
Capone
Margery E
ME
D000293:Adolescent; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D006801:Humans; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States