A systematic research review: How to best treat post-traumatic stress disorder in children post-natural disaster

This systematic research review examines the best treatment intervention for children experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD-like symptoms after a natural disaster event.

Article Abstract

“This paper is a systematic research review examining the best treatment intervention for children experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD-like symptoms after a natural disaster event. Research articles (12) were reviewed using a checklist that assesses face, content, and criterion validity: 9 quantitative, 2 mixed-methods, and 1 qualitative, to determine best screening and intervention practices to reduce the negative symptoms resulting from trauma. Researchers in the cited studies collected data via phone interviews, face-to-face interviews, surveys, self-evaluations, observation methods, teacher and social worker assessments, and parent assessments. For the purpose of this paper, we focused on the question: What is the best way to screen for and treat PTSD in children in post-natural disaster areas? Based on these studies, we identified three major themes: 1) the treatment of PTSD is necessary in post-natural disaster children; 2) school-based screenings (with considerations) are the most viable way to screen children for PTSD; and 3) CBT is the most universal intervention for children post-disaster. We included additional findings on EMDR and parenting techniques. More research needs to be done on the impact of family dynamics in post-natural disaster treatment and the long-term effects of experiencing a natural disaster.”

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Galvan, M. S., Lueke, A. E., Mansfield, L. E., & Smith, C. A. (2020). A systematic research review: How to best treat post-traumatic stress disorder in children post-natural disaster. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 31(6), 701-715. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2020.1804513