This study examined the effects of a short-term group cognitive-behavioural
intervention in children who were experiencing PTSD symptoms following the
Athens 1999 earthquake. Twenty children, aged 8-12 years, referred for treatment
to a local child mental health team were assigned, depending on timing of
referral to two groups - Group 1 (
N
= 10), which started treatment 2 months after the earthquake and
Group 2 (
N
= 10), which started treatment at 4 months postearthquake. A
statistically significant reduction in overall PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder) symptoms across the three PTSD symptom clusters - intrusion,
avoidance, and arousal - as well as in depressive symptoms was reported
immediately after the intervention. The treatment also produced a statistically
significant improvement in children’s psychosocial functioning.
Further significant improvement was reported in children at an 18-month
follow-up. Treatment gains were maintained at a 4-year follow-up. Despite
several limitations to this study, short-term group CBT (cognitive-behavioural
therapy) was found to be a useful treatment approach, which can be offered in
clinical settings, particularly if resources are limited.