Integrated Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy for Traumatic Stress and Substance Use: Two Adolescent Case Studies

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) occur frequently as comorbid diagnoses among adolescents. Historically, these conditions have been treated using a sequential model; however, emerging evidence suggests that an integrated treatment model may be most effective. This article presents two de-identified clinical case studies from an ongoing randomised controlled trial examining the efficacy of an integrated, exposure-based, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) for PTSD and SUD among adolescents (COPE-A), relative to a supportive counselling control condition (person-centred therapy). In both case studies, participants were randomised to receive the COPE-A integrated treatment, which incorporates prolonged exposure (PE) including imaginal and in vivo exposure as a core treatment component alongside CBT for PTSD and SUD. The clinical profile and treatment response of each participant is discussed. Promising results were found in both cases, with substantially reduced traumatic stress symptoms and decreased or stable levels of substance use by the end of treatment. Clinical implications of these early findings are discussed.