Evaluation of the feasibility and effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy for children and youth in Ukraine during the war
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background The large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 resulted in a humanitarian crisis with hundreds of thousands of children exposed to traumatic events. To date, trauma-focused evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for children and youth have not been systematically evaluated and implemented in Ukraine. This study aims at evaluating 1) the feasibility of a training program for Ukrainian therapists on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and 2) the feasibility and effectiveness of the treatment for children, youth, and their families in and from Ukraine during the ongoing war. Methods The project “TF-CBT Ukraine” was implemented between March 2022 and May 2024, in close collaboration with local and international partners. Therapists completed questionnaires before/after the training, and patients were asked to complete a measure on PTSD before and after treatment. Results Altogether 138 therapists started the training program and 44.9% were certified as TF-CBT therapists. The program completers reported overall high satisfaction with the training program, a positive change in their attitude towards EBTs and trauma-related knowledge gain. The patients (age 3–21, 37% male) reported significant improvement in symptoms of PTSD at the end of treatment with large pre-post effect sizes for DSM-5 PTSD ( d selfreport = 2.36; d caregiverreport = 2.27), ICD-11 PTSD ( d selfreport = 1.97; d caregiverreport = 1.77), ICD-11 CPTSD ( d selfreport = 2.04; d caregiverreport = 1.99), and DSM-5 pre-school PTSD ( d caregiverreport = 3.14). Conclusions The results of this study are promising in regard to the general implementation of trauma-focused EBTs in active conflict areas. Future studies need to replicate these findings in a randomized controlled study design.
Source: European Psychiatry
Authors: Elisa Pfeiffer, Maike Garbade, Renée Beer, Anette Birgersson, Natalie Cabrera, Judith A. Cohen, Esther Deblinger, Rafaela Gjini, Veronica Kirsch, Zlatina Kostova, Michael Larsson, Anthony Mannarino, Gavin Moffitt, Marja Onsjö, Tale Ostensjo, Anna Vikgren, Hanna Weyler, Vitalii Klymchuk, Cedric Sachser
Institutions: Universität Ulm, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit, Marie Cederschiöld University, Allegheny General Hospital, Rowan University, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, University of Oslo, Save the Children, University of Luxembourg, University of Bamberg
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,300
OpenAlex ID: W4411825872