Gender differences in the PTSD symptoms of polytraumatized youth during isolated phases of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

Abstract

Objective: Gender differences in the development and severity of PTSD have long been observed, but much less is known about gender differences within the context of trauma-focused treatment. This study investigated gender differences in the PTSD symptoms of polytraumatized youth during Traumafocused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Method: The sample included child welfare-involved youth ages 7-18 (N = 138) who experienced a mean of 4.78 types of trauma and received TF-CBT at a trauma treatment clinic. Mixed ANOVA analyses assessed gender differences in PTSD symptoms from baseline to termination of treatment. PTSD symptoms were then mapped according to the phase of treatment, and factorial ANOVAs examined gender differences during isolated phases of TF-CBT. Potential interactions with sexual violence history were considered. Results: Significant reductions in overall PTSD, intrusive, avoidance and arousal symptoms were found from baseline to termination of TF-CBT for the entire sample, although females reported higher symptom levels across all PTSD symptom domains. Significant gender differences were also revealed during some, but not all, phases of treatment, with variations among PTSD symptom domains noted. Conclusions: Findings suggest TF-CBT is effective in reducing PTSD in youth with poly-trauma exposure, irrespective of gender. Gender differences in symptom severity were revealed, however, and indicate the need to attend to gender within the context of treatment. Findings also suggest the use of measurement-based care, and specifically attending to symptom fluctuation in PTSD symptom domains during treatment, can help inform clinical decision making and individualize treatment. Clinical Impact StatementThis study investigated gender differences in the PTSD symptoms of child welfare-involved and polytraumatized youth ages 7-18 from baseline to termination of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), as well as during isolated phases of treatment. Findings revealed significant reductions across all PTSD symptom domains for both males and females from the beginning to the end of treatment, although females exhibited higher levels of symptoms. Gender differences were also observed during some phases of treatment. Results can help guide clinical decision making, and reinforce the importance of attending to gender, individual PTSD symptom domains and symptom fluctuation during treatment.

Mental health issues is common, resiliency is rare: Qataris and residents’ experiences with distress, traumatic symptoms, and coping during the blockade

“…More specifically, the quantitative results showed that trauma-related stress, especially hypervigilance and intense psychological distress were more prevalent in women than in men and more prevalent among married than single women. Posttraumatic response patterns among women and men with PTSD are consistent with other studies [ 52 , 53 ].…”

The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for prolonged grief symptoms in children and adolescents: A systematic review.

“…Many studies (n = 8) explored the role that gender may have in the effectiveness of the treatment, with most studies (n = 7) underlining no significant differences and only one study (Spuij et al, 2015), underlining that boys improved less than girls, although only in secondary externalizing outcomes. These results are in line with the recent literature, according to which CBT is effective in reducing traumarelated symptoms, irrespective of gender (Ascienzo et al, 2022).…”

Sex differences in post-traumatic stress disorder in a high adversity cohort of South African adolescents: an examination of depressive symptoms, age, and trauma type as explanatory factors

“…Research into sex differences in PTSD has provided valuable insight into more efficient prevention and treatment strategies (Ascienzo, Sprang, & Royse, 2021 ; Olff, Langeland, Draijer, & Gersons, 2007 ), yet more gender- and sex-sensitive research and reporting is needed (e.g. see the gender policy of the European Association of Science Editors).…”