Treatment approaches for traumatized youth in low- and middle-income countries
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Abstract
Trauma exposure in childhood is disproportionately high in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbating mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. However, research into effective treatments has been limited, and access to quality mental healthcare is often scarce. This paper reviews interventions for PTSD and related conditions in youth living in LMICs. Prevalence data indicate high rates of trauma exposure (80-90% in some studies) and PTSD (up to 87%) among children and adolescents in LMIC conflict zones. Classroom- and group-based cognitive-behavioral approaches show promise, with medium effect sizes overall, though results vary across studies. For example, Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT), a trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), which facilitates trauma narrative reconstruction, demonstrate small-to-medium effects on reducing symptoms. However, many studies lack controlled research to confirm results. Additionally, PTSD interventions designed for high-income settings are often unavailable in LMICs. Scalable, culturally adapted treatments are needed. Stigma also limits mental healthcare utilization, though anti-stigma campaigns can increase help-seeking. In sum, childhood trauma burden is extremely high in LMICs, but data on evidence-based interventions is limited. More research into accessible, cost-effective treatments tailored to LMIC youth is critically needed.
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