Intensive clinical trauma treatment for children and adolescents with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning: A pilot study

Highlights

• Children and adolescents with MID-BIF are at increased risk for PTSD or trauma-related symptoms due to ACEs.

• Intensive clinical treatment may be necessary in case of severe trauma symptoms.

• A multi-element intensive clinical treatment is feasible and safe in these children and adolescents.

• This treatment may lead to a reduction in trauma-related symptoms and emotional and behavioral problems.

Abstract

Background

Children and adolescents with mild intellectual disability (MID) or borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) are at increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or trauma-related symptoms due to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Weekly provided treatment sessions and/or outpatient treatment may not be effective enough.

Aims

Investigate feasibility, safety and potential effectiveness of an intensive clinical trauma treatment in children and adolescents with MID-BIF and trauma-related symptoms as a result of ACEs or PTSD.

Methods and Procedures

Thirty-three participants between 6 and 17 years of age received intensive clinical treatment after experiencing multiple ACEs (most commonly physical abuse, emotional neglect or abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence and bullying). Treatment lasted 8.4 days on average and consisted of a daily program of prolonged exposure, eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing and physical activation, embedded in a trauma-sensitive environment. Data were collected at intake, first day of treatment, last day of treatment and at follow-up.

Outcomes and Results

There was a significant reduction of trauma-related symptoms and emotional and behavioral problems after treatment. In addition, the number of participants fulfilling the DSM-5 criteria of PTSD decreased from 24 at intake to 8 at the end of treatment. There was no drop out and no adverse events were seen.

Conclusions and Implications

The results of this pilot study suggest that an intensive clinical trauma treatment is a potentially effective and safe option for children and adolescents with MID-BIF.