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Hoppen TH, et al. Psychological Interventions for Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. 2025;82(2):130-141. PMID 39630422

One-paragraph summary

This systematic review and network meta-analysis included 70 RCTs and 5,528 participants aged 19 or younger with full or subthreshold PTSD; searches ran through 2 January 2024.

Key findings

  • TF-CBT versus passive control: g=1.06 (95% CI .86–1.26).
  • EMDR: g=.86 (.54–1.18); multidisciplinary treatment: g=.88 (.53–1.23); non-trauma-focused treatment: g=.95 (.62–1.28).
  • Fifty-two of 70 trials (74%) tested TF-CBT; results were similar at mid- and long-term follow-up.

Limitations

  • Evidence volume was highly imbalanced toward TF-CBT.
  • Full and subthreshold PTSD were included.
  • Long-term evidence was thinner for EMDR and non-TF approaches; network assumptions remain.

Why it matters

This record changed the evidentiary baseline for pediatric psychotherapy network meta-analysis; later claims should begin from this result rather than earlier narrative consensus.

Cited by wiki pages

  • children-and-adolescents
  • emdr
  • comparative-psychotherapy-evidence