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Validated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Methodology in Lithuania Will Help Children Experiencing Various Traumas
A project in Lithuania has successfully introduced and validated a therapeutic method to help children who have experienced trauma. The project, “Implementation of children's traumatic experience assessment and intervention (TF-CBT) methodologies in Lithuania,” aimed to assess and help children aged 10-17 who suffer from trauma-related issues such as post-traumatic stress, depression, and dissociation. The results showed that the method can be used effectively in Lithuania, significantly reducing trauma-related symptoms in children.
The project was a collaboration between Smart Health DIH, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, and the Management and Psychology Institute, and was funded by the EEA Financial Mechanism. The project’s main goal was to test the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) methodology and to develop a digital solution for its application in Lithuania.
TF-CBT is an evidence-based therapy designed to help children and adolescents who are dealing with emotional and behavioral issues caused by traumatic events in their lives. It involves both the child and their parents or guardians in the therapy process.
Throughout the project, research was conducted using two main methods: cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. In the cross-sectional study, 133 children were surveyed. 50 children were assessed at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics (Child Psychiatry Department), while the other 83 were surveyed in schools across Lithuania. In the longitudinal study, 23 participants from the Child Psychiatry Department were followed up over time.
The results revealed that children treated at the Child Psychiatry Department showed significant differences compared to children in the general population, particularly when it came to experiencing childhood trauma, such as emotional and physical abuse or neglect.
This suggests that childhood trauma is a serious risk factor for mental health problems in children, often leading to emotional and behavioral difficulties.
There were noticeable differences in post-traumatic stress symptoms between children in clinical treatment and those in the general population. Remarkably, children from the general population who had experienced two or more traumatic events exhibited symptoms of post-traumatic stress similar to those of children receiving treatment. This indicates that some children in Lithuania who suffer from trauma are not getting the help they need.
The study also revealed differences in dissociation symptoms between the two groups, though there were no major differences among children who had experienced multiple traumas.
The project confirmed that TF-CBT can significantly reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms and help children process and change harmful thoughts related to their trauma. Furthermore, 140 specialists were trained in TF-CBT, with 111 completing tests and receiving certificates, ensuring that the methodology will be widely used across the country to support traumatized children.
The project was funded by the EEA Financial Mechanism Health Programme. The total budget was €248,455.32, with €223,609.79 coming from the financial support and €24,845.53 contributed by the project partners.
The results of the project highlight the importance of early identification and intervention for children affected by trauma. Experts emphasize that policymakers and specialists should prioritize addressing childhood trauma and provide timely support to improve children’s mental health and well-being.
More about the Health Programme
The European Economic Area Financial Mechanism Health Programme projects in Lithuania aim to strengthen mental health services in communities and improve the well-being of children and young people. The programme's various measures include the development of psychosocial support, youth-friendly health services, support for vulnerable children and young people, the establishment of one-stop help centres for children and families, training for parents under the 'Incredible Years' programme, cooperation between families and health professionals, and the development of services and support for pregnant women, mothers in labour, and mothers of children up to the age of two. In total, more than €17.9 million has been earmarked for the Health Programme for 2014-2021.