This study is evaluating the benefit of adding sertraline (Zoloft) to Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for sexually abused children who have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Sixty of these children ages 10-18 years, will be randomly assigned to receive 12 weeks of TF-CBT plus sertraline versus TF-CBT lus placebo. In addition to evaluating PTSD symptoms during the course of treatment, depressive and anxiety symptoms, functional impairment, medication side effects, parental emotional distress and support of the child, and the child's sexual abuse-related cognitions will be assessed at pre- and post-treatment.

Adult research has demonstrated the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in decreasing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms; to date the SSRIs are the only medication class with demonstrated efficacy in treating all three PTSD symptom clusters (reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal). No studies have evaluated the impact of SSRIs on PTSD symptoms in children or adolescents. Trauma-focused CBT has been shown in several studies to be efficacious in decreasing PTSD symptoms in sexually abused children and adolescents. Many children and youth with PTSD are currently prescribed SSRIs and other medications. This study will evaluate whether adding the SSRI sertraline provides additional benefits over TF-CBT treatment for sexually abused children and adolescents with PTSD. If adequate numbers of children with comorbid PTSD and depressive and/or anxiety disorders are included, it may also be possible to evaluate whether any benefit of adding sertraline is restricted to those children with comorbid disorders.

Ages Eligible for Study:  10 Years   -   18 Years,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Criteria

• Children and adolescents ages 10-18 years old who have PTSD related to sexual abuse which has been independently verified