Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Direction of influence between posttraumatic and depressive symptoms during prolonged exposure therapy among children
Idan M Aderka1, Edna B Foa, Edna Applebaum
1Department of Psychology, Boston University, 648 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215, USA. iaderka@bu.edu
Objective:
Our objective in the present study was to examine the temporal sequencing of posttraumatic and depressive symptoms during prolonged exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescents.
Method:
Participants were 73 children and adolescents (56.2% female) between the ages of 8 and 18. Participants completed self-report measures of posttraumatic stress and depression prior to every session. Measures included the Child PTSD Symptom Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Children's Depression Inventory.
Results:
Multilevel mediational analyses indicated reciprocal relations during treatment: Changes in posttraumatic symptoms led to changes in depressive symptoms and vice versa. Posttraumatic symptoms accounted for 64.1% of the changes in depression, whereas depressive symptoms accounted for 11.0% of the changes in posttraumatic stress.
Conclusions:
Prolonged exposure therapy may work primarily by reducing posttraumatic stress, which in turn reduces depression.
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Psychodynamic Therapy
Cognitive Therapy
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
