Abstract Introduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fourth most prevalent mental disorder and is a disabling condition. OCD is associated with anatomical and functional changes in the brain, in addition to dysfunctional cognitions. The treatments of choice are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP). Trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT) is a recent and empirically validated psychotherapy with a focus on restructuring dysfunctional negative core beliefs (CBs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TBCT relative to ERP for treatment of OCD. Methods A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted, randomizing 26 patients for individual treatment with TBCT (n = 12) or ERP (n = 14). The groups were evaluated at baseline, at the end of 3 months (12 sessions), and at 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups. Results Both approaches reduced the severity of symptoms with large effect sizes. These results were maintained at the 12-month follow-up assessment. Conclusion TBCT may be a valid and promising treatment for this disorder.

CONTEXTO: O transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT), uma das possíveis consequências de abuso sexual de crianças e adolescentes, pode ser encontrado em aproximadamente 40% a 50% dos casos. OBJETIVO: Conduzir uma revisão sistemática de estudos investigando o uso de terapia cognitivo-comportamental (TCC) para o tratamento de crianças e adolescentes abusadas sexualmente com TEPT. MÉTODOS: Uma pesquisa por ensaios clínicos randomizados que avaliaram TEPT em crianças e adolescentes de 1980 a 1º de fevereiro de 2006 foi conduzida nas seguintes bases de dados: MedLine, EMBASE, LILACS, PsycLIT, PsycINFO, Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group Database of Trials, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Science Citation Index (SciSearch) e PILOTS. As referências em todos os ensaios clínicos foram localizadas manualmente. RESULTADOS: Dos 43 estudos inicialmente selecionados, apenas três preencheram critérios de inclusão. As seguintes comparações foram encontradas nos estudos: TCC para tratar a criança e membros da família versus não tratamento (lista de espera); TCC para tratar apenas a criança, apenas os pais ou ambos versus Community Care; e TCC focada no trauma versus terapia centrada na criança (CCT). Os resultados para tratamento de TEPT com TCC foram melhores do que não tratamento (lista de espera) (p < 0,05), Community Care (p < 0,01) e CCT (p < 0,01). A comparação de TCC voltada para a criança e TCC familiar (pais ou cuidadores e crianças) não apresentou diferenças significativas em eficácia e ambos apresentaram melhora significativa de sintomas. Uma metanálise foi conduzida para comparar a eficácia de TCC (criança apenas e família) versus não tratamento (Lista de Espera e Community Care) na remissão de pacientes que completaram o tratamento. As taxas de remissão nos grupos de tratamento e controle foram 60% e 20%, e essa diferença em favor da TCC foi estatisticamente significativa (RR = 0,51; 95%CI 0,29-0,88; p = 0,02). Não foram encontrados estudos controlados que compararam TCC e farmacoterapia. CONCLUSÕES: Tratamento com TCC reduz sintomas de TEPT em crianças e adolescentes abusados sexualmente, não havendo diferença entre terapia com somente com a vítima ou com a vítima e um membro da família. Não há estudos que compararam TCC e farmacoterapia ou a eficácia de tratamentos combinados.

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), one of the possible consequences of sexual abuse of children and adolescents, may be found in about 40% to 50% of the cases. OBJECTIVES: Conduct a systematic review of studies investigating the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of sexually abused children and adolescents with PTSD. METHODS: A search for randomized clinical trials that evaluated PTSD in children and adolescents from 1980 to February 1, 2006 was conducted in the following databases: MedLine, EMBASE, LILACS, PsycLIT, PsycINFO, Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group Database of Trials, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Science Citation Index (SciSearch), and PILOTS. References in all clinical trials selected were hand-searched. RESULTS: Of the 43 studies initially selected, only three met inclusion criteria. The following comparisons were found in the studies: CBT to treat child and family member versus no treatment (waiting list); CBT to treat only child, only parents, or both versus community care; and trauma-focused CBT versus child-centered therapy (CCT). Results for CBT treatment of PTSD were better than no treatment (waiting list) (p < 0.05), community care (p < 0.01) and CCT (p < 0.01). The comparison of child-only CBT and family CBT (parents or caretakers and children) did not reveal any significant differences in efficacy, and both showed significant improvement of symptoms. A meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy of CBT (child-only and family) versus no treatment (waiting list and community care) in the remission of patients who completed treatment. Remission rates in treatment and control groups were 60% and 20%, and this difference in favor of CBT was statistically significant (RR = 0.51; 95%CI 0.29-0.88; p = 0.02). No controlled studies were found that compared CBT and pharmacotherapy. DISCUSSION: Treatment with CBT reduces PTSD symptoms in sexually abused children and adolescents, with no differences between therapy with only the victim or with the victim and a family member. No studies compared CBT and pharmacotherapy or the efficacy of combined treatments.