Temporal sequencing of symptom change in youth receiving treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use: secondary findings from a randomised controlled trial

Key Points

• The aim is to explore the sequence of changes in PTSD and substance use symptoms during treatment in youth.
• Conducted a randomised controlled trial
• Integrated trauma-focused therapy for PTSD and substance use disorder
• Measured changes in PTSD and substance use symptoms over time
• PTSD symptoms significantly reduced after treatment
• No direct association between PTSD improvement and substance use reduction
• Results support the safety of exposure therapy for comorbid conditions