The use of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) as a treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder among adolescents in Nigeria

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health concern among adolescents in Nigeria, exacerbated by socio-economic challenges and violence. Despite its high prevalence, treatment options remain limited, with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) emerging as a promising intervention. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in treating PTSD among adolescents in Nigeria. Setting: Multiple regions across Nigeria, considering local socio-cultural factors influencing mental health outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL Complete databases (up to March 2024). The search combined terms related to "PTSD," "CBT," and "cognitive psychotherapy" using Boolean operators (AND and OR). Results: Findings indicate that CBT significantly reduces PTSD symptoms in Nigerian adolescents, particularly anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. The therapy's structured problem-solving techniques were shown to be effective in alleviating stressors unique to this demographic. Studies highlighted improvements in emotional regulation and coping mechanisms, suggesting CBT's adaptability to the Nigerian context. Conclusion: CBT is an effective therapeutic intervention for managing PTSD among adolescents in Nigeria, demonstrating substantial improvements in mental health outcomes. Its structured approach provides a feasible solution to address the high burden of PTSD in low-resource settings. Contribution: This study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on PTSD interventions in Nigeria, emphasizing the potential of CBT to enhance adolescent mental health in diverse socio-cultural environments. The findings support the integration of CBT into mental health policies to address adolescent PTSD in Nigeria.