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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)]

Topic Areas
Scientific Rating
Child Welfare Relevance
Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)
1  — Well-Supported by Research Evidence
Medium

About This Program

Target Population: Children and adolescents who have experienced trauma; research has been conducted on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic stress, phobias, and other mental health disorders

For children/adolescents ages: 2 – 17

Program Overview

EMDR therapy is an 8-phase psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the symptoms of trauma. During the EMDR trauma processing phases, guided by standardized procedures, the client attends to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses that include the client's beliefs, emotions, and body sensations associated with the traumatic event while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus. Therapist directed bilateral eye movements are the most commonly used external stimulus, but a variety of other stimuli including hand-tapping and audio bilateral stimulation are often used. EMDR is also highlighted on the CEBC website in the Trauma Treatment (Adult) topic area, click here to go to that entry.

Program Goals

The overall goals of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)] are:

  • Target the past events that trigger disturbance
  • Target the current situations that trigger disturbance
  • Determine the skills and education needed for future functioning
  • Reduce subjective distress
  • Strengthen positive beliefs
  • Eliminate negative physical responses
  • Promote learning and integration so that the trauma memory is changed to a source of resilience

Logic Model

The program representative did not provide information about a Logic Model for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)].

Essential Components

The essential components of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)] include:

  • EMDR therapy is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which is based on the theory that symptoms arise from maladaptively stored memories that include the thoughts, beliefs, emotions, body sensations, and behavioral responses that were experienced at the time of the traumatic event.
  • Using standardized procedures, EMDR therapy accesses the stored memories, activates the brain's information system and, through reprocessing, helps move the disturbing information to adaptive resolution. As an integrative psychotherapy driven by AIP theory, EMDR incorporates and is compatible with elements of diverse treatment interventions.
  • When working with child and adolescent clients, EMDR integrates play therapy and other efficacious treatment tools for working with children. EMDR therapy addresses past events, present disturbance, and future needs. Guided by the theoretical underpinnings of AIP, a therapeutic relationship is established, the client is comprehensively assessed and prepared for processing. Based upon the AIP case conceptualization, focused target assessment and memory reprocessing are conducted throughout the complete eight-phases of EMDR therapy. Therefore, even though some elements of the goals and objectives of the phases of EMDR may be evident in other treatment modalities, it is the aggregate of the theory, case conceptualization, and accurate implementation of this integrative psychotherapy that truly defines EMDR therapy.
  • EMDR therapy consists of 8 phases of treatment with specific goals and objectives for completion of each phase.
    • The first phase is Client History and Treatment Planning during which the therapist assesses the clinical landscape, evaluates the client's readiness for memory processing, and develops a treatment plan.
    • Afterwards, during the Preparation Phase the therapist ensures that the client has adequate methods of handling emotional distress including self-soothing and calming skills, and that the client is in a relatively stable state. If further stabilization is required, or if additional skills are needed, therapy focuses on developing these needed skills for continuing with trauma reprocessing. During this phase, the therapist also reviews informed consent to assess for any forensic issues.
    • In phases three through seven, a target memory is identified with the client identifying the image that represents the worst part of the disturbing event, the negative cognition associated with the image and a positive cognition (PC) that the client would like to believe instead. The PC is then measured on the Validity of Cognition (VoC) Scale of 1-7 with 1 being completely false and 7 being completely true. Once the clinician has assessed the client's current feelings about the VoC, the client is asked to identify the emotions associated with the target. The disturbance associated with the emotions is then measured on a Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) ranging from 0 being no disturbance to 10 being the most disturbing. Then the client is asked to identify where they feel any disturbing body sensations when focusing on the target. After the client is guided through these series of questions, they are then asked to hold together the image and the negative cognition along with the body sensations and the therapist starts sets of bilateral stimulation. Using standardized procedures the entire memory is addressed during the Desensitization Phase of EMDR therapy until the disturbance is assessed by the client to be a SUDS rating of zero. Although eye movements are the most commonly used external form of bilateral stimulation, therapists may also use auditory or tactile stimulation.
    • During reprocessing, the client is instructed to just notice whatever happens during the bilateral stimulation. The clinician then instructs the client to let their mind go blank and to notice whatever thought, feeling, image, memory, or sensation comes to mind. Depending upon the client's report, the clinician will facilitate the next focus of attention and restart bilateral stimulation. In most cases, a client-directed association process is encouraged. Client-directed association refers to following what the client reports after doing the eye movements. This is repeated numerous times throughout the session. If the client becomes distressed or has difficulty with the process, the therapist follows established procedures to help the client resume reprocessing.
    • When the client reports no distress related to the targeted memory, the clinician asks him/her to think of the preferred PC that was identified at the beginning of the session, or a better one if it has emerged, and to focus on the incident, while simultaneously engaging in the eye movements. Then the client is asked to identify and focus on any residual disturbing body sensations and these are processed.
    • In phase seven, closure, the therapist reminds the client of the self-soothing and calming skills and to note any targets, images, cognitions, emotions, and/or sensations (TICES) that arise between sessions, and then to report these to the therapist at the next session.
    • In phase eight, re-evaluation of the previous work, and of progress since the previous session, takes place.
  • EMDR treatment ensures processing of all related historical events, current incidents that elicit distress and future scenarios that will require different responses. Re-evaluation continues through each session as targets are reprocessed and the treatment plan is followed toward discharge planning.

Program Delivery

Child/Adolescent Services

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)] directly provides services to children/adolescents and addresses the following:

  • PTSD, anxiety, fears, and behavioral problems

Recommended Intensity:

Usually one 50- or 90-minute session per week

Recommended Duration:

Length of treatment is impossible to predict and is dependent upon the severity of the trauma, etc. Often major gains are apparent within a few weeks ranging from 3-12 sessions.

Delivery Settings

This program is typically conducted in a(n):

  • Hospital
  • Outpatient Clinic
  • Community-based Agency / Organization / Provider
  • Group or Residential Care
  • School Setting (Including: Day Care, Day Treatment Programs, etc.)

Homework

This program does not include a homework component.

Languages

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)] has materials available in languages other than English:

Danish, Dutch, Flemish, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, Swedish

For information on which materials are available in these languages, please check on the program's website or contact the program representative (contact information is listed at the bottom of this page).

Resources Needed to Run Program

The typical resources for implementing the program are:

  • Office space to conduct treatment

Manuals and Training

Prerequisite/Minimum Provider Qualifications

Qualifying individual providers must be either fully licensed mental health professionals or be enrolled in a Master's or Doctorate level program in the mental health field (Social Work, Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, or Psychiatric Nursing) currently involved in the practicum and/or internship portion of the program they are enrolled in (first year students not eligible) and on a licensing track working under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health professional.

Manual Information

There is a manual that describes how to deliver this program.

Training Information

There is training available for this program.

Training Contacts:
  • Robbie Dunton, Commercial Trainings Contact
    EMDR Institute
    www.emdr.com
    phone: (831) 761-1040
  • Bob Gelbach, Executive Director of EMDR HAP (for Nonprofit Trainings)
    www.emdrhap.org
    phone: (203) 288-4450
Training Type/Location:

Commercial trainings are held throughout the country. Nonprofit trainings are often onsite.

Number of days/hours:

The basic training consists of two 3-day training modules. In addition, 10 hours of case consultation are required to learn to implement the protocol.

Additional Resources:

There currently are additional qualified resources for training:

Additional qualified trainers are listed on the following webpage: www.emdria.org

Implementation Information

Pre-Implementation Materials

There are pre-implementation materials to measure organizational or provider readiness for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)] as listed below:

EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP, Trauma Recovery Program) has a letter of inquiry sent out to nonprofit agencies to assess the nature of the agency (i.e., population, number of licensed clinicians, etc.). It is available by sending an email to cmartin@emdrhap.org.

Formal Support for Implementation

There is formal support available for implementation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)] as listed below:

Both the EMDR Institute and EMDR HAP (Trauma Recovery) have a formal process for implementation of the trainings. Both organizations have staff to assist with the implementation.

Fidelity Measures

There are fidelity measures for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)] as listed below:

There is a fidelity tool and a fidelity questionnaire. To obtain a copy of the fidelity checklists and questionnaires, please contact:

  • Robbie Adler-Tapia, PhD
    email: dr.adler-tapia@cox.net

Implementation Guides or Manuals

The program representative did not provide information about implementation guides or manuals for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)].

Research on How to Implement the Program

Research has not been conducted on how to implement Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) [Trauma Treatment - Client-Level Interventions (Child & Adolescent)].

Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research

Child Welfare Outcome: Child/Family Well-Being

A meta-analysis, see citation following, has also been conducted on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Children and Adolescents (EMDR), however this article is not used for rating and therefore is not summarized:

  • Rodenburg, R., Benjamin, A., de Roos, C., Meijer, A. M., & Stams, G. J. (2009). Efficacy of EMDR in children: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(7), 599-606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2009.06.008

The CEBC reviews all of the articles that have been published in peer-reviewed journals as part of the rating process. When there are more than 10 published, peer-reviewed articles, the CEBC identifies the most relevant articles, with a focus on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled studies that have an impact on the rating. The articles chosen for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Children and Adolescents (EMDR) are summarized below:

Scheck, M. M., Schaeffer, J. A., & Gillette, C. (1998). Brief psychological intervention with traumatized young women: The efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 11(1), 25-44. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024400931106

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 60

Population:

  • Age — 16-25 years
  • Race/Ethnicity — 62% Caucasian, 15% African American, 15% Hispanic, and 8% Native American
  • Gender — 100% Female
  • Status — Participants were recruited through municipal agencies.

Location/Institution: Colorado

Summary: (To include basic study design, measures, results, and notable limitations)
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with traumatized young women. Participants were randomly assigned to two sessions of either EMDR or an active listening (AL) control. Measures utilized include the Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Penn Inventory for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Impact of Event Scale, and Tennessee Self-Concept Scale. Results indicate that there was significant improvement for both groups and significantly greater pre-post change for EMDR-treated participants. Limitations include the small sample size, limited follow-up, use of other treatments by the subjects, and the use of self-report measures of behavior change.

Length of controlled postintervention follow-up: 3 months.

Rubin, A., Bischofshausen, S., Conroy-Moore, K., Dennis, B., Hastie, M., Melnick, L., Reeves, D., & Smith, T. (2001). The effectiveness of EMDR in a child guidance center. Research on Social Work Practice, 11(4), 435−457. https://doi.org/10.1177/104973150101100402

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 39

Population:

  • Age — 6-15 years (Mean=9.3 years)
  • Race/Ethnicity — 30 Not Specified, 6 African American, and 3 Hispanic
  • Gender — 20 Female and 19 Male
  • Status — Participants were children receiving treatment whose therapists identified them as potentially benefitting from EMDR.

Location/Institution: Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) in Austin, Texas

Summary: (To include basic study design, measures, results, and notable limitations)
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to the routine treatment regimen of child therapists. Participants were randomly assigned to receive EMDR plus the center’s routine treatment package, or a control group that received only the center’s routine treatment package. Measures utilized include the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Results indicate that there are no differences between the overall groups.  Analyses on clients with elevated baseline scores found moderate effect sizes that approached, but fell short of, statistical significance. Limitations include the small sample size, the diverse nature of diagnoses in the sample, not recording the total number of minutes of EMDR treatment received by each child, and the lack of a trauma-specific outcome measure.

Length of controlled postintervention follow-up: 6 months.

Chemtob, C. M., Nakashima, J., & Carlson, J. G. (2002). Brief treatment for elementary school children with disaster-related posttraumatic stress disorder: A field study. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 99-112. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.1131

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 32

Population:

  • Age — 6-12 years
  • Race/Ethnicity — 31% Hawaiian, 28% Filipino, 19% Caucasian, 13% Japanese, and 9% Mixed
  • Gender — 69% Female
  • Status — Participants were children who had experienced trauma due to a hurricane.

Location/Institution: Hawaii

Summary: (To include basic study design, measures, results, and notable limitations)
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief intervention for disaster-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Participants were randomly assigned to EMDR or to a waiting list. Measures utilized include the Kauai Recovery Inventory (KRI), the Child Reaction Index (CRI), the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS)and the Children's Depression Inventory. Results indicate that EMDR resulted in substantial reductions in both groups’ CRI scores and in significant, though more modest, reductions in RCMAS and CDI scores. Gains were maintained at six-month follow-up. Limitations include only addressing the helpfulness of clinical treatment for disaster-related PTSD in children, small sample size, the lack of a comparison treatment, and reliance on a wait-list design.

Length of controlled postintervention follow-up: 6 months.

Soberman, G. B., Greenwald, R., & Rule, D. L. (2002). A controlled study of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for boys with conduct problem. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 6(1), 217-236. https://doi.org/10.1300/J146v06n01_11

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 29

Population:

  • Age — 10-16 years
  • Race/Ethnicity — Not specified
  • Gender — 100% Male
  • Status — Participants were boys with conduct problems in residential or day treatment.

Location/Institution: Not specified

Summary: (To include basic study design, measures, results, and notable limitations)
The purpose of the study was to test Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a promising trauma treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to either standard care or standard care plus 3 trauma-focused EMDR sessions.  Measures utilized include the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS), the Impact of Events Scale – 8 Items (IES-8), the Child and Parent Reports of Post-traumatic Symptoms (CROPS and PROPS, respectively), the Problem Rating Scale (PRS), and the Behavioral Reward Scale (BRS). Results indicate that the EMDR group showed a large and significant reduction of memory-related distress, as well as trends towards reduction of post-traumatic symptoms. The EMDR group also showed large and significant reduction of problem behaviors by 2-month follow-up, whereas the control group showed only slight improvement. Limitations include trauma history of participants was not systematically evaluated, the small sample size and use of only male participants with conduct disorders.

Length of controlled postintervention follow-up: 2 months.

Jaberghaderi, N., Greenwald, R., Rubin, A., Zand, S. O., & Dolatabadim S. (2004). A comparison of CBT and EMDR for sexually-abused Iranian girls. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 11(5), 358-368. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.395

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 14

Population:

  • Age — 12-13 years
  • Race/Ethnicity — Iranian
  • Gender — 100% Female
  • Status — Participants were girls who had been sexually abused recruited from schools.

Location/Institution: Iran

Summary: (To include basic study design, measures, results, and notable limitations)
The purpose of the study was to compare Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Participants were randomly assigned to receive up to 12 sessions of CBT or EMDR treatment. Measures utilized include the Child Report of Post-traumatic Symptoms (CROPS), the Parent Report of Post-traumatic Symptoms (PROPS), the Rutter Teacher Scale, and the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS). Results indicate that both treatments showed large effect sizes on the post-traumatic symptom outcomes, and a medium effect size on the behavior outcome, all statistically significant. A nonsignificant trend on self-reported post-traumatic stress symptoms favored EMDR over CBT. Treatment efficiency was calculated by dividing change scores by number of sessions. EMDR was significantly more efficient, with large effect sizes on each outcome. Limitations include a small sample, single therapist for each treatment condition, no independent verification of treatment fidelity, and no long-term follow-up.

Length of controlled postintervention follow-up: 2 weeks.

Ahmad, A., Larsson, B., & Sundelin-Wahlstein, V. (2007). EMDR treatment for children with PTSD: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 61(5), 349-354. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039480701643464

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 33

Population:

  • Age — 6-16 years: EMDR: Mean=9.6 years; Control: Mean=10.3 years
  • Race/Ethnicity — EMDR: 71% Swedish and 29% Other; Control: 56% Other and 44% Swedish
  • Gender — EMDR: 59% Female and 41% Male; Control: 63% Female and 38% Male
  • Status — Participants were children at an outpatient clinic who received a diagnosis of PTSD due to familial abuse or neglect.

Location/Institution: Sweden

Summary: (To include basic study design, measures, results, and notable limitations)
The purpose of the study was to examine the efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for children with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared with untreated children in a waiting list control group (WLC). Participants were randomly assigned to receive EMDR or to the WLC. Measures utilized include the Harvard-Uppsala Trauma Questionnaire for Children (HUTQ-C), the Diagnostic Interview for Children (DICA), and the Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Scale (PTSS-C). Results indicate that post-treatment scores of the EMDR group were significantly lower than the WLC indicating improvement in total PTSS-C scores, PTSD-related symptom scale, and the subscales re-experiencing and avoidance among subjects in the EMDR group, while untreated children improved in PTSD-non-related symptom scale. The improvement in re-experiencing symptoms proved to be the most significant between-group difference over time. Limitations include the small sample size, the highly selected sample, lack of independent verification of treatment fidelity, and lack of follow up evaluation of treatment effects.

Length of controlled postintervention follow-up: None.

Kemp, M., Drummond, P., & McDermott, B. (2010). A wait-list controlled pilot study of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms from motor vehicle accidents. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 15(1), 5-25. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359104509339086

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 27

Population:

  • Age — 6-12 years
  • Race/Ethnicity — Not specified
  • Gender — 15 Male and 12 Female
  • Status — Participants were motor vehicle accident victims with persistent posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD).

Location/Institution: Australia

Summary: (To include basic study design, measures, results, and notable limitations)
The purpose of the study was to examine the efficacy of four one-hour Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) sessions in comparison to a six-week wait-list control condition in the treatment of children suffering from persistent PTSD symptoms after a motor vehicle accident. Participants were randomly assigned to either the wait-list control or EMDR group. Measures utilized include the Child PTS-RI, PTSD DSM-IV criteria, the State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), Children’s Depression Scale (CDS), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Results indicate that all participants initially met two or more PTSD criteria. After EMDR treatment, this decreased to 25% in the EMDR group, but remained at 100% in the wait-list group. For children in the EMDR condition, both the number of DSM-IV PTSD criteria and child PTS-RI scores improved from posttreatment to 12-month follow-up. Parent ratings of their child’s PTSD symptoms showed no improvement, nor did a range of nontrauma child self-report and parent-reported symptoms. Treatment gains were maintained at three and 12 month follow-up. Limitations include small sample size, the single cause of PTSD symptoms, and the fact that a single therapist completed the treatment and outcome assessments.

Length of controlled postintervention follow-up: 3 and 12 months.

de Roos, C., Greenwald, R., den Hollander-Gijsman, M., Noorthoorn, E., van Buuren, S., & De Jongh, A. (2011). A randomised comparison of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) in disaster exposed children. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 2(1), Article 5694. https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v2i0.5694

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 52

Population:

  • Age — 4-18 years
  • Race/Ethnicity — 27 Immigrant and 25 Native
  • Gender — 56% Male
  • Status — Participants were children of parents who approached a disaster mental health after-care center for help with their child’s firework disaster-related symptoms.

Location/Institution: The Netherlands

Summary: (To include basic study design, measures, results, and notable limitations)
The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Participants were randomly allocated to either CBT or EMDR in a disaster mental health after-care setting after an explosion of a fireworks factory. Measures utilized include the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index, the Child Report of Post-traumatic Symptoms (CROPS), the Parent Report of Post-traumatic Symptoms (PROPS), the Birleson Depression Scale (BDS), the Child Behavior Check List, and the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children. Results indicate that both treatment approaches produced significant reductions on all measures and results were maintained at follow-up. Treatment gains of EMDR were reached in fewer sessions. Limitations include a lack of precise information about the length of minutes per session, lack of a no-treatment control group, length of follow-up, and the small sample size.

Length of controlled postintervention follow-up: 3 months.

Diehle, J., Opmeer, B. C., Boer, F., Mannarino, A. P., & Lindauer, R. J. (2015). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: what works in children with posttraumatic stress symptoms? A randomized controlled trial. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 24(2), 227-236. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-014-0572-5

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 48

Population:

  • Age — Children: 8-18 years; Parents: Not specified
  • Race/Ethnicity — Children: 77% Dutch; Parents: Mothers: 46% Dutch; Fathers: 33% Dutch
  • Gender — Children: 30 Female and 18 Male; Parents: 45 Female and 44 Male
  • Status — Participants were children and adolescents that have experienced trauma.

Location/Institution: Trauma Center of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, de Bascule, of the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam

Summary: (To include basic study design, measures, results, and notable limitations)
The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Participants were randomized to receive either TF-CBT or EMDR. Measures utilized include the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS-CA), the Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule for DSM-IV: Child and Parent interview schedule (ADIS C/P), the Children’s Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES-13), the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results indicate that TF-CBT and EMDR showed large reductions from pre- to post-treatment on the CAPS-CA. The difference in reduction was small and not statistically significant. Treatment duration was not significantly shorter for EMDR. Mixed model analysis of monitored PTSS during treatment showed a significant effect for time but not for treatment or the interaction of time by treatment. Parents of children treated with TF-CBT reported a significant reduction of comorbid depressive and hyperactive symptoms. Limitations include small sample size, high attrition rate, and lack of follow-up.

Length of controlled postintervention follow-up: None.

Jaberghaderi, N., Rezaei, M., Kolivand, M., & Shokoohi, A. (2019). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in child victims of domestic violence. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, 14(1), 67-75. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v14i1.425

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 139

Population:

  • Age — 8-12 years
  • Race/Ethnicity — Not specified
  • Gender — CBT: 48% Female; EMDR: 50% Female; and Control: 51% Female
  • Status — Participants were child victims of domestic violence (child physical abuse and/or witnessing parental conflict).

Location/Institution: Four urban primary schools in a low- and middle-income area of Kermanshah, Iran

Summary: (To include basic study design, measures, results, and notable limitations)
The purpose of the study was to examine and compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Participants were randomly assigned into CBT, EMDR, or control groups. Measures utilized include the Rutter Teacher Scale, the Child Report of Posttraumatic Symptoms (CROPS), the Parents Report of Posttraumatic Symptoms (PROPS), and the Life Incidence of Traumatic Events scale (LITEs). Results indicate that CBT and EMDR were effective in ameliorating psychological sequelae of victims of domestic violence on the measured variables. Comparison of the treatment and control groups suggested moderate to high practical significance in treatment groups vs controls. Limitations include relatively small number of participants, high drop out rate, and length of follow-up.

Length of controlled postintervention follow-up: 2 weeks.

Additional References

Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2009). Evidence of the efficacy of EMDR with children and adolescents in individual psychotherapy: A review of the research published in peer-reviewed journals. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(4), 232-247.

Adler-Tapia, R. L., & Settle, C. S. (2009) EMDR psychotherapy with children. In A. Rubin & Springer (Eds.), Treatment of traumatized adults and children: Part of the clinician's guide to evidence based practice series. Wiley.

Contact Information

Robbie Dunton, MA
Agency/Affiliation: EMDR Institute
Website: www.emdr.com
Email:
Phone: (831) 761-1040
Fax: (831) 761-1204

Date Research Evidence Last Reviewed by CEBC: September 2021

Date Program Content Last Reviewed by Program Staff: July 2019

Date Program Originally Loaded onto CEBC: May 2006