IntroductionIt has been hypothesised that certain persistent physical symptoms (PPS) may be linked to unresolved traumatic or distressing somatic-symptom related memories. EMDR intervention targets and reintegrates distressing memories, thus reducing the re-experiencing of physical sensations. The primary aim of this review was to examine effectiveness of EMDR for PPS. Secondary aims were to investigate effectiveness of EMDR on secondary outcomes (post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression), and to evaluate the acceptability of EMDR for this client group.MethodSix electronic databases (PsycInfo, PsycArticles, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science and SCOPUS) were searched for peer-reviewed literature, with no restrictions on publication dates. Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were included if the primary aim of EMDR intervention was to reduce intensity, frequency or reported distress associated with PPS. Studies were quality appraised using the MMAT tool prior to narrative synthesis of key findings.ResultsStudies varied in design and included RCT, UCT, case study and case series. EMDR treatment length varied between studies; 1–20 sessions. All studies reported significant improvement in PPS at post-test. Effect sizes were available to report in five studies and ranged from moderate to large. Improvement in secondary outcomes were reported in all repeated measure studies. Where available, large effect sizes were reported for reduction in anxiety and depression. Overall drop-out rates in studies with representative samples was low (10.6%). Quality of research varied; low (42.8%), medium (21.4%), and high (35.7%).ConclusionsThere is promising emerging evidence for effectiveness and acceptability of EMDR for a range of PPS. However, firm conclusions on efficacy cannot be made. Whilst comparisons between PPS presentations cannot be drawn due to methodological differences, the findings for pain and tinnitus are the most compelling due to methodological quality. High-quality sufficiently powered RCTs are recommended to determine efficacy.

Introduction The Social Communication Questionnaire is used to identify children and young people (CYP) who may require formal ASD assessment. However, there is a paucity of research on its utility in Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. This evaluation aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) in a UK, Midlands CAMHS service. Method Forty young people (mean age 13.75 years) were screened using the caregiver reported SCQ before completing ‘gold standard’ assessment. Results The SCQ had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 25.7%. ROC curve analysis indicated low diagnostic accuracy. Differences in predictive accuracy of SCQ and diagnostic standard were statistically significant ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion This evaluation builds on previous research suggesting that the SCQ may not be an efficient screening tool in CAMHS settings.