Early treatment of rape victims: Presentation of an emergency EMDR protocol

Early intervention with eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to reduce the severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms in recent rape victims: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Finally, a non-controlled pre-post study on EMDR therapy within three days post-assault reported on the treatment of 17 victims of sexual assault. The results showed a significant reduction in posttraumatic stress symptoms and sexual problems, which remained stable at four weeks and six months after the intervention (Tarquinio, Brennstuhl, Reichenbach, Rydberg, & Tarquinio, 2012). Thus, a limited number of studies with small samples provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of early interventions following rape in terms of an ameliorating effect on posttraumatic stress symptoms.…”

“…Third, two items from the study of Tarquinio et al (2012) are used to determine post-rape sexuality: 'Would you say that your level of desire or interest in your sex life is comparable to what it was before the sexual violence?' and 'Would you say that your level of sexual stimulation (or excitation) is comparable to what it was before the sexual violence?'…”

Secondary prevention for posttraumatic stress and related symptoms among women whohave experienced a recent sexual assault: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The majority of studies included adult women aged 18 and older, but seven included adolescents (Acierno, Resnick, Flood, & Holmes, 2003; Foa, Hearst‐Ikeda, & Perry, 1995; Gilmore, Walsh et al, 2019; Gilmore et al, in press; Resnick, Acierno, Kilpatrick, & Holmes, 2005; Resnick et al, 2007; Walsh et al, 2017). Seven studies recruited within 72 hr of exposure (Acierno et al, 2003; Miller, Cranston, Davis, Newman, & Resnick, 2015; Resnick, Acierno, Holmes, Kilpatrick, & Jager, 1999; Resnick et al, 2005, 2007; Rothbaum et al, 2012; Tarquinio, Brennstuhl, Reichenbach, Rydberg, & Tarquinio, 2012), one within 120 hr (Gilmore, Davidson et al, 2019), three within 7 days (Gilmore, Walsh et al, 2019; Gilmore et al, in press; Walsh et al, 2017) one was recent but unspecified (Hassija & Gray, 2011), two within a month (Frank et al, 1988; Nixon, Sterk, Pearce, & Weber, 2017; Zohar et al, 2018), and two within 2 months (Foa et al, 1995; Foa, Zoellner, & Feeny, 2006). Few studies recruited on the basis of clinical characteristics or risk for PTSD ( n = 4).…”

“…Regarding comorbid psychopathology, seven studies excluded those with psychotic or bipolar spectrum disorders (Acierno et al, 2003; Foa et al, 1995, 2006; Nixon et al, 2017; Resnick et al, 1999; Rothbaum et al, 2012; Zohar et al, 2018). Individuals with current or history of substance use disorder were excluded in six studies (Foa et al, 1995, 2006; Nixon et al, 2017; Rothbaum et al, 2012; Tarquinio et al, 2012; Zohar et al, 2018). Those with ongoing risk for suicide were excluded from three studies (Nixon et al, 2017; Rothbaum et al, 2012; Zohar et al, 2018), and individuals with personality disorders were excluded from one study (Zohar et al, 2018).…”

“…Five studies excluded individuals with intellectual disability or dementia (Acierno et al, 2003; Nixon et al, 2017; Resnick et al, 1999, 2005; Zohar et al, 2018). Two studies excluded individuals suffering from the illness of “organic nature” (Foa et al, 1995, 2006), and one excluded individuals with “mental troubles” and contraindication for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; Tarquinio et al, 2012).…”