Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in children and adolescents with subthreshold PTSD after medically related trauma: design of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Three in every 10 children and adolescents admitted to a hospital or undergoing medical treatment develop subthreshold symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When untreated, subthreshold PTSD can have a serious impact on psychosocial functioning, quality of life and long-term psychopathology. However, research investigating subthreshold PTSD and its treatment following paediatric medical interventions and/or hospitalization is scarce. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a fast and non-invasive psychosocial treatment for posttraumatic stress complaints. However, the effectiveness of EMDR in paediatric patients with subthreshold PTSD has not previously been systematically investigated.Objective: Describing the design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) set up to evaluate the effectiveness of EMDR in children with subthreshold PTSD after hospitalization.Method: Children aged 4–15 years who have undergone a one-time (trauma type I) or repeated (trauma type II) hospitalization up to five years ago will be included. Participating children will be first screened with a standardized questionnaire for PTSD-symptoms. Subsequently, children with subthreshold PTSD will be randomly assigned to (1) approximately six sessions of standardized EMDR or (2) care as usual (CAU). Children with full diagnostic PTSD do not participate in the RCT, but are referred for direct treatment. Follow-up measurements will take place after eight weeks and eight months.Discussion: Considering the scarce evidence for the effectiveness of EMDR in children with medically related trauma, clinicans, researchers and children treated in hospitals can benefit from this study. Potential strengths and limitations of this study are discussed.Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR5801

Psychological outcomes after pediatric hospitalization: the role of trauma type

“…The data were collected between July 2016 and May 2018 during the baseline screening for a randomized controlled trial studying the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in children with elevated PTSS after medically related trauma (Meentken et al, 2018). Participants were mainly recruited from the Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital (pediatrics and pediatric cardiology divisions) and the Maasstad hospital (pediatric division) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.…”

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Child and Adolescent Psychology: a Narrative Review

“…Recent studies have found that in the pediatric context, medical procedures are potentially traumatic experiences with a range of possible negative psychological consequences; EMDR therapy might be superior to other forms of care in reducing symptoms of blood-injection injury phobia, depression, and sleep problems [98] or assisting young patients who undergo medical treatment and develop subthreshold symptoms of PTSD [99].…”

Use of EMDR-Derived Self-Help Intervention in Children in the Period of COVID-19: A Randomized-Controlled Study

“…Evidence that EMDR is an effective therapy in the treatment of children's psychological problems is increasing day by day (Meentken et al, 2018;Natha & Daiches, 2014). There is some evidence for EMDRderived techniques, used as low-intensity interventions, to reduce stress in cases of collective trauma.…”