Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing as an intervention for trauma and behavior symptom severity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

This study investigated the intervention effects of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) on the trauma and behavior symptom severity of 10 children, ages 8 to 11, diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a common childhood disorder with increasing prevalence rates that raise questions concerning overdiagnoses, misdiagnoses, and possible inadequate assessment of primary, comorbid, and differential diagnoses. Accurate assessments for ADHD and trauma-related attentional problems have important implications for diagnostic intervention and treatment planning. The purpose of this research was to investigate if a three-phased treatment intervention including EMDR, a therapy method proven effective in the reduction of PTSD, would show a reduction in the trauma and behavior symptom severity in children with ADHD and trauma symptoms. Evaluation of the efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of ADHD was examined using a multiple-component case study and a repeated measure design for evidence of trauma. Two of the three treatment phases were randomly adjusted from one to three sessions in length, with the intervention method, EMDR, remaining constant for a total of three sessions. Outcome measures were the Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS), the Behavioral Assessment of Children Scales (BASC), (teacher and parent forms), and repeated assessments of trauma using the Lifetime Incidence of Traumatic Events Scales (LITE-P&S, parent and student forms), the Child and Parent Reports of Post-Traumatic Symptoms Scales (PROPS & CROPS), and the Problem Rating Scales (PRS). The results from quantitative analysis suggested that the intervention method incorporating EMDR affected a decrease in Externalizing and Internalizing behavior symptom severity and trauma symptom severity in the ADHD children that were studied. Qualitative data suggested that trauma and behavioral symptom severity decreased as a result of the intervention method incorporating EMDR. The results underscore the need for further research to distinguish between the symptom presentation of ADHD and comorbid trauma and behavioral symptoms. A continuous refining of the method of diagnosis and determination of the comorbid disorders is warranted.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Sharon Friday

Friday, S. (2003). Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing as an intervention for trauma and behavior symptom severity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 64(6-B), 2901