A pilot study of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress after childbirth

Objective: To explore the possibility of using eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) to treat women who have experienced post-traumatic stress after childbirth. Design: The pilot study consisted of a "before and after" treatment design combined with follow-up measurements 1-3 years after EMDR treatment. Quantitative data from questionnaires (Traumatic Event Scale [TES]) were collected. In addition, qualitative data from individual interviews with the participants were collected as well as data from the psychotherapist's treatment notes of the EMDR treatment sessions. Setting: The north of Sweden. Participants: 4 women with PTSD after childbirth (1 pregnant and 3 non-pregnant). Findings: All participants reported reduction of post-traumatic stress after treatment. After 1-3 years, the beneficial effects of EMDR treatment remained for 3 of the 4 women. Symptoms of intrusive thoughts and avoidance seemed most sensitive for treatment. Implications for Practice: EMDR might be a useful tool in the treatment of non-pregnant women severely traumatised by childbirth; however, further research is required.

Journal

English

Marianne Sandstrom
Britt Wiberg
Marianne Wikman
Anna Klara Willman
Ulf Hogberg

Sandstrom, M., Wiberg, B., Wikman, M., Willman, A. K., & Hogberg, U. (2008, March). A pilot study of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress after childbirth. Midwifery, 24(1), 62?73. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2006.07.008