A controlled comparison of EMDR and CBT for children and adolescents exposed to the Enschede fireworks disaster in the Netherlands

Description

In May 2000, a firework depot exploded in the city of Enschede (The Netherlands), leaving 22 people dead, 947 injured, more than 500 houses destroyed, and about 1500 houses significantly damaged. In total, 4, 163 people were affected, including many children and adolescents. Children with chronic posttraumatic stress reactions were referred for treatment to the Ambulant Mental Health Care team un Enschede.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the relative efficacy of EMDR versus a CBT approach for reducing children’s symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety and behavior problems, All participants treated from 2001 to 2003 were included. They received 4 sessions of EMDR and 4 sessions CVBT. Moreover, four sessions of parent guidance were included in both groups. The final N was 57 children (age 3-18).

Assessment took place prior to the intervention, immediately after the intervention and at 3 month follow-up. The main outcome measures were: UCLA PTSD Index (parent, child, and adolescent version), Child Report of Post-traumatic Symptoms (CROPS), the Parent Report of Post-traumatic Symptoms (PROPCS), the Problem Rating Scale (PRS), the Birleson Depression Scale and the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASQ, anxiety).

Also parent-reported psychosocial dysfunction and teacher-reported problems were assessed (Child Behavior Check List: parent form and teacher form and for children aged 11 and older; self-report form). For the youngest (0-6 years) the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC) was included. The date was gathered but not yet analyzed is currently underway.

Format

Conference

Language

English

Author(s)

Carlijn J. A. M. de Roos
Eric O. Noorthoorn
Rciky Greenwald
Ad de Jongh

Original Work Citation

de Roos, C. J. A. M., Noorthoorn, E. O., Greenwald, R., & de Jongh, A. (2004, June). A controlled comparison of EMDR and CBT for children and adolescents exposed to the Enschede fireworks disaster in the Netherlands. In children and EMDR (J. Morris-Smith). Symposium conducted at the 5th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Stockholm, Sweden

Citation

“A controlled comparison of EMDR and CBT for children and adolescents exposed to the Enschede fireworks disaster in the Netherlands,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 12, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/19380.

Output Formats