EMDR-treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder after childbirth. A pilot study of four cases

During the last decade, it has been recognized by research that a traumatic experience of childbirth can cause PTSD. What has also been shown is that these women do not spontaneously recover. No studies have been made before on psychotherapeutic treatment of this group.

The aim of our pilot study was to explore the possibility to use EMDR in the treatment of women who suffered from posttraumatic stress after childbirth. Because most pregnant women invited declined to participate, also non-pregnant women were included. One pregnant and three not pregnant women with PSTD after childbirth were treated with EMDR. All clients reported reduction of posttraumatic stress after treatment. The results suggest that EMDR might be a useful tool in the treatment of non-pregnant women severely traumatic by childbirth, but our study has several limitations. Further research and a randomized controlled study are recommended.

Conference

English

Marianne Sandstrom
Anna-Clara Willman
Umea Utveckling

Sandstrom, M., Willman, A-C., & Utveckling, U. (2004, June). EMDR-treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder after childbirth. A pilot study of four cases. In single trauma and grief (L. Cornil, Chair). Symposium conducted at the 5th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Stockholm, Sweden