Using EMDR to treat PTSD in preadolescent children

This paper will describe the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in preadolescent children using Eye Movemetn Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR has been shown to bring rapid relief in adults with PTSD. Studies are beginning to show that it can also be useful in work with young children. However, the standard protocol requires some adjustment. In addition, in situations where children have complex difficulties in addition to PTSD, EMDR may need to be used alongside other interventions within a complex treatment package.

Method: This study describes brief work carried out with 4 preadolescent children with PTSD. Three of these children had received no treatment, in sprit of suffering from significant and chronic symptoms for some years. One had suffered traumatic bereavement. All had additional problems with required intervention. EMDR was use as part of a comprehensive treatment package.

Results: In all cases, the children’s PTSD symptoms resolved within 2-4 sessions of EMDR. The maximum total number of sessions was 7. The children’s symptomatic improvement was maintained at 6 month follow-up.

Comment: EMDR can be adapted for use with preadolescent children. It can provide rapid and lasting symptomatic relief. EMDR can be a useful part of a multi-modal treamtne package for young children with PTSD and additional mental helath problems.

Reference: Tinker, R., & Wilson, S. (1999). Through the eyes of a child: EMDR with children. New York: Norton.

Conference

English

Tufnell, G. (2004, June). Using EMDR to treat PTSD in preadolescent children. In children and EMDR (R. Oras, Chair). Symposium conducted at the 5th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Stockholm, Sweden