A review of EMDR intervention studies with children

Dating back to 1987, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a comprehensive treatment approach theoretically founded in cognitive, behavior, experiential, hypnotic, systems, and psychodynamic therapies. Although the use of EMDR with adults has received much attention throughout the past two decades, research is lacking in the area of randomized controlled trials testing the efficacy and effectiveness of EMDR with children. This presentation reviews all EMDR randomized controlled trial studies conducted with children from 1998 to 2008 and summarizes outcomes, methodological approaches and limitations, as well as recommendations for future research. Research indicates that EMDR may be a promising treatment for children experiencing PTSD symptoms, or other residual traumatic effects from distressing occurrences. Although promising, research warrants more RCTs with a higher level of methodological rigor in order to test the effectiveness and efficacy of EMDR with children. The clinical utility of EMDR implemented with children is questionable until further research ensures that the benefits to children greatly outweigh risks.

Conference

English

Laura R. Greyber
Catherine N. Dulmus
Maria E. Cristalli

Greyber, L., Dulmus, C. N., & Cristalli, M. E. (2009, October). A review of EMDR intervention studies with children. Poster presented at Society for Psychotherapy Research European Conference, Bolanzo, Italy