Effects of the EMDR protocol for recent traumatic events on acute stress disorder: A case series

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) protocol for recent traumatic events in the treatment of Acute Stress Disorder. Within weeks of being exposed to an isolated traumatic event, seven adults diagnosed with Acute Stress Disorder were provided with multiple sessions of the EMDR protocol for recent traumatic events, an extended version of the EMDR therapy standard protocol. In each case an individual’s subjective distress caused by the traumatic events was measured using the Impact of Events Scale-Revised and the goal of alleviating symptoms was accomplished. The positive results suggest the EMDR protocol for recent traumatic events may be an effective means of providing early treatment to victims of trauma, potentially preventing the development of the more severe symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Journal

English

Sarah Buydens
Marshall Wilensky
Barbara J. Hensley

Buydens, S., Wilensky, M., & Hensley, B. J. (2014). Effects of the EMDR protocol for recent traumatic events on acute stress disorder: A case series. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 8(1), 2-12. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.8.1.2