The moderating effect of persistent dissociation on the efficacy of Early EMDR therapy on post-rape PTSD

Sexual violence is a prevalent traumatic experience that can lead to PTSD. EMDR is one of the treatments proven to be effective in treating PTSD. Recently the implementation of EMDR as an early intervention, Early EMDR, has been studied. There is no concordance in the research about its efficacy for PTSD if people show dissociative symptoms. The aim of the present study is to test whether persistent dissociation influences the efficacy of Early EMDR therapy for recent rape victims. The current study is an RCT with a sample size of 52 Dutch rape victims who presented themselves at the Dutch Sexual Assault Centre within 7 days after the rape. They were randomly assigned to two conditions: the experimental Early EMDR or the control Watchful Waiting condition. The results firstly show that stronger persistent dissociation at two weeks post-rape was related to more PTSD symptoms four weeks post-rape. Secondly, there were no significant differences between the Early EMDR and Watchful Waiting group on PTSD symptoms at 4 weeks post-rape. Lastly, persistent dissociation did not moderate the relationship between condition and PTSD symptoms. This brings a positive treatment perspective to recent rape victims with PTSD and persistent dissociative symptoms.

Dissertation/thesis

English

Tessa Maria Helena Nederpel

Nederpel, T. M. H. (2020, June). The moderating effect of persistent dissociation on the efficacy of Early EMDR therapy on post-rape PTSD. (Master's thesis, Utrecht University)