IREM and Intensive EMDR treatment in a public health setting

Until only more recently has trauma-focused approaches been recommended for treating more complex forms of PTSD, such as childhood-based trauma. As a result, there has been limited clinical trials investigating evidenced-based treatments for his population (Ehring, et. al., 2014; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2018). The IREM Trial was an international multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) in adults with childhood trauma related PTSD. Locations involved in the trial included Germany, The Netherlands, and the Sexual Assault Resource Centre in Perth, Western Australia which is part of the WA Department of Health. The trial explored the need for the stabilisation phase prior to trauma-focused treatment and to build on research investigating intensive approaches to treatment in more complex presentations (Boterhoven de Haan, et. al., 2020). The purpose of this presentation is to share the final outcomes of the IREM study which treated 152 participants, all of whom had a primary diagnosis of PTSD from childhood incidents (ChPTSD). Eligible participants were randomly allocated to a treatment condition (ImRs and EMDR) and attended sessions twice a week for a period of six to eight weeks. Due to the results of the trial, the intensive approach used in IREM has been continued for EMDR treatments at SARC, within the public health system. We will discuss how the intensive treatment program has been continued within the service and explore challenges and benefits from both healthcare workers and client perspectives.

Jacinta Hatton
Katrina Boterhoven de Haan

Hatton, J., & de Haan, K. B. (2023, May). IREM and Intensive EMDR treatment in a public health setting. Pre-recorded presentation at the EMDRAA Conference, Melbourne Victoria, Australia