EMDR in three adults with severe intellectual disability and posttraumatic stress disorder: A multiple-baseline evaluation
Description
Background and aims
Background and aims: Research on trauma treatment for individuals with severe intellectual disability (SID; IQ 20-35) is scarce, and controlled studies are lacking. Despite their vulnerability to trauma, PTSD treatment is rarely provided, possibly due to assessment challenges and limited knowledge of treatment options. This study examined the effectiveness of EMDR storytelling in three adults with SID and PTSD.
Methods
A multiple baseline design assessed the effects of EMDR on PTSD classification, symptoms, challenging behaviors, and dysfunctional behaviors. PTSD symptoms were measured weekly using the DITS-SID, a clinical interview based on DSM-5 PTSD ≤ 6 years criteria. Weekly measurements of dysfunctional behaviors were conducted, and the BPI was administered three times to assess challenging behaviors.
Results
EMDR led to a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, challenging behaviors, and most dysfunctional behaviors. None of the participants met PTSD classification criteria after treatment. No adverse effects were reported, and all completed treatment.
Conclusions
EMDR storytelling appears to be a promising PTSD treatment for individuals with SID. Recognizing PTSD as a potential factor in challenging behaviors such as self-injury and aggression is crucial for effective intervention. Further research with larger samples is needed.
Background and aims: Research on trauma treatment for individuals with severe intellectual disability (SID; IQ 20-35) is scarce, and controlled studies are lacking. Despite their vulnerability to trauma, PTSD treatment is rarely provided, possibly due to assessment challenges and limited knowledge of treatment options. This study examined the effectiveness of EMDR storytelling in three adults with SID and PTSD.
Methods
A multiple baseline design assessed the effects of EMDR on PTSD classification, symptoms, challenging behaviors, and dysfunctional behaviors. PTSD symptoms were measured weekly using the DITS-SID, a clinical interview based on DSM-5 PTSD ≤ 6 years criteria. Weekly measurements of dysfunctional behaviors were conducted, and the BPI was administered three times to assess challenging behaviors.
Results
EMDR led to a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, challenging behaviors, and most dysfunctional behaviors. None of the participants met PTSD classification criteria after treatment. No adverse effects were reported, and all completed treatment.
Conclusions
EMDR storytelling appears to be a promising PTSD treatment for individuals with SID. Recognizing PTSD as a potential factor in challenging behaviors such as self-injury and aggression is crucial for effective intervention. Further research with larger samples is needed.
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Hoogstad, A., Mevissen, L., & Didden, R. (2025, June). EMDR in three adults with severe intellectual disability and posttraumatic stress disorder: A multiple-baseline evaluation. Presentation at the 25th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Prague, Austria
Collection
Citation
“EMDR in three adults with severe intellectual disability and posttraumatic stress disorder: A multiple-baseline evaluation,” Francine Shapiro Legacy Library, accessed May 24, 2025, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/29755.