Systematic Case Series Investigating Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Efficacy With Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors

A Systematic Case Series Study Investigating the Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) in the Treatment of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Adolescents and Adult Survivors

This study investigates the effectiveness of EMDR for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. All participants will undertake a standard course of EMDR via the National Heath Service program, alongside a number of questionnaires and a follow-up interview.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) via investigation of the changes in the individual trauma stress response on sexually abused adolescents and young adults, aged between 18 and 25 during EMDR treatment. The findings of this mixed methods study will explore (a) neuropsychological, emotional (namely low self-esteem, anxiety and depression), behavioural functioning and quality of life issues via quantitative measures conducted before, during and after treatment and (b) client perspectives of such changes through qualitative interviewing (interview guide is in Appendix 7) at one month follow-up using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis [IPA]. The study setting will be conducted within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program framework, established to ensure service users accessing NHS treatment are presented with choice in their treatment. Therapy will routinely be delivered within GP Surgeries or Health Centres.

Within this two-fold study, the following key research questions will be considered in relation to the effectiveness of EMDR:

1. Qualitative data will sought to identify; In what ways was EMDR helpful? In what ways was EMDR perceived as being unhelpful?
2. Quantitative data will sought to identify; Are there changes in emotional and behavioural functioning (in relation to trauma, anxiety and depressive symptoms)? Are there changes in neuropsychological functioning (memory, attention, executive functioning)? Are there changes in quality of life issues? Are there changes in self-worth?

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants, both male and female, aged between 18 and 25, whom;

• have experienced CSA before the age of 16
• exhibit PTSD symptomology
• ensure PTSD symptomology is present for over three-months and primarily derived from pre-16 aged trauma
• be available for treatment-sessions on a weekly basis for up to 16-sessions - have good understanding of the English language to avoid language barriers/additional time spent with interpreters
• if taking medication, this will have been stable for a period of at least 2-months prior to therapy
• EMDR is the sole treatment for PTSD from baseline until follow-up to avoid conflict of interest

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants exhibiting;

• significant psychiatric comorbidity
• comorbid psychotic disorder
• bipolar disorder type 1
• alcohol or drug dependence
• acute suicide risk, acute PTSD from trauma within the past 6 months
• PTSD focused treatment within the past 3 months or scheduled to begin another form of PTSD treatment will be excluded
• those currently participating in research or have recently participated in conflicting research