It is investigated whether EMDR is effective in reducing post-traumatic stress reactions in young children (1.5 to 8 years), reducing co-morbid emotional and behavioral problems and whether the results will be maintained 3 months after treatment. In…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Psychiatric and behavioural symptoms NEC
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The severity of the child's post-traumatic stress symptoms are measured by a
clinical interview, a questionnaire and diary measurements.
Secondary outcome
In addition, 2 questionnaires will be taken that measure behavioral and
emotional problems of the child (CBCL) and parenting stress (OBVL). The latter
questionnaires are already purchased as standard within the healthcare package.
Background summary
After experiencing traumatic events, a significant proportion of children (16%)
develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which increases the risk of
developmental delay in various areas (physical, emotional, social, cognitive,
biological and neurological) . Reducing symptoms at an early stage is
important, especially with young children, so that developmental delay and
suffering for the child and family remain limited. In addition, adequate
treatment of PTSD will lead to a reduction in healthcare costs.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence based
treatment for PTSD in adults and children from 8 to 18 years. EMDR for young
children is "care as usual", but scientific research into the effectiveness of
EMDR in young children (<8 years) is scarce. The main aim of the current study
is to increase the empirical support of EMDR for young children with PTSD. If
time-limited trauma treatment proves to be effective in reducing PTSD at an
early age, it provides an important tool for the prevention of chronic
psychopathology, the reduction of suffering for children and families and will
lead to cost savings in health care.
Study objective
It is investigated whether EMDR is effective in reducing post-traumatic stress
reactions in young children (1.5 to 8 years), reducing co-morbid emotional and
behavioral problems and whether the results will be maintained 3 months after
treatment. In addition, it will be investigated whether EMDR treatment of the
child leads to a reduction of parenting stress.
Study design
A Single Case Experimental Design (SCED) with a multiple baseline is used to
answer the research questions. A baseline phase is started, followed by a
treatment phase. In this way every participant has his / her own control
condition (SCED). To increase the power, the length of the baseline phase will
be varied (20 options, children are randomly assigned to a starting point of
treatment), making it possible to differentiate between time effects and
effects of the intervention. During the study, an app is filled out daily with
regard to the 3 most important post-traumatic stress reactions. In addition,
there are three measurement moments (before, after treatment and at follow-up 3
months after treatment), at which a clinical interview and questionnaires are
conducted.
Intervention
The children receive EMDR treatment performed by experienced GZ psychologists,
psychotherapists and clinical psychologists working at the MOC 't Kabouterhuis.
Study burden and risks
There are no risks associated with participating in the study. In clinical
practice, EMDR is *care as usual* in young children with PTSD. No adverse
effects of treatment with EMDR are known from both literature and clinical
practice.
Meibergdreef 5
Amsterdam 1105 AZ
NL
Meibergdreef 5
Amsterdam 1105 AZ
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
To be eligible to participate in the current study, a participant must meet the
following criteria:
1. Children aged 1.5 to 8 years.
2. The main diagnosis is a Posttraumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) as described in
the DSM 5.
3. During the treatment process (Phase A and B), no other ongoing
(psychological) trauma treatment is allowed.
4. Parents must have access to a smartphone upon which the app for the daily
diaries can be installed.
5. Parents have sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language.
Exclusion criteria
A potential participant who meets one of the following criteria will be
excluded from participating in the current study:
1. There are signs of a lack of security/ ongoing traumatization. In this case,
the safety of a child has priority and traumatization has to be stopped before
trauma treatment can take place.
2. If medication (for other disorders) was introduced less than 1 month ago or
is not yet stabilized.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL69997.018.19 |
| OMON | NL-OMON23648 |