Validating and realising a clinically tested A-EMDR application for postpartum traumas

A significant percentage (9-21%) (Stramrood et al., 2011) of births are
experienced as traumatic, with 3.2-4% leading to post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) in young mothers, and up to 18.5% in those with additional risk factors
(Grekin & O*Hara, 2014). Postnatal PTSD has negative consequences for both
mother and child, impacting attachment (mother-child bonding), breastfeeding
and future pregnancies (Kopmeiners et al., 2023). Moreover, it significantly
increases the risk of postpartum depression (20-75%) which prolonged negative
effects on mother and the newborn (Dutch Society for Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
2019). Early and effective treatment is therefore essential. Research shows
that the standard treatment, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(EMDR), is effective (Dutch Society for Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 2019), but
unfortunately has limited availability and is difficult to combine with young
motherhood, resulting in long waiting times. E-health solutions can address
this gap by providing effective treatment with a low-barrier of entry.

The main objectives are to investigate whether our product is suitable for the
target group, to identify barriers to wider implementation in mainstream care,
and to gather patient experience and feedback. We want to know if patients
perceive the added value of our treatment and how we can improve it. The trial
will also provide insight into early efficacy, an estimate of the number of
treatment sessions required, feasibility within specific subgroups, and
preliminary insights into clinical changes in comorbid symptoms, overall
functioning, and quality of life.

Interventional Single-Arm Clinical Feasibility Study

The intervention consists of a maximum of 4 EMDR sessions of 45 minutes each
using an e-Health intervention based on traditional EMDR. The sessions take
place over a period of 3 weeks, with a 1-week interval between sessions. On
non-response, conventional EMDR will be offered to participants.

In this study, there will be a potential benefit to participants as a result of
the EMDR therapy. The therapy can elicit short-term emotions during the
sessions as part of the therapeutic process. However, these emotions would also
be present if left untreated due to the subjective unit of distress (SUD) being
addressed in the present moment. If left untreated, the emotions may persist
for a longer duration and potentially intensify. The goal of an EMDR session is
to achieve a lower SUD score at the end compared to the beginning, as a result
of the treatment*s effectiveness.

Participants will take part in a maximum of four 45-minute EMDR sessions and
complete questionnaires three times, each taking approximately 20 minutes.
Additionally, 30 minutes will be required for intake, 30 minutes for closing,
and 15 minutes for follow-up.