EMDR in former child slaves in India

Child slavery is a widespread phenomenon in India. Many victims develop serious psychological problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbid depressive symptoms. Adequate treatment of these problems is typically unavailable and the effectivity of treatments used in Western countries is unclear in Indian populations. This pilot randomized controlled trial therefore evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of group EMDR treatment for former child slaves in India. The intervention is adapted to participants' age and cultural background. Alongside trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR is a treatment of choice for PTSD according to national and international multidisciplinary treatment guidelines. The present intervention (also known as EMDR G-TEP) is specifically adapted for minors in non-western countries, has proven feasible and effective in a number of studies, and is therefore particularly suitable for the present study group and setting. In addition, Hindi versions of three self-report questionnaires (CRIES-13, DSRS, and C-PTCI) will be developed and subjected to a preliminary psychometric evaluation. Study participants have been freed from child slavery for at least several weeks (up to several years) and remain in the Bal Ashram (Bachpan Bachao Andolan, NGO) Institute's safe and stable environment.

Group EMDR treatment of former child slaves with (partial) PTSD will result in lower levels of posttraumatic stress, depression, and dysfunctional trauma-related cognitions at posttest compared to a waiting-list control condition.

Baseline (28-10-2016), post-treatment (25-11-2016), follow-up after 3 months (01-03-2016)

Group EMDR treatment (G-TEP)