The rationale is synthesized for the urgency of empirical studies demonstrating the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms of PTSD, or other trauma-related symptoms. This literature review examined 15 studies (including nine randomized clinical trials) that tested the efficacy of EMDR therapy for the treatment of children and adolescents with these symptoms. All studies found that EMDR therapy produced significant reductions in PTSD symptoms at posttreatment and also in other trauma-related symptoms, when measured. A methodological analysis identified limitations in most studies, reducing the value of these findings. Despite these shortcomings, the methodological strength of the identified studies has increased over time. The review also summarized three meta-analyses. The need for additional rigorous research is apparent, and in order to profit from experiences of the past, the article provides some guidelines for clinicians seeking to conduct future research in their agencies.
Date
December 1, 2018
Creator(s)
Renée Beer
Topics
PTSD/C-PTSD
Client Population
Adolescents, Children
Extent
19 pages
Publisher
Springer Publishing Company
Rights
Copyright © 2018 EMDR International Association
APA Citation
Beer, R. (2018). Efficacy of EMDR Therapy for Children With PTSD: A Review of the Literature. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12(4), 177–195. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.12.4.177
Series
12
Installment
4
Audience
EMDR Therapists
Language
English
Content Type
Meta-analyses/Systematic Reviews
Original Source
Journal of EMDR Practice and Research
Access Type
Open Access