Eye movement desensitization and processing for adolescents with major depressive disorder: Study protocol for a multi-site randomized controlled trial

Study to determine the effectiveness of EMDR therapy as stand-alone intervention in adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Article Abstract

“Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders in adolescence carrying a serious risk of adverse development later in life. Extant treatments are limited in effectiveness and have high drop-out and relapse rates. A body of literature has been published on the association between distressing/ traumatic experiences and development and maintenance of MDD, but the effectiveness of a trauma-focused treatment approach for MDD has hardly been studied. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as stand-alone intervention in adolescents diagnosed with MDD.

Methods: This study will be a randomized controlled trial with two conditions: (1) EMDR treatment (6 sessions) and (2) waiting list condition (WL: 6 weeks, followed by EMDR treatment). First, participants receive a baseline measure after which they will be randomized. Participants will be assessed post-intervention after which the WL participants will also receive six EMDR sessions. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Study population: In total, 64 adolescents (aged 12–18) diagnosed with a major depressive disorder (DSM-5) and identified memories of at least one distressing or traumatic event related to the depressive symptomatology will be included. Main study parameters/endpoints: Primary outcome variables will be the percentage of patients meeting criteria for MDD classification, and level of depressive symptoms. Secondary outcome measures include symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and general social-emotional problems. At baseline, family functioning and having experienced emotional abuse or neglect will be assessed to explore whether these factors predict post-treatment outcome.

Discussion: With the present study, we aim to investigate whether EMDR as a trauma-focussed brief intervention may be effective for adolescents with a primary diagnosis of MDD. EMDR has been proven an effective treatment for traumatic memories in other disorders. It is hypothesized that traumatic memories play a role in the onset and maintenance of depressive disorders. Particularly in adolescence, early treatment of these traumatic memories is warranted to prevent a more chronic or recurrent course of the disorder.”

—Description from publisher 

Article Access 

Open Access

Paauw, C., de Roos, C., Koornneef, M. G. T., Elzinga, B. M., Boorsma, T. M., Verheij, M. A., & Dingemans, A. E. (2023). Eye movement desensitization and processing for adolescents with major depressive disorder: Study protocol for a multi-site randomized controlled trial. Trials, 24:206. Open access: https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-023-07226-y