Investigating the impact of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing birth trauma symptoms

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EMDR as a brief psychological intervention in reducing Birth Trauma symptoms.

Article Abstract

“Background: Childbirth-related traumatic experiences are an overlooked area of psychological suffering, often leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and difficulties in bonding between mother and baby. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as a brief psychological intervention in reducing Birth Trauma symptoms.

Methodology: Using a prospective experimental longitudinal design, 12 women residing in Singapore with Birth Trauma symptoms received three 90-minute eye-movement and desensitization (EMDR) sessions over two weeks on average. Participants were assessed through two trauma self-report questionnaires and underwent a brief Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) assessment.

Results: Post-treatment assessment showed significant differences in mean trauma scores with a 76% reduction on the Modified Perinatal PTSD Questionnaire (z = -3.061, p = .002) and 70% reduction on the Impact of Event Scale Revised (z = -3.061, p = 0.002). Skin conductance response changes from baseline to stressor reduced by 4% but were not statistically significant (z = -.863, p = 0.39).

Conclusion: Brief EMDR has shown promise as an effective treatment for Birth Trauma. Larger controlled randomized studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of EMDR when compared to a placebo control group.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Wetherell, S. (2022). Investigating the impact of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing birth trauma symptoms. Annals of Psychophysiology, 9(2), 67-75. Open access: https://doi.org/10.29052/2412-3188.v9.i2.2022.67-75