A mixed-methods, randomized controlled feasibility trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) plus Standard Care (SC) versus SC alone for DSM-5 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults with intellectual disabilities

J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2019 Jul;32(4):806-818. doi: 10.1111/jar.12570. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Abstract

Objective: To report the results of the first randomized feasibility trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) plus Standard Care (SC) versus SC alone for DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults with intellectual disabilities.

Method: A total of 29 participants were randomized to either to EMDR + SC (n = 15) or SC (n = 14). Participants completed measures on traumatic stress (PCL-C) and comorbid distress at baseline, 1 week post-treatment and 3-month follow-up.

Results: In the EMDR + SC group, 9 (60%) participants at post-treatment and 7 (47%) participants at 3-month follow-up were diagnosis free. In SC, 4 (27%) at post-treatment and follow-up were diagnosis free. At post-treatment, three participants (20%) dropped out from the EMDR + SC group, and 1 (7%) dropped out from the SC group.

Conclusions: It is feasible, acceptable and potentially effective to deliver EMDR in this population group.

Keywords: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; intellectual disability; posttraumatic stress disorder; randomized feasibility study.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing / methods*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Persons with Mental Disabilities*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*

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