EMDR study

Efficacy and identification of biomarkers of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) trauma therapy in adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

 

Keywords

EMDR, PTSD, fMRI, refugees, trauma

Project management

Prof. Dr Birgit Abler, Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm

Dr.phil. Joana Straub, Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Ulm

Project duration

Until April 2018 (possibly extended until April 2019)

Project description

Many people experience traumatic events in which their own life or the life of a loved one was in danger. When certain symptoms come together, this is known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma therapy can help to alleviate the symptoms associated with PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an effective treatment. The advantages of EMDR are the partially non-verbal approach and the short duration of treatment (approx. 8-10 weeks).

Who can take part?
  • Traumatised adolescents/young adults between the ages of approx. 13 and 21 who have not yet received trauma therapy.
  • Independent use of the German language should be possible (B1 level).
  • No psychotropic drugs should be taken, or if they are, they should be stable.
  • There should be no epilepsy, craniocerebral trauma, claustrophobia or other contraindications for an MRI measurement.

The aim of the study is to map changes on a behavioural and (neuro-) biological level in comparison to before and after therapy.

How does the study work?

Interested participants are invited to an information meeting where they are informed about the study and the inclusion criteria are checked. If they agree to participate in the study, a diagnostic appointment (duration: approx. 2-3 hours) and an appointment for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, duration approx. 2 hours) will be arranged. Participants are then allocated to either the therapy group or the waiting group. The therapy group immediately receives 8-10 double hours of weekly trauma therapy. The waiting group receives the same therapy only approx. 8 weeks later. After the therapy or waiting period, another diagnostic and MRI appointment takes place. In the MRI scanner, the participants are asked (1) to play a reward game in which they can win up to €25 in the form of a voucher. Furthermore (2) their personal trauma will be read to them in the MRI scanner for 30 seconds. Only the participant's words will be played back.

Contact address

Supported by:

Building block funding for Senior Clinician Scientist at the University of Ulm