Efficacy of EDMR-trauma management protocol for complex-traumatized children

Abstract: The number of children and adolescents worldwide who experience complex trauma is increasing, while early interventions in this age group are largely absent. Past research has demonstrated that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) group treatments are effective in treating acute trauma in children. However, evidence for children suffering from complex traumais lacking so far. A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted in the remote are as of Kisumu, Kenya, to evaluate the EMDR Trauma Management Protocol (EMDR-TMP). Therefore, a new EMDR Trauma-Management-Protocol was developed, where children use 10 drawings to process the trauma. Methods: The efficacy of this EMDR-TMP was evaluated through a randomized treatment versus waiting-control group design in Kenya, based on 103 children (11–14 years) suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).