Treating post-traumatic stress disorder : eye movement desensitization and reprocessing versus cognitive behavioural therapy

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in children and adolescents with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when compared with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in treating PTSD. Thus, this evidence-based dissertation explored the research question ‘How effective is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as compared to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in treating children and adolescents with Post-traumatic stress disorder?’ of which the PICO elements were P- Children and Adolescents, I- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, C- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, O- Treatment of Post-traumatic stress disorder. Methods: The articles required to be in English language, published within the past 10 years, peer-reviewed and in full text. Articles selected investigated EMDR as compared to CBT in treating children 0 to eighteen years of age with PTSD. Other studies which focused on other mental illness and did not compare EMDR with CBT were excluded including studies on animals and adults. Seven different data bases were used including; AgeLine (EBSCO), CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (EBSCO), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (EBSCO), MEDLINE (ProQuest), MEDLINE Complete (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO), and the Cochrane Methodology Register. In addition, PubMed and Google Scholar were used to elaborate the initial search. The literature search results in six studies consisting of one systematic review (SR), two meta-analyses and three Random Clinical Trials (RCT’s). The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists and AMSTAR were used for the appraisal of the studies. Results: Scientific evidence equally supports both treatments in treating children and adolescents with PTSD however all studies showed that EMDR therapy is more effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD in children with less sessions than CBT. Implications and Recommendations: More research is required regarding this topic to conclude which of the two treatments is best considering benefits with risks that might arise. Furthermore, more awareness and education are needed with regards to PTSD, the current treatments available and other alternative therapies.