New Frontiers in EMDR Therapy I.
Tracks
Congress Hall Auditorium
| Saturday, May 31, 2025 |
| 9:00 - 10:00 |
Speaker
Dr. Amber Quaranta-leech
Regent University
Randomized Controlled Trial for the Use of EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R with Mental Health Professionals in Ukraine
9:00 - 9:30Abstract
Authors
Quaranta-Leech, Amber 1,
Mainthow, Nicolle 2,
1 Regent University 1000 Regent University Dr. 23464 Virginia Beach, VA USA
2 Department of Research, EMDR Mexico, Mexico, Blvrd de la Luz 771, Jardines del Pedregal, Álvaro
Obregón, 01900 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract
Background and Aims:
The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to demonstrate the efficacy, efficiency, and feasibility of the EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R [1] in the reduction of PTSD symptoms and increase in subjective well-being and resilience in 50 mental health professionals living and working in Ukraine during the Russia/Ukraine war. The EMDR-IGTP-OTS has previously shown treatment benefits in on-going traumatic stress situations [2-4]. A total of 12 applications of the EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R were administered [1], six with the treatment group (TG) and six with the control group (CG)
Method
The worst experience of the entire war experience was identified and targeted with the intervention [1,2,3].
This study consisted of three assessment times of the TG (pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up) with an additional two assessment times with the CG (post-test & follow-up). The instruments applied at all assessment times were the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) [6], Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) [7], Ways of Religious Coping Scale (WORCS) [8], WHO Wellbeing scale (WHO-5) [9], and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) [10-12].
Results
Results showed a significant reduction of scores on the PCL-5 between the TG and CG from pre-treatment to follow-up. No significance was found on the other measures between the groups. The control group showed a significant decrease in scores on the PCL-5 from pre-treatment to post-treatment and follow up after receiving treatment with the EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R.
Conclusions
Results suggest that the EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R is an effective treatment for the reduction of PTSD symptoms even during an ongoing traumatic stress situation, such as war. To enhance the robustness of this study, we suggest an RCT with a larger sample size, and three- and six- month follow-up.
Learning Objectives
1. Evaluate the efficacy of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress Remote(EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R) in the reduction of PTSD symptoms in mental health professionals living and working in Ukraine during the Russia/Ukraine war.
2. Assess the efficacy of the EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R in the reduction of PTSD symptoms, and improvement of well-being and resilience.
3. Identify further applications of this protocol for individuals who live and work in ongoing traumatic stress situations and geopolitical crises.
Quaranta-Leech, Amber 1,
Mainthow, Nicolle 2,
1 Regent University 1000 Regent University Dr. 23464 Virginia Beach, VA USA
2 Department of Research, EMDR Mexico, Mexico, Blvrd de la Luz 771, Jardines del Pedregal, Álvaro
Obregón, 01900 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract
Background and Aims:
The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to demonstrate the efficacy, efficiency, and feasibility of the EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R [1] in the reduction of PTSD symptoms and increase in subjective well-being and resilience in 50 mental health professionals living and working in Ukraine during the Russia/Ukraine war. The EMDR-IGTP-OTS has previously shown treatment benefits in on-going traumatic stress situations [2-4]. A total of 12 applications of the EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R were administered [1], six with the treatment group (TG) and six with the control group (CG)
Method
The worst experience of the entire war experience was identified and targeted with the intervention [1,2,3].
This study consisted of three assessment times of the TG (pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up) with an additional two assessment times with the CG (post-test & follow-up). The instruments applied at all assessment times were the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) [6], Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) [7], Ways of Religious Coping Scale (WORCS) [8], WHO Wellbeing scale (WHO-5) [9], and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) [10-12].
Results
Results showed a significant reduction of scores on the PCL-5 between the TG and CG from pre-treatment to follow-up. No significance was found on the other measures between the groups. The control group showed a significant decrease in scores on the PCL-5 from pre-treatment to post-treatment and follow up after receiving treatment with the EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R.
Conclusions
Results suggest that the EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R is an effective treatment for the reduction of PTSD symptoms even during an ongoing traumatic stress situation, such as war. To enhance the robustness of this study, we suggest an RCT with a larger sample size, and three- and six- month follow-up.
Learning Objectives
1. Evaluate the efficacy of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress Remote(EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R) in the reduction of PTSD symptoms in mental health professionals living and working in Ukraine during the Russia/Ukraine war.
2. Assess the efficacy of the EMDR-IGTP-OTS-R in the reduction of PTSD symptoms, and improvement of well-being and resilience.
3. Identify further applications of this protocol for individuals who live and work in ongoing traumatic stress situations and geopolitical crises.
Ms. Nicolle Mainthow
Clinical Director, Department Of Research; Assyst Heart Project Leader
EMDR Mexico National Organization
Clinical Trial on the ASSYST-Group Provided to Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Transit to the USA through Mexico
9:30 - 10:00Abstract
Authors
Mainthow, Nicolle 1,
1 Department of Research, EMDR Mexico, Mexico, Blvrd de la Luz 771, Jardines del Pedregal, Álvaro
Obregón, 01900 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Background and Aims
This ongoing study has two aims: 1. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization for Groups (ASSYST-G) in reducing PTSD and Complex-PTSD (CPTSD) symptoms, and 2. To assess the efficacy of the ASSYST-G in the PTSD and CPTSD diagnosis remission in the refugee and asylum-seeker population in transit to the USA through Mexico. Six applications of the ASSYST-G were provided within three consecutive days to groups of refugees and asylum-seekers from Central and South America and Africa, focusing on the worst experience of their lives, from the migration journey or any other part of their life, including childhood.
Methods
A pre-post repeated measures design will be used with a total of 50 adult participants who met the inclusion criteria of PTSD or CPTSD diagnosis using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). PTSD symptoms are measured with the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5). All psychometric evaluations have been applied at Time 1. Pre-treatment assessment, Time 2. Post-treatment assessment (7 days after the intervention), and Time 3. Follow-up (14 days after the intervention).
Results
This study is currently in progress. Preliminary results with 30 participants showed reliable change in PTSD symptoms reduction and PTSD or CPTSD diagnosis remission.
Conclusions
Preliminary results suggest that six administrations of the ASSYST-G during three consecutive days contributed to PTSD symptom reduction and PTSD or CPTSD diagnosis remission in transient refugee and asylum-seeker populations. To further enhance the robustness of this study, we suggest conducting a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size and with a three-month follow-up when possible with these populations.
Abstract Topic
Evaluating the efficacy and safety of the ASSYST-G on PTSD symptom reduction and PTSD or Complex PTSD diagnosis remission in Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Transit to the USA through Mexico.
Learning Objectives
1. Evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization for Groups (ASSYST-G) in reducing PTSD and Complex-PTSD (CPTSD) symptoms in transient refugee and asylum-seeking populations.
2. Assess the efficacy of the ASSYST-G in the remission of PTSD and CPTSD in transient refugee and asylum-seeking populations.
3. Identify the significance in the lives of these populations the reduction of symptoms and remission of PTSD and CPTSD diagnosis.
Mainthow, Nicolle 1,
1 Department of Research, EMDR Mexico, Mexico, Blvrd de la Luz 771, Jardines del Pedregal, Álvaro
Obregón, 01900 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Background and Aims
This ongoing study has two aims: 1. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization for Groups (ASSYST-G) in reducing PTSD and Complex-PTSD (CPTSD) symptoms, and 2. To assess the efficacy of the ASSYST-G in the PTSD and CPTSD diagnosis remission in the refugee and asylum-seeker population in transit to the USA through Mexico. Six applications of the ASSYST-G were provided within three consecutive days to groups of refugees and asylum-seekers from Central and South America and Africa, focusing on the worst experience of their lives, from the migration journey or any other part of their life, including childhood.
Methods
A pre-post repeated measures design will be used with a total of 50 adult participants who met the inclusion criteria of PTSD or CPTSD diagnosis using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). PTSD symptoms are measured with the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5). All psychometric evaluations have been applied at Time 1. Pre-treatment assessment, Time 2. Post-treatment assessment (7 days after the intervention), and Time 3. Follow-up (14 days after the intervention).
Results
This study is currently in progress. Preliminary results with 30 participants showed reliable change in PTSD symptoms reduction and PTSD or CPTSD diagnosis remission.
Conclusions
Preliminary results suggest that six administrations of the ASSYST-G during three consecutive days contributed to PTSD symptom reduction and PTSD or CPTSD diagnosis remission in transient refugee and asylum-seeker populations. To further enhance the robustness of this study, we suggest conducting a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size and with a three-month follow-up when possible with these populations.
Abstract Topic
Evaluating the efficacy and safety of the ASSYST-G on PTSD symptom reduction and PTSD or Complex PTSD diagnosis remission in Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Transit to the USA through Mexico.
Learning Objectives
1. Evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization for Groups (ASSYST-G) in reducing PTSD and Complex-PTSD (CPTSD) symptoms in transient refugee and asylum-seeking populations.
2. Assess the efficacy of the ASSYST-G in the remission of PTSD and CPTSD in transient refugee and asylum-seeking populations.
3. Identify the significance in the lives of these populations the reduction of symptoms and remission of PTSD and CPTSD diagnosis.
