EMDR Therapy in Psychiatric Disorders III.
Tracks
South Hall 2 (A + B) | Room 2
| Saturday, May 31, 2025 |
| 11:30 - 12:30 |
Speaker
Annemieke Hoogstad
Amerpoort & Radboud University
EMDR in Three Adults with Severe Intellectual Disability and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Multiple-Baseline Evaluation
11:30 - 12:00Abstract
Authors
Annemieke Hoogstad1,3,
Liesbeth Mevissen2,
Robert Didden1,4
1Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Houtlaan 4 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands,
2Liesbeth Mevissen Psychotrauma Practice, Rhabergseweg 19, 7224 NA, Rha, The Netherlands,
3Expertise Center Amerpoort, Nieuwenoordlaan 12, 3744 PA, Baarn, The Netherlands,
4Trajectum, a. Dr. Stolteweg 17, 8025 AV Zwolle, The Netherlands
Background and aims
Background and aims: Research on trauma treatment for individuals with severe intellectual disability (SID; IQ 20-35) is scarce, and controlled studies are lacking. Despite their vulnerability to trauma, PTSD treatment is rarely provided, possibly due to assessment challenges and limited knowledge of treatment options. This study examined the effectiveness of EMDR storytelling in three adults with SID and PTSD.
Methods
A multiple baseline design assessed the effects of EMDR on PTSD classification, symptoms, challenging behaviors, and dysfunctional behaviors. PTSD symptoms were measured weekly using the DITS-SID, a clinical interview based on DSM-5 PTSD ≤ 6 years criteria. Weekly measurements of dysfunctional behaviors were conducted, and the BPI was administered three times to assess challenging behaviors.
Results
EMDR led to a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, challenging behaviors, and most dysfunctional behaviors. None of the participants met PTSD classification criteria after treatment. No adverse effects were reported, and all completed treatment.
Conclusions
EMDR storytelling appears to be a promising PTSD treatment for individuals with SID. Recognizing PTSD as a potential factor in challenging behaviors such as self-injury and aggression is crucial for effective intervention. Further research with larger samples is needed.
Participant will learn
-that trauma treatment in persons with severe intellectual disabilities is possible using the EMDR storytelling method
-how they can use the EMDR storytelling method in persons with severe intellectual disabilities
-to be alert that an underlying PTSD may explain challenging behaviors in persons with severe intellectual disabilities
Annemieke Hoogstad1,3,
Liesbeth Mevissen2,
Robert Didden1,4
1Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Houtlaan 4 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands,
2Liesbeth Mevissen Psychotrauma Practice, Rhabergseweg 19, 7224 NA, Rha, The Netherlands,
3Expertise Center Amerpoort, Nieuwenoordlaan 12, 3744 PA, Baarn, The Netherlands,
4Trajectum, a. Dr. Stolteweg 17, 8025 AV Zwolle, The Netherlands
Background and aims
Background and aims: Research on trauma treatment for individuals with severe intellectual disability (SID; IQ 20-35) is scarce, and controlled studies are lacking. Despite their vulnerability to trauma, PTSD treatment is rarely provided, possibly due to assessment challenges and limited knowledge of treatment options. This study examined the effectiveness of EMDR storytelling in three adults with SID and PTSD.
Methods
A multiple baseline design assessed the effects of EMDR on PTSD classification, symptoms, challenging behaviors, and dysfunctional behaviors. PTSD symptoms were measured weekly using the DITS-SID, a clinical interview based on DSM-5 PTSD ≤ 6 years criteria. Weekly measurements of dysfunctional behaviors were conducted, and the BPI was administered three times to assess challenging behaviors.
Results
EMDR led to a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, challenging behaviors, and most dysfunctional behaviors. None of the participants met PTSD classification criteria after treatment. No adverse effects were reported, and all completed treatment.
Conclusions
EMDR storytelling appears to be a promising PTSD treatment for individuals with SID. Recognizing PTSD as a potential factor in challenging behaviors such as self-injury and aggression is crucial for effective intervention. Further research with larger samples is needed.
Participant will learn
-that trauma treatment in persons with severe intellectual disabilities is possible using the EMDR storytelling method
-how they can use the EMDR storytelling method in persons with severe intellectual disabilities
-to be alert that an underlying PTSD may explain challenging behaviors in persons with severe intellectual disabilities
Mrs. Anne Versluis
Phd Candidate
's Heeren Loo, Radboud University And Viveon
Brief intensive EMDR therapy for PTSD in adults with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning and behavioural problems: A multiple baseline design study
12:00 - 12:30Abstract
Authors
Anne Versluis1,2,
Ad de Jongh3,4,5,6,
Liesbeth Mevissen7,
Carlo Schuengel8,
Lianne Bakkum 8,
Robert Didden2,9
1Advisium, ’s Heeren Loo, Berkenweg 11, 3813 BG, Amersfoort, The Netherlands,
2Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,
3Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, UK,
4Research Department PSYTREC, Bilthoven, The Netherlands,
5School of Health Sciences, Salford University, Manchester, UK,
6SSchool of Psychology, Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland,
7Liesbeth Mevissen, Psychotrauma Practice, Rha, The Netherlands,
8Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Section Clinical Child and Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit van Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
9Research & Development, Trajectum, Zwolle, The Netherlands
Background
Because individuals with mild intellectual disability (MID) or borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) are at an elevated risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD;1, 2, 3), it is important to test the effectiveness of trauma-focused treatments, such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, including for adults with concomitant severe behavioural problems.
Aims
To determine the safety and effectiveness of brief intensive EMDR therapy carried out by a team of rotating therapists in adults with MID-BIF.
Methods
Using a randomized non-concurrent multiple baseline between-subjects design [4], 11 adults with MID-BIF and severe behavioural problems received a maximum of 16 intensive EMDR sessions twice daily for a maximum of two weeks from six different EMDR therapists. Primary outcome measurements included severity of PTSD symptoms, PTSD diagnostic status, and adverse events. Secondary outcome measurements included the frequency and severity of behavioural problems, presence of adaptive behaviour, and the use of involuntary care. Outcome measurements were assessed at baseline, during the intervention and post-intervention phases, and at the follow-up phases and subject to randomization tests for statistical significance.
Results
The results will be presented at the EMDR conference.
Conclusions
The conclusions of this study will be presented at the EMDR conference.
Learning objectives
− Participants will gain insight into the relationship between EMDR therapy and the reduction of behavioural problems in individuals with mild intellectual disabilities(MID) or borderline intellectual functioning (BIF).
− Participants will acquire up-to-date knowledge about the effectiveness of intensive EMDR therapy for treating PTSD in adults with MID or BIF and severe behavioural problems.
− Participants will learn about an intensive treatment program using EMDR therapy, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities in treating individuals with MID or BIF and severe behavioural problems.
References
[1] Mason-Roberts, S., Bradley, A., Karatzias, T., Brown, M., Paterson, D., Walley, R. Truesdale, M., Taggart, L., & Sirisena, C. (2018). Multiple traumatisation and subsequent psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities and DSM-5 PTSD: A preliminary study. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 62(8), 730–736. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12505
[2] Mevissen, L., Didden, R., De Jongh, A., & Korzilius, H. (2020). Assessing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in adults with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 13(2), 110–126. https://doi.org/10.1080/19315864.2020.1753267
[3] Versluis, A., Mevissen, L., de Jongh, A., Schuengel, C., & Didden, R. (2024). Reliability
and validity of the Diagnostic Interview Trauma and Stressors- Intellectual Disability in adults with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/19315864.2024.2416694
[4] Coon, J. C., & Rapp, J. T. (2018). Application of multiple baseline designs in behavior analytic research: Evidence for the influence of new guidelines. Behavioral Interventions, 33(2), 160–172. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1510
Anne Versluis1,2,
Ad de Jongh3,4,5,6,
Liesbeth Mevissen7,
Carlo Schuengel8,
Lianne Bakkum 8,
Robert Didden2,9
1Advisium, ’s Heeren Loo, Berkenweg 11, 3813 BG, Amersfoort, The Netherlands,
2Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,
3Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, UK,
4Research Department PSYTREC, Bilthoven, The Netherlands,
5School of Health Sciences, Salford University, Manchester, UK,
6SSchool of Psychology, Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland,
7Liesbeth Mevissen, Psychotrauma Practice, Rha, The Netherlands,
8Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Section Clinical Child and Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit van Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
9Research & Development, Trajectum, Zwolle, The Netherlands
Background
Because individuals with mild intellectual disability (MID) or borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) are at an elevated risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD;1, 2, 3), it is important to test the effectiveness of trauma-focused treatments, such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, including for adults with concomitant severe behavioural problems.
Aims
To determine the safety and effectiveness of brief intensive EMDR therapy carried out by a team of rotating therapists in adults with MID-BIF.
Methods
Using a randomized non-concurrent multiple baseline between-subjects design [4], 11 adults with MID-BIF and severe behavioural problems received a maximum of 16 intensive EMDR sessions twice daily for a maximum of two weeks from six different EMDR therapists. Primary outcome measurements included severity of PTSD symptoms, PTSD diagnostic status, and adverse events. Secondary outcome measurements included the frequency and severity of behavioural problems, presence of adaptive behaviour, and the use of involuntary care. Outcome measurements were assessed at baseline, during the intervention and post-intervention phases, and at the follow-up phases and subject to randomization tests for statistical significance.
Results
The results will be presented at the EMDR conference.
Conclusions
The conclusions of this study will be presented at the EMDR conference.
Learning objectives
− Participants will gain insight into the relationship between EMDR therapy and the reduction of behavioural problems in individuals with mild intellectual disabilities(MID) or borderline intellectual functioning (BIF).
− Participants will acquire up-to-date knowledge about the effectiveness of intensive EMDR therapy for treating PTSD in adults with MID or BIF and severe behavioural problems.
− Participants will learn about an intensive treatment program using EMDR therapy, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities in treating individuals with MID or BIF and severe behavioural problems.
References
[1] Mason-Roberts, S., Bradley, A., Karatzias, T., Brown, M., Paterson, D., Walley, R. Truesdale, M., Taggart, L., & Sirisena, C. (2018). Multiple traumatisation and subsequent psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities and DSM-5 PTSD: A preliminary study. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 62(8), 730–736. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12505
[2] Mevissen, L., Didden, R., De Jongh, A., & Korzilius, H. (2020). Assessing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in adults with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 13(2), 110–126. https://doi.org/10.1080/19315864.2020.1753267
[3] Versluis, A., Mevissen, L., de Jongh, A., Schuengel, C., & Didden, R. (2024). Reliability
and validity of the Diagnostic Interview Trauma and Stressors- Intellectual Disability in adults with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/19315864.2024.2416694
[4] Coon, J. C., & Rapp, J. T. (2018). Application of multiple baseline designs in behavior analytic research: Evidence for the influence of new guidelines. Behavioral Interventions, 33(2), 160–172. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1510
