Effectiveness of an intensive outpatient treatment programme combining prolonged exposure and EMDR therapy for adolescents and young adults with PTSD in a naturalistic setting

Elvira M. Rentinck*, Rosa van Mourik, Ad de Jongh, Suzy J.M.A. Matthijssen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents and young adults are hampered by high dropout rates. Looking at the results from adult treatments, short, intensive, outpatient treatment programmes may offer a promising alternative, but it has yet to be tested in this young population. Objective: To assess the results of a six-day intensive outpatient trauma-focused treatment programme for young individuals (12-25 years) with PTSD. The treatment combined prolonged exposure and EMDR therapy, supplemented with physical activity and the participation of relatives and/or friends. Treatment was performed by a rotating team of therapists. Methods: Seventy-four adolescents and young adults (89% women, mean age = 18.6 years, 36 patients aged 12–17 and 38 patients aged 18-25; SD = 3.1) with PTSD and a minimum of four memories of A-criterion traumatic events participated in the programme. PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and the perceived burden of trauma symptoms were assessed before treatment, at the start and one month after treatment. Results: Patients showed a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms from pre-treatment to one month after treatment (Cohen’s d = 1.66). Of all patients, 52 (70%) showed a clinically meaningful response, and 48 (65%) no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD one month after treatment. Depressive symptoms also decreased significantly (Cohen’s d = 1.02). The dropout rate was 4% (N = 3). None of the patients experienced an adverse event or worsening of symptoms. Conclusions: Results suggest that a short, intensive, outpatient therapy programme combining prolonged exposure, EMDR therapy, physical activity, and participation of relatives and friends, is well-tolerated, and an effective and safe treatment alternative for adolescents and young adults with PTSD due to multiple traumatization.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2451478
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology
Volume16
Issue number1
Early online date21 Jan 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

  • adolescents
  • EMDR therapy
  • intensive trauma-focused treatment
  • network participation
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • prolonged exposure
  • PTSD
  • young adults

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