Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy as a Feasible and Potential Effective Treatment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a History of Adverse Events

E. Lobregt-van Buuren; B. Sizoo; L. Mevissen; A. de Jongh

doi:10.1007/s10803-018-3687-6

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy as a Feasible and Potential Effective Treatment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a History of Adverse Events

E. Lobregt-van Buuren
, B. Sizoo
, L. Mevissen
, A. de Jongh

Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

Abstract

The study investigated whether EMDR is a feasible therapy for adults with ASD and a history of adverse events, and whether it is associated with reductions in symptoms of PTSD, psychological distress and autism. Participants received 6 to 8 weeks treatment as usual (TAU), followed by a maximum of 8 sessions EMDR added to TAU, and a follow-up of 6–8 weeks with TAU only. Results showed a significant reduction of symptoms of post-traumatic stress (IES-R: d = 1.16), psychological distress (BSI: d = 0.93) and autistic features (SRS-A: d = 0.39). Positive results were maintained at follow-up. The results suggest EMDR therapy to be a feasible and potentially effective treatment for individuals with ASD who suffer from the consequences of exposure to distressing events.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	151-164
Number of pages	14
Journal	Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume	49
Issue number	1
Early online date	28 Jul 2018
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3687-6
Publication status	Published - 15 Jan 2019

Funding

We would like to acknowledge the contributions by the therapists in this study: Titia Arwerth, Barbara Kemps, Erik Kuiper, Noortje van Vliet, Jedidja Weegenaar (Dimence Institute of Mental Health); Nienke Boonstra (Altrecht Institute of Mental Health); Petra Spuijbroek (Riverduinen Institute of Mental Health); Uschi Koster; Erica Pijpers (both private practices in specialized mental health). We thank Arjan van Wijk (Department of Behavioral Sciences, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam) for his statistical analysis advice. Ella Lobregt-van Buuren conceived of the study, coordinated the study, performed the measurements and the statistical analysis, interpreted the data and drafted the manuscript; Bram Sizoo participated in the design, statistical analysis, interpretation of the data and helped to draft the manuscript; Liesbeth Mevissen participated in the design, trained and supervised the EMDR-therapists and helped to draft the manuscript; Ad de Jongh participated in the design, interpreted the data and helped to draft the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Funders
Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam
Arjan van Wijk
Barbara Kemps
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Erik Kuiper
Nienke Boonstra
Petra Spuijbroek
Titia Arwerth
Alliance for California Traditional Arts
Universiteit van Amsterdam

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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10.1007/s10803-018-3687-6

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title = "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy as a Feasible and Potential Effective Treatment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a History of Adverse Events",

abstract = "The study investigated whether EMDR is a feasible therapy for adults with ASD and a history of adverse events, and whether it is associated with reductions in symptoms of PTSD, psychological distress and autism. Participants received 6 to 8 weeks treatment as usual (TAU), followed by a maximum of 8 sessions EMDR added to TAU, and a follow-up of 6–8 weeks with TAU only. Results showed a significant reduction of symptoms of post-traumatic stress (IES-R: d = 1.16), psychological distress (BSI: d = 0.93) and autistic features (SRS-A: d = 0.39). Positive results were maintained at follow-up. The results suggest EMDR therapy to be a feasible and potentially effective treatment for individuals with ASD who suffer from the consequences of exposure to distressing events.",

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Lobregt-van Buuren, E, Sizoo, B, Mevissen, L & de Jongh, A 2019, 'Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy as a Feasible and Potential Effective Treatment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a History of Adverse Events', Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 151-164. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3687-6

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy as a Feasible and Potential Effective Treatment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a History of Adverse Events. / Lobregt-van Buuren, E.; Sizoo, B.; Mevissen, L. et al.
In: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Vol. 49, No. 1, 15.01.2019, p. 151-164.

Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy as a Feasible and Potential Effective Treatment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a History of Adverse Events

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UN SDGs

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