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The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy to treat symptoms following trauma in Timor Leste

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Schubert, S.J., Lee, C.W., de Araujo, G., Butler, S.R., Taylor, G. and Drummond, P.D. (2016) The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy to treat symptoms following trauma in Timor Leste. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 29 (2). pp. 141-148.

Link to Published Version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jts.22084
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Abstract

The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating trauma symptoms was examined in a postwar/conflict, developing nation, Timor Leste. Participants were 21 Timorese adults with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), assessed as those who scored ≥2 on the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). Participants were treated with EMDR therapy. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Symptom changes post-EMDR treatment were compared to a stabilization control intervention period in which participants served as their own waitlist control. Sessions were 60–90 mins. The average number of sessions was 4.15 (SD = 2.06). Despite difficulties providing treatment cross-culturally (i.e., language barriers), EMDR therapy was followed by significant and large reductions in trauma symptoms (Cohen's d = 2.48), depression (d = 2.09), and anxiety (d = 1.77). At posttreatment, 20 (95.2%) participants scored below the HTQ PTSD cutoff of 2. Reliable reductions in trauma symptoms were reported by 18 participants (85.7%) posttreatment and 16 (76.2%) at 3-month follow-up. Symptoms did not improve during the control period. Findings support the use of EMDR therapy for treatment of adults with PTSD in a cross-cultural, postwar/conflict setting, and suggest that structured trauma treatments can be applied in Timor Leste.

Item Type: Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Psychology and Exercise Science
Publisher: Wiley
Copyright: © 2016 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
URI: http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/30314
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