Revue critique de la littérature sur l’efficacité des interventions en Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) chez l’enfant et l’adolescent

Abstract

Objectives

Over three decades, EMDR therapy became a gold standard treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults. While a pediatric adaptation of EMDR therapy has been developed and disseminated in specialized trauma centers, its place in the management of psychotrauma in children and adolescents remains unclear.

Patients and method

A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane databases to identify controlled trials evaluating the benefit of EMDR therapy in subjects under 18 years of age.

Results

Fourteen studies were found (non-randomized k = 3, randomized k = 11) in which EMDR therapy was consistently more effective for trauma-related symptoms in children and adolescents compared to no intervention (waiting list) or non-specific interventions. None of the studies comparing EMDR to psychotrauma-focused psychotherapy (CBT-trauma-focused or writing-based) showed a significant difference on the primary outcomes. Two meta-analyses reported a medium effect size, d = 0.49–0.66, i.e., in the same range as other psycho-trauma focused psychotherapies.

Discussion

Although encouraging, one may regret the lack of studies evaluating the benefit EMDR therapy for youths with more complex trauma-related disorders (e.g., chronic form, association with suicidal behaviors, and/or developmental disabilities).

Conclusion

Further research would help to assess the benefit of EMDR therapy in children and adolescents, not only in terms of efficacy but also in terms of acceptability and effectiveness compared to other interventions.