An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder, leading to a different way of processing information. Typical behaviors are: a reduced capacity for social interaction and communication, reduced use of imagination and a rigid pattern of repetitive stereotyped activities. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, successful outcomes are well-documented in the literature for EMDR trea
Conditions
Interventions
In this quasi- experimental study, the patient is his own control. There are three measurements and one follow-up measurement. During the intake of EMDR is determined whether EMDR is an appropriate in
Sponsors
None.
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Normally intelligent adults of 18 years and older with ASD and (symptoms of) PTSD who receive outpatient treatment. ASD is diagnosed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist in accordance with the multidisciplinary guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in adults (Kan et al., 2013). Perceived burden of traumatic events: the inclusion criterion is a score of 4 or higher on the visualized thermometer, belonging to the modified ADIS, section PTSD. Permission to make video or audio recordings for supervision and assessing therapy integrity.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: No command of the Dutch language. Current psychotic symptoms. Current manic symptoms. Under the influence of alcohol, drugs and sedatives during the treatment sessions. Patients who need more than 8 sessions EMDR because of the severity of the symptoms (usually complex PTSD).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Severity of symptoms associated with PTSD, as measured by the Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R), decreases significantly after treatment with EMDR. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. The perceived burden of PTSD symptoms, as measured by a score at a visualized thermometer reduces with 2 points after treatment with EMDR. The thermometer belongs to the modified Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV (ADIS) section PTSD. 2: The number of symptoms associated with ASD, as measured with the Social Responsiveness Scale-Adults (SRS-A), decreases significantly after treatment with EMDR. 3: Frequency of self-reported psychological symptoms, as measured by the Brief Symptom Checklist (BSI) decreases significantly after treatment with EMDR. | — |
Contacts
Public ContactP.H. (Ella) Lobregt-van Buuren
Dimence, Centrum voor Ontwikkelingsstoornissen
Outcome results
None listed