Reducing acute stress in a 16-year old using trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of acute stress in an adolescent.

Methods: A combination of TF-CBT and EMDR was provided to a 16-year-old girl with distressing memories, anxiety and flashbacks. For measurement of the efficacy of the treatment package, the Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES-13) was used.

Results: Acute stress reactions decreased considerably after treatment and remained stable. CRIES-13 scores showed substantial reduction in stress scores. The girl reported no more flashbacks of the injury, sleeping difficulties or recurrent and distressing memories.

Conclusion: This case study illustrates the potential efficacy of a combination of TF-CBT and EMDR for patients with acute stress reactions. Future studies should examine the efficacy of this treatment package in a large sample of children.

• Spinal cord injury
• cognitive behaviour therapy
• eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
• acute stress
• paediatric intensive care unit