Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe the implementation and outcomes of an Eye Movement and
Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)-treatment-program for women with
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth. DesignProspective cohort-study with pre- and post measurements.SettingA large university hospital in the Netherlands.PopulationWomen who gave birth to a living child at least 4 weeks ago, with a PTSD
diagnosis, or severe PTSD-symptoms combined with another DSM-5
diagnosis, who provided written informed consent.MethodsThe intervention applied was EMDR, an evidence-based psychotherapy for
patients with PTSD.Main Outcome MeasuresThe PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was administered before and after
treatment. Trauma history was assessed before treatment with the Life
Events Checklist for the DSM-5 (LEC-5), the Childhood Trauma
Questionnaire (CTQ-SF) and the Childbirth Perception Scale (CPS).ResultsForty-four women were referred, 26 met the inclusion criteria. After
treatment, none of the women met the criteria for diagnosis of PTSD
anymore after on average 5 weekly sessions of EMDR-treatment. These
outcomes are extra promising, as they were achieved in quite a complex
group of women with relatively high psychiatric comorbidity (64%) and
high rates of previous mental health treatment (80%).ConclusionsImplementing an EMDR-therapy treatment program for women with after
childbirth PTSD in the context of a large academic hospital is feasible
and effective. Key factors for success include a close collaboration
between the relevant hospital departments and a thorough case
conceptualisation addressing the aetiology of the PTSD.FundingNo external funding.KeywordsPosttraumatic Stress Disorder after childbirth, EMDR-therapy,
Psychiatry, Implementation.