title: A pilot study of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing treatment (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress after childbirth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to explore the possibility of using eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) to treat women who have experienced post-traumatic stress after childbirth.
  
  
  METHODS
  the pilot study consisted of a 'before and after' treatment design combined with follow-up measurements 1-3 years after EMDR treatment. Quantitative data from questionnaires (Traumatic Event Scale [TES]) were collected. In addition, qualitative data from individual interviews with the participants were collected as well as data from the psychotherapist's treatment notes of the EMDR treatment sessions.
  
  
  METHODS
  the north of Sweden.
  
  
  METHODS
  four women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth (one pregnant and three non-pregnant).
  
  
  RESULTS
  all participants reported reduction of post-traumatic stress after treatment. After 1-3 years, the beneficial effects of EMDR treatment remained for three of the four women. Symptoms of intrusive thoughts and avoidance seemed most sensitive for treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EMDR might be a useful tool in the treatment of non-pregnant women severely traumatised by childbirth; however, further research is required.
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, Umeå Utveckling AB, Sweden. marianne.sandstrom@hojdpunkten.ac.se
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sandström
authors.forename: Britt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wiberg
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wikman
authors.forename: Anna-Klara
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Willman
authors.forename: Ulf
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Högberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods*; D005133:Eye Movements; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000451:nursing*; D012107:Research Design; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000451:nursing*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000451:nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D016896:Treatment Outcome