title: Treatment of PTSD in people with severe intellectual disabilities: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a dearth of information regarding the treatment of PTSD in people with severe intellectual disabilities (ID). The purpose of the present case studies was to assess the applicability and effects of an evidence-based treatment method for psychological trauma with this population.
  
  
  METHODS
  The treatment of four single cases with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was evaluated. Participants included adults and children with a variety of symptoms, as well as different histories of negative life events.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all cases PTSD symptoms decreased. In all but one case, the gains were maintained at 15.5 months to 2.5 years following treatment. Depressive symptoms and physical complaints diminished and social and adaptive skills improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EMDR seems to be an applicable treatment method for clients with severe ID. Reduction and maintenance of PTSD symptoms in individuals with severe ID appears to be both desirable and obtainable.
authors.affiliation: Accare, Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Deventer, The Netherlands. l.mevissen@accare.nl
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mevissen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lievegoed
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seubert
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Jongh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D057169:Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications*; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome