EMDR Therapy in Preterm-Born Infants With Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

This study examines a trauma-focused treatment for very young children who were born prematurely and developed post-traumatic stress related symptoms after medical care. Preterm infants often experience stressful events in the hospital, which can affect their emotional and behavioral development. In this study, an adapted form (storytelling) of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was used with preterm born children aged 0 to 2 years. The treatment was delivered in a small group of participants, and changes in post- traumatic stress symptoms, sleep, emotional functioning, parental PTSD symptoms and perceived bonding and parent-infant interaction were monitored over time using parent reports. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether this early intervention (EMDR, storytelling) is feasible, well accepted by families, and potentially effective in reducing post-traumatic stress related symptoms in this vulnerable population.