Childhood Trauma and Psychosis: The case for exploring Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia

Authors: Inti Qurashi -Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool & University of Manchester, Manchester UK; Simon Chu - Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool & University of Central Lancashire, Preston UK; Henry Ashcroft - Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool UK; Benjamin Cross - East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Blackburn UK; Richard Bentall - University of Sheffield, Sheffield UK and Nusrat Husain - Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool UK.

Abstract

£18.00

There is an association between childhood trauma and the development of psychosis in adulthood and a treatment recommended to reduce the symptoms of trauma is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Studies of EMDR in adults with psychotic experiences and a history of trauma have shown encouraging results. As psychosis is a core feature of schizophrenia, and many persons with schizophrenia will have experienced childhood trauma, we review the evidence that EMDR may be a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia. We conclude that the evidence base supports well-designed and adequately powered randomised controlled studies of EMDR in schizophrenia with careful consideration given to inclusion criteria, participant acceptability and selection of clinically relevant outcome measures. Mechanism of action and potential effects on cognitive functioning should also be explored.

Keywords: EMDR, Trauma, Schizophrenia, Psychosis, PTSD.

Vol 2, Issue 2, October 2021