This study examines the effects of a psychodynamic approach of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in treatment of traumatized refugee children. Among a child psychiatric outpatient refugee team, 13 children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), were treated by EMDR incorporated in a traditional psychodynamic therapeutic approach. The Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Scale for Children (PTSS-C) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) were administered before and after the treatment, to measure the effects. After treatment, a significant improvement was noticed in the functioning level and all PTSS-C scales, mostly in re-experiencing and least in the avoidance symptoms. The improvement in the functioning level was significantly correlated with the reduction of the PTSD-non-related and the depression, but not with that of the PTSD-related symptoms. Used in a psychodynamic context, EMDR is suggested to be effective treatment for traumatized refugee children. Our findings support the hypothesis of child-specific criteria for PTSD. © 2004 Taylor & Francis.

EMDR Children Treatment PTSD Refugee

rating scale symptomatology Psychiatric Department, Hospital depression refugee behavior therapy Follow-Up Studies human Life Change Events Refugees Eye Movements controlled study correlation function outpatient care Adaptation, Psychological Sweden school child Humans Hospitals, University avoidance behavior Treatment Outcome Adolescent male female functional assessment clinical article psychodynamics Psychoanalytic Therapy Article posttraumatic stress disorder Desensitization, Psychologic Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic child health care personality assessment Patient Care Team Child