EMDR Therapy in Preterm-Born Infants With Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (NCT07590778) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
EMDR Therapy in Preterm-Born Infants With Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms
Netherlands10 participantsStarted 2025-02-26
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
0 Months – 24 Months
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Preterm birth (\<37 weeks gestational age)
* Age between 0 and 24 months
* Presence of frequent and severe post-traumatic stress symptoms (occurring daily to multiple times per week), considered related to medical trauma following premature birth
* Not currently hospitalized
* Availability of a parent or legal guardian able to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Insufficient proficiency in Dutch to complete study procedures and questionnaires
* Severe physical illness or medical condition that is considered to be the primary focus of clinical care and/or interferes with participation in the intervention
* Current participation in other trauma-focused psychological treatment
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Child post-traumatic stress symptoms
Timeframe: Daily during baseline (minimum 14 days) through intervention (minimum 14 days up to 49 days) and post-intervention (minimum 14 days), and at 3-month post-intervention phase (14 days).