Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a Possible Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Treatment Option for a Patient with ADHD and History of Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Case Report Study

Clotilde Guidetti; Patrizia Brogna; Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo; Ida Turrini; Valentina Arcangeli; Azzurra Rausa; Maddalena Bianchetti; Elisa Rolleri; Chiara Santomassimo; Gianluigi Di Cesare; Giuseppe Ducci; Domenico M Romeo; Claudia Brogna

doi:10.3390/jpm13020200

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a Possible Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Treatment Option for a Patient with ADHD and History of Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Case Report Study

J Pers Med. 2023 Jan 23;13(2):200. doi: 10.3390/jpm13020200.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
² Complex Operative Unit Prevention and Early Interventions (PIPSM), Department of Mental Health ASL ROMA 1, 00193 Rome, Italy.
³ Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
⁴ Department Women Children and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy.
⁵ Pediatric Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.

Abstract

Background: Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) having a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) could be very difficult to treat with standard psychotherapeutic approaches. Some children diagnosed with ADHD may have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or have had experienced a significant traumatic event. Trauma and PTSD could exacerbate ADHD core symptoms and be a risk factor of poor outcome response.

Objective: to report for the first time the history of a patient with ADHD and ACE successfully treated with an EMDR approach.

Conclusion: EMDR could be a promising treatment for ADHD children with a history of traumatic experiences in addition to pharmacological treatments.

Keywords: ADHD; EMDR; adverse childhood experiences (ACE).

Publication types

Case Reports

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.