EMDR for people with learning disabilities version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy for people with learning disabilities: an acceptability study.
IRAS ID
134568
Contact name
Sara Willott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Research summary
Mental health difficulties following emotional, sexual and/or physical trauma (that could result in a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder – PTSD) are experienced by a significant minority of the general population. NICE-recommended treatment involves either trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
The probability of developing PTSD and other trauma-induced psychological problems is greater for people with learning disabilities (LD) than in the general population. People with LD are both more likely to experience traumatic events, particularly abuse, and are less equipped to manage the consequences. There has not, however, been a systematic evaluation of treatments within this population. NICE have therefore not yet been able to make specific recommendations. Our proposed research will explore the effectiveness of extending EMDR-based therapy to people with LD who present with trauma-related mental health problems.
This is a relatively small study funded by the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust (BCHcT) to explore the acceptability of using EMDR with this population of people. The proposed research will formally evaluate, through multiple single case studies, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the effectiveness and acceptability of an EMDR-based treatment for adults with LD who present with trauma-related mental health problems. Eight to twelve participants will be recruited from existing case loads and new referrals of the Learning Disability Psychology Service of BCHcT.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/0036
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion