Reducing acute stress in a 16-year old using trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of acute stress in an adolescent. METHODS A combination of TF-CBT and EMDR was provided to a 16-year-old girl with distressing memories, anxiety and flashbacks. For measurement of the efficacy of the treatment package, the Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES-13) was used. RESULTS Acute stress reactions decreased considerably after treatment and remained stable. CRIES-13 scores showed substantial reduction in stress scores. The girl reported no more flashbacks of the injury, sleeping difficulties or recurrent and distressing memories. CONCLUSION This case study illustrates the potential efficacy of a combination of TF-CBT and EMDR for patients with acute stress reactions. Future studies should examine the efficacy of this treatment package in a large sample of children.