A mixed‐methods, randomized controlled feasibility trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) plus Standard Care (SC) versus SC alone for DSM‐5 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults with intellectual disabilities

Objective: To report the results of the first randomised feasibility trial of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) plus Standard Care (SC) vs. SC alone for DSM-5 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Method: A total of 29 participants were randomised to either to EMDR + SC (n= 15) or SC (n= 14). Participants completed measures on traumatic stress (PCL-C) and comorbid distress at baseline, 1-week post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Results: In the EMDR + SC group, 9 (60%) participants at post-treatment and 7 (47%) participants at 3-month follow-up were diagnosis free. In SC, 4 (27%) at post-treatment and follow-up were diagnosis free. At post-treatment 3 participants (20%) dropped out from the EMDR + SC group, and 1 (7%) dropped out from the SC group. Conclusions: It is feasible, acceptable and potentially effective to deliver EMDR in this population group