Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy on Post Traumatic Stress, Depression and Anxiety Disorders among Orphaned Children in Institutions of Care in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur in adults as well as children and adolescents. Untreated PTSD can result in negative long-term mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, low self-concept, disruptive behaviors, and/or substance use disorders among others. Treatment of PTSD is essential, especially in young population due to their greater vulnerability. EMDR therapy is used to treat trauma as well as other psychological disturbances acquired as a result of negative life experiences. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of EMDR therapy on the Kenyan population, particularly those children who suffer from traumatic memories. The study used a quasi-experimental research design utilizing qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection. A sample size of 157 children aged between 11 and 17 years, 4 EMDR therapists and 6 caregivers was selected. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were conducted with the help of SPSS. The study found that 71% had adverse childhood experiences and 53.3 had experienced traumatic events. The prevalence of probable PTSD was 70.7% 95%C. I (63.1%-77.7%). The Prevalence of depression symptoms was 45.2% 95% C. I (36.9%- 52.9%). In addition, 43.3% 95%C. I 35.7%-51.0%) had general anxiety disorder. Results showed significant reduction in PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms. The study concludes that children in orphan institutions of care have a high prevalence of PTSD and other comorbidities mainly anxiety and depression. Further the study results showed that EMDR is effective and applicable in the Kenyan context particularly with children in institutions of care. In addition, EMDR therapy is effective in treatment of children with PTSD in orphan institutions of care by significantly reducing PTSD symptoms. Beyond treating PTSD, EMDR therapy was found to be beneficial in treating other comorbidities especially anxiety and depression. Based on the study’s findings, it is recommended that training for EMDR therapy should be expanded and Institutions of higher learning should review their curriculum to include EMDR training so that upcoming counsellors can embrace the treatment modality. In addition, existing mental health institutions ought to embrace EMDR therapy as an effective treatment method for not only PTSD but all other psychological and emotional distress as has been the practice in other parts of the world.