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Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) consists of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with saccadic eye movements (induced by following examiners' fingers) while the patient recalls traumas. In a CBT-focused writing therapy (CBWT), patients write narratives on a computer. Researchers examined these therapies' effectiveness in 103 participants aged 8 to 18 years (mean, 13) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms from a single trauma occurring at least 1 month before treatment.
The patients were randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to EMDR, CBWT, or a waitlist. Sessions of EMDR and CBWT lasted 45 minutes; treatment continued through six sessions or until families and therapists agreed there was no further need. Partici…