Is EMDR an Alternative Therapy for Adolescents With Social Anxiety Disorder?

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR) in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).

Method

The 12th-week follow-up study sample consisted of 26 adolescents, aged 12 to 16 years. Participants were screened with the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL). Additionally, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale - Child Version (RCADS-CV), and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) were administered at baseline, 4^th week, and 12^th week. The Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) and Severity (CGI-S), and SUD scales were also used. After two initial interviews, weekly EMDR sessions were conducted over 12 weeks.

Results

The baseline mean of total BAI scores decreased from 48.35 to 2.58; the social anxiety sub-scale of RCADS-CV decreased from 20.65 to 1.84, and the baseline mean of LSAS decreased from 147 to 48.65 at the end of the 12th week of treatment. After the 12^th week of EMDR, all the adolescents showed complete improvement. The findings showed that the social anxiety symptoms significantly decreased with EMDR therapy.

Conclusion

It can be said that EMDR is an effective psychotherapy in reducing the severity of social anxiety in adolescents.

Plain Language Summary

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a debilitating condition characterized by a marked and persistent fear of being humiliated or scrutinized by others. SAD is among the most prevalent and debilitating forms of anxiety disorders, and ranks as the third most common psychiatric disorder, following major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder. SAD most commonly begins during adolescence. The disorder can lead to substantial functional impairments in multiple areas of adolescent life, including an elevated risk of school dropout, lower academic achievement, greater susceptibility to bullying, limited peer relationships, and reduced satisfaction in social interactions. Additionally, SAD is associated with a heightened risk of developing other psychiatric conditions, including mood and anxiety disorders, behavioral problems, and substance use disorders. Since anxiety disorders are multifaceted, multiphasic therapies covering different dimensions of the issue are needed. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of these integrated therapies, a comprehensive therapeutic approach consistent with all contemporary theoretical orientations. A meta-analysis and a systematic review also suggest that EMDR was found to be effective in reducing symptoms not only in PTSD but also in depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Although EMDR is an effective treatment technique, there is a need for more studies showing its effectiveness in different psychopathologies, especially in children and adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of EMDR in SAD, which is the most common disorder in adolescents and causes impairment in daily functioning. We hypothesized that EMDR would reduce symptoms of SAD in adolescents after a 12-week follow-up.