The Effectiveness of EMDR in Reducing Anxiety Disorders in Preschool Children with Traumatic Experiences

Anxiety disorders in preschool children with traumatic experiences can have long-term effects on their mental health and social behaviors. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is recognized as an effective method for treating psychological trauma and related anxiety disorders. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing anxiety symptoms in preschool children (ages ۴-۶) with traumatic experiences in Tehran, during the period from July ۲۰۲۴ to April ۲۰۲۵. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test assessments. A sample of ۶۰ children was selected, divided into an experimental group receiving EMDR therapy and a control group. Findings revealed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms in children receiving EMDR, with effects sustained after a three-month follow-up. The results highlight the importance of early intervention using EMDR to address anxiety and trauma in young children. Additionally, this study demonstrates the versatility of EMDR in addressing a range of trauma-related symptoms in early childhood, reinforcing its practical application across diverse developmental stages. The findings advocate for integrating EMDR into early childhood mental health strategies and emphasize the importance of equipping professionals with effective trauma-focused therapeutic techniques. The provision of such interventions has the potential to significantly improve long-term psychological outcomes for children. Moreover, the research findings suggest that EMDR therapy is adaptable to various cultural and social contexts, making it a suitable strategy for nations with diverse populations. The study underlines the need for expanding trauma-centered care beyond conventional therapeutic frameworks by including evidence-based approaches like EMDR. Its scalability and structured protocol make it an optimal choice for implementation in both clinical and educational settings. The findings serve as valuable insights for policymakers and mental health professionals, offering a pathway toward better addressing childhood trauma and its psychological impacts. This underscores the importance of investing in preventive measures and accessible therapeutic interventions to mitigate the societal and familial burden associated with untreated anxiety disorders in children.

کلیدواژه ها:

EMDR Therapy ، Anxiety Disorders ، Preschool Children ، Traumatic Experiences ، Early Intervention