A surprising treatment for trauma that’s been effective for adults is increasingly being used for children, too. EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, involves having a child recall a distressing experience while engaging in eye movements or being tapped on alternate sides of their body. This eye movement or tapping is called “bilateral stimulation.” Research suggests that it distracts from the intensity of the memory being recalled and overwrites it with a less overwhelming new memory.

This week at childmind.org, we explore EMDR — how it’s done, what we know about how it works, and who it’s right for. We also take a look at other treatments for PTSD, how trauma affects kids in school, and how it can be confused with ADHD. Finally, we consider the difference between PTSD and adjustment disorders, which are unusually strong reactions to events like a move, a new school, or a divorce, and how they’re treated.

– Caroline Miller, Editorial Director | ✉