Evaluation of the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing anxiety among children in the dental clinic

Evaluation of the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing anxiety among children in the dental clinic: a randomized controlled trial

Registry ID
ISRCTN15072657
Source registry
ISRCTN
Status
Recruiting
Study type
INTERVENTIONAL
Sponsor
Syrian Private University
Enrollment
130
Start date
2026-04-01
Completion date
2026-10-01
Last update
2026-08-17

Conditions

Summary

Dental anxiety and fear among children during dental treatment

Detailed description

Participants are randomly divided into two parallel groups in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated random sequence.. The control group receives traditional non-pharmacological behavioral techniques: tell-show-do and positive reinforcement. The experimental intervention group receives the same behavioral techniques used in the control group are used, in addition to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This is a single-session study. All assessments is completed within this single treatment session, and there is not subsequent follow-up periods or review visits.

Interventions

Inclusion criteria

1. The patient requires routine dental treatment, specifically a pulpotomy of primary molars (first or second upper molar, or first lower molar) on both the right and left sides, under local anesthesia only 2. The patient has a moderate to high anxiety level according to the CFSS-DS scale 3. Parental and child consent is required

Exclusion criteria

1. Children with severe mental or physical disabilities that prevent communication or cooperation 2. Children with a history of severe psychological or neurological disorders 3. Children currently taking sedatives, anxiolytics, or anti-anxiety medications 4. Children who have had previous severe traumatic dental experiences within the last 6 months 5. Parents or children who refuse to provide a signed informed consent

Locations

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