Research Articles (EDG 6304) by

The Use of EMDR Therapy with Adolescents in Juvenile Detention Centers

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-01 17:33:19 UTC

The Impact of Medication on Teen Mental Health Counseling Outcomes

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-01 17:33:49 UTC

Addressing Mental Health Stigma in Teens Receiving Court-Mandated Counseling

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-01 17:34:03 UTC

Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Adolescents with Complex PTSD Secondary to Childhood Abuse: A Case Series

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-02 19:36:50 UTC

Karadag et al. (2019) examined the efficacy of EMDR therapy for children and adolescents aged 7–18 diagnosed with PTSD. A total of 30 youths (primarily girls) were recruited from a university mental health clinic and received one weekly EMDR session over six weeks. Assessments using the Child Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Index and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were conducted before treatment and six weeks afterward. The results showed a significant reduction in both PTSD and anxiety symptoms. The authors noted limitations, including a small sample size, the absence of a control group, and a short follow-up period, and recommended larger, controlled studies to strengthen the evidence (Rolling et al., 2024).

The Outcomes of Trauma-Informed Practice in Youth Justice: An Umbrella Review

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-02 19:40:58 UTC

This umbrella review synthesized findings from nine systematic reviews conducted between 2017 and 2023 to evaluate the effectiveness of trauma-informed practices in youth justice settings. The studies included various trauma-focused interventions delivered to justice-involved youth, examining outcomes related to trauma symptoms, mental health and well‑being, and involvement in the justice system. Participants were mainly adolescents with known histories of trauma. Researchers analyzed and compared pre-existing review data (meta-analyses and systematic reviews), focusing on primary studies within those larger works. The findings consistently showed that trauma-informed interventions significantly reduced youth PTSD symptoms, improved mental health, and decreased justice system involvement; however, evidence for broader organizational-level changes was weaker (Malvaso et al., 2024).

EMDR With Children. An Overview of Research and Clinical Practice

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-02 19:43:35 UTC

This literature review examines more than 25 years of EMDR application with children and adolescents (ages 4–18) internationally, focusing on both single-event and developmental trauma. Drawing on meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials, the paper outlines how EMDR protocols are adapted developmentally, including the use of drawings, simplified SUD/VOC scales, and bilateral stimulation via eye movements or taps. Findings consistently show EMDR effectively reduces PTSD symptoms in young clients, is supported by guidelines from WHO and the Australian Psychological Society, and can be safely delivered even to those with complex trauma histories. The article also includes clinical examples, such as a 6-year-old who overcame bedwetting and distress after processing trauma, demonstrating the practical impact of the method (Struik, 2024).

Mandated Treatment and Its Impact on Therapeutic Process and Outcome Factors

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-03 15:03:46 UTC

In this narrative review, researchers examined how court-mandated treatment affects the therapeutic process and outcomes, specifically in forensic and substance abuse contexts. They analyzed studies involving individuals required by the legal system to attend therapy, focusing on how coercion, stigma, and the therapist's role influence motivation, therapeutic alliance, and satisfaction. The findings suggest that legal mandates do not necessarily lead to perceived coercion or reduce treatment satisfaction, especially when therapists adopt a caring yet authoritative stance. Effectiveness was also noted in reducing recidivism. The authors conclude that mandated treatment can be effective, provided it's delivered within a strong therapeutic relationship and with attention to client autonomy (Hachtel et al., 2019).

What characterizes a good mental health professional in court-mandated treatment settings?

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-03 15:06:17 UTC

This qualitative interview study explored key characteristics and practices that enhance therapeutic engagement and outcomes in court-mandated (involuntary) treatment settings. Interviews were conducted with 41 older incarcerated patients and 63 mental health professionals across Switzerland and Canada, using thematic analysis to identify themes. Both patients and providers emphasized the importance of a humane, respectful, humanistic approach, separating the person from their offense while involving patients in treatment planning to bolster autonomy and motivation. They also highlighted the need for concrete, personalized feedback and a directive yet non-confrontational stance to build trust in coercive contexts. The study concludes that even involuntary therapy can be effective when clinicians demonstrate empathy, offer real choices, and maintain professionalism in dual roles (caregiver and mandated agent) (Seaward et al., 2021).

The Impact of Mental Illness Stigma on Seeking and Participating in Mental Health Care

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-03 15:11:53 UTC

This review explores how mental illness stigma across public, self, and structural levels undermines individuals’ willingness to seek and remain in mental health care. Stigma distorts self-perception (“Why try?” effect), discourages people from seeking help, and leads many to drop out early. The authors explain that stigma affects themselves, families, healthcare providers, and system-level policies, contributing to the continuation of care. They advocate for multifaceted interventions, including increasing mental health literacy, enacting anti-discrimination policies, and incorporating stigma-awareness training into professional education, with a particular focus on targeting providers to reduce stigma and improve treatment engagement (Corrigan et al., 2014).

State of the Evidence for Use of Psychotropic Medications in School-Age Youth

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-03 21:45:05 UTC

This article looks at current research on psychotropic medication use in children aged 6–17, focusing on treatments for ADHD, depression, anxiety, aggression, and OCD. Drawing from clinical trials, epidemiological studies, prescribing trend data, and professional guidelines, it evaluates both the efficacy and safety of medications such as stimulants, SSRIs, and antipsychotics. The findings indicate that these medications can be effective especially when combined with psychosocial interventions but also raise concerns about long-term safety and notable disparities in prescribing across demographic groups. The authors emphasize the need for coordinated, “whole-child” approaches involving schools, families, and prescribers to ensure equitable and safe treatment in real-world settings (Shahidullah et al., 2023).

Psychotropic Medication Use and Polypharmacy Among Children and Adolescents Initiating Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Severe Challenging Behavior

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-03 21:47:43 UTC

This study examined the prevalence and patterns of psychotropic medication use, including the use of multiple psychiatric medications, among children and adolescents with severe challenging behaviors, such as those with developmental disabilities or behavioral disorders. The research analyzed prescribing data from a large cohort to assess frequency, combinations of medications, and associated demographic factors. Findings revealed an alarmingly high rate of psychotropic prescriptions and frequent use of multiple concurrent medications, raising concerns about the potential for adverse effects, insufficient monitoring, and the need for oversight in managing complex medication regimens. The authors suggest implementing rigorous guidelines, multidisciplinary collaboration, and comprehensive monitoring to ensure safe and effective treatment for this vulnerable population (O’Brien et al., 2024).

The Role of Medication in Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Young People with Long-Term Needs

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-03 21:51:11 UTC

Gray and Wood (2017) conducted a narrative review using case studies to explore how prescribed medications affect the emotional well-being of adolescents managing long-term physical and mental health conditions (e.g., ADHD, depression). This study demonstrates both therapeutic benefits, such as symptom relief and improved mood, and challenges, including side effects, adherence issues, and the psychological burden of ongoing treatment. It emphasizes the importance of fostering autonomy and shared decision-making in medication management with young people. The authors advocate for health professionals to strike a balance between efficacy and emotional and developmental needs, ensuring that medication use aligns with youth-centered care principles and supports overall emotional well-being (Gray & Wood, 2017).

References

hmccormick1_1 — 2025-07-03 21:52:25 UTC

Corrigan, P. W., Druss, B. G., & Perlick, D. A. (2014). The Impact of Mental Illness Stigma on Seeking and Participating in Mental Health Care. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 15(2), 37–70. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100614531398

Gray, N., & Wood, D. (2017). The Role of Medication in Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Young People with Long-Term Needs. Healthcare, 5(4), 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare5040084

Hachtel, H., Vogel, T., & Huber, C. G. (2019). Mandated Treatment and Its Impact on Therapeutic Process and Outcome Factors. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10(219). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00219

Lakhan, S. E., & Hagger-Johnson, G. E. (2007). The impact of prescribed psychotropics on youth. Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 3(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-0179-3-21

Malvaso, C. G., Day, A., & Boyd, C. M. (2024). The Outcomes of Trauma-Informed Practice in Youth Justice: An Umbrella Review. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 17(3), 939–955. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-024-00634-5

O’Brien, M. J., Pauls, A. M., Cates, A. M., Larson, P. D., & Zorn, A. N. (2024). Psychotropic Medication Use and Polypharmacy Among Children and Adolescents Initiating Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Severe Challenging Behavior. The Journal of Pediatrics, 271, 114056–114056. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114056

Rolling, J., Fath, M., Zanfonato, T., Durpoix, A., Mengin, A. C., & Schröder, C. M. (2024). EMDR–Teens–cPTSD: Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Adolescents with Complex PTSD Secondary to Childhood Abuse: A Case Series. Healthcare, 12(19), 1993. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191993

Seaward, H., Wangmo, T., Vogel, T., Graf, M., Egli-Alge, M., Liebrenz, M., & Elger, B. S. (2021). What characterizes a good mental health professional in court-mandated treatment settings?: Findings from a qualitative study with older patients and mental health care professionals. BMC Psychology, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-021-00624-4

Shahidullah, J. D., Roberts, H., Parkhurst, J., Ballard, R., Mautone, J. A., & Carlson, J. S. (2023). State of the Evidence for Use of Psychotropic Medications in School-Age Youth. Children, 10(9), 1454. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10091454

Struik, A. (2024). EMDR With Children. an Overview of Research and Clinical Practice. Journal of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists, 34(1), 49–58. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10939142