Group treatment for caregivers of children with brain tumors using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol Applied to Caregivers of Children With Pediatric Brain Tumor: a Feasibility Study and a Pilot Randomized Group Treatment Trial.

Not applicable Interventional IRCCS Eugenio Medea · NCT06339814

This study is testing if a special group therapy called EMDR can help caregivers of children who survived brain tumors feel less anxious and depressed compared to those getting regular support.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Eugenio Medea Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bosisio Parini, Lecco)
Trial IDNCT06339814 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for caregivers of pediatric brain tumor survivors. Caregivers often experience significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, comparable to trauma victims. The study will compare the EMDR treatment group, which will undergo four sessions, to a control group receiving standard treatment. The goal is to determine if EMDR can effectively reduce psychological distress in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are primary caregivers of children diagnosed with brain tumors who exhibit trauma-related symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly alleviate psychological distress for caregivers of pediatric brain tumor patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise for EMDR in treating psychological distress in caregivers of adult patients, but this specific application is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* being the primary caregivers of a patient with a diagnosis of brain tumor,
* evidence of one or more traumatic events causing trauma related symptoms (Impact of Event Scale-Revised \> 0, and Subjective Units of Distress \> 5);
* being fluent in Italian
* with at least three years of education.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of severe psychiatric disorders.

Where this trial is running

Bosisio Parini, Lecco

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Caregiver Burden
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.