[Childhood-onset versus acute, adult-onset traumatized patients in the light of amnestic tendencies and derealisation].

OBJECTIVES

In the present study we examined the facial affective behaviour of acute adult-onset traumatized patients versus childhood-onset traumatized patients. Furthermore, we analyzed whether a decrease in emotional numbing results from a reduction of symptoms. We used amnestic tendencies as a moderator variable.

METHODS

The facial affective behaviour was coded with the Emotional Facial Acting Coding System, an instrument for the registration of facial movements with emotional relevance. The facial affective behaviour of the patient's first and last EMDR sessions was compared.

RESULTS

Childhood-onset and acute adult-onset traumatized patients showed the same reduction of overall facial activity. We found significantly higher psychic complaints (global severity index) (SCL-90-R) in childhood-onset traumatized patients and no difference in amnestic tendencies (FDS) between the two groups. Childhood-onset traumatized patients showed higher values of derealisation (FDS).

CONCLUSIONS

The facial affective reduction remains constant over time. Also childhood-onset traumatized patients developed more psychic complaints and greater derealisation.