Effect of Desensitization with Eye Movement and Reprocessing on Depression in Parents of Autistic Children

Background and Objectives: Autism in children has a profound effect on the life and mental and social health of the family, especially parents. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of desensitization with eye movement and reprocessing on depression of parents of children with autism. Materials and Methods: The present clinical trial was performed on 60 parents of autistic children referred to the Autism Center of Hamadan (Iran) in 2021. The samples were randomly located in the study groups. The intervention was performed for three consecutive 45-minute sessions once a week with desensitization treatment with eye movement and reprocessing. Data were collected using Demographics and the Beck Depression Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics in the SPSS (version 24) software. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean depression immediately after the intervention in the experimental (3.77±2.487) and control (17.15±4.49) groups (P<0.001). This difference between the two groups was also significant one month after the intervention (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that the intervention method of desensitization with eye movements and reprocessing significantly reduces the depression of parents of autistic children. Therefore, this method of treatment is recommended to healthcare providers for the prevention and treatment of psychological symptoms caused by the presence of an autistic child in the family.