Addition of the EMD app in PTSD treatment

INTERVENTION: The EMD‐app is a digital application that can be used on smartphone, laptop and computer at home as an additive intervention to an EMDR treatment. The application closely follows the main steps of the EMDR treatment. The user of the EMD‐APP will receive the instruction to keep in mind the most disturbing image from a traumatic recollection. The intervention consist of a simple “game” in which a participant must match abstract figures as quickly als possible. This serves as a distracting stimulus to tax the working memory sufficiently. In the intervention group patients receive an EMDR treatment with addition of the EMD app. They have to use the EMD‐APP in between of the first six EMDR‐sessions of their treatment. Patients in the control group receive an EMDR‐treatment as usual. CONDITION: Post traumatic stress disorder ; ; PRIMARY OUTCOME: The primary outcome parameter is the difference in PTSD symptom severity response pattern during the five sessions between the EMDR + EMD app‐group as compared to the group that receives EMDR alone and will be measured with the PCL‐5 Questionnaire. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Secondary outcomes include depressive symptoms (HADS), general anxiety symptoms (HADS), quality of life (SF‐12), acceptability (CSQ‐8), usability (SUS) and client satisfaction. INCLUSION CRITERIA: ‐ 18 – 65 years of age ‐ Referred to the Institute for Psychotrauma (IVP), part of Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, for PTSD following one or more work‐related traumatic experiences. ‐ Meet the DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD as confirmed by the CAPS‐5 ‐ In possession of a device such as a laptop, tablet, mobile phone or computer. ‐ Have sufficient command of the Dutch language, both verbally and in writing. ‐ Provide signed informed consent