An investigation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMD/R) as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of Vietnam combat veterans

Abstract

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMD/R) was investigated with 25 Vietnam combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), randomly assigned to EMD/R or a control condition. First, PTSD was assessed and subjects were assisted in developing a PTSD-related treatment goal. Subjective anxiety and a belief in a positive cognition related to war trauma were also assessed. Second, EMD/R subjects were then seen for one history-taking session, and two treatment sessions. Approximately 17 days after the initial assessment, repeat assessments of PTSD symptomatology, goal attainment, subjective anxiety, and belief in desired positive cognitions were conducted. Overall, EMD/R showed little effectiveness in this study. Although effective in reducing in-session subjective anxiety, EMD/R was not effective in improving other PTSD symptoms, in contributing to goal attainment, or in increasing subjects' beliefs in their desired positive cognition. The results imply that EMD/R may not be successful in treating Vietnam combat veterans with PTSD.