Abstract
BackgroundEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. However, it is unclear whether EMDR shows the same effectiveness in patients with substance use disorders (SUD) and comorbid PTSD. In this trial, we examine the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms in patients with SUD and PTSD.Methods/DesignWe conduct a single-blinded RCT among 158 patients with SUD and comorbid PTSD admitted to a German addiction rehabilitation center specialized for the treatment of patients with SUD and comorbid PTSD. Patients are randomized to receive either EMDR, added to SUD rehabilitation and non-trauma-focused PTSD treatment (TAU), or TAU alone. The primary outcome is change from baseline in PTSD symptom severity as measured by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale at 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes are change from baseline in substance use, addiction-related problems, depressive symptoms, dissociative symptoms, emotion dysregulation and quality of life. Assessments are carried out by blinded raters at admission, at end of treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. We expect that EMDR plus TAU will be more effective in reducing PTSD symptoms than TAU alone. Mixed models will be conducted using an intention-to-treat and per-protocol approach.DiscussionThis study aims to expand the knowledge about the effectiveness of EMDR in patients with SUD and comorbid PTSD. The expected finding of the superiority of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms compared to non-trauma-focused PTSD treatment may enhance the use of trauma-focused treatment approaches for patients with SUD and co-morbid PTSD.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00009007; U1111-1172-9213. Retrospectively registered 01 Juni 2016.
Highlights
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment for Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
This study aims to expand the knowledge about the effectiveness of EMDR in patients with substance use disorders (SUD) and comorbid PTSD
The expected finding of the superiority of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms compared to non-trauma-focused PTSD treatment may enhance the use of trauma-focused treatment approaches for patients with SUD and co-morbid PTSD
Summary
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD It is unclear whether EMDR shows the same effectiveness in patients with substance use disorders (SUD) and comorbid PTSD. First evidence exists that trauma-focused treatments, such as prolonged exposure [11], trauma-focused imaginal exposure [12] and structured writing therapy [13], may be effective in patients with PTSD and comorbid SUD in reducing PTSD symptoms, the evidence is not consistent [13,14,15] This trials found that trauma-focused interventions for patients with SUD and comorbid PTSD could be applied securely without compromising substance use outcomes [14, 15].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
