Preliminary Efficacy of the Transdiagnostic EMDR-Negative Affect Protocol

Abstract

First responders and their dependents must cope with the stress from their occupational duties. Those who present for treatment can be overwhelmed by their affective display. In this study, we used a mixed methods design with two first responders and the widow of a first responder. We used the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule measure to identify the negative affect and tested the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing-Negative Affect protocol, which directly targets the negative affect. From baseline to the end of treatment, all three clients had a clinically significant reduction in negative affect, and at 3-month follow-up, the two first responders had a significant reduction in negative affect. There was also a decrease in scores on attachment, depression, generalized anxiety, suicidality, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as an increase in scores on resilience. The findings show promising results; however, the protocol needs randomized controlled trials with first responders and veteran populations in larger sample sizes to prove its efficacy.