Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Group Research Articles

Psychological intervention in women victims of childhood sexual abuse: a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing EMDR psychotherapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

Childhood sexual abuse persists as a painful societal reality, necessitating responses from institutions and healthcare professionals to prevent and address its severe long-term consequences in victims. This study implements an intervention comprising two psychotherapeutic approaches recommended by the WHO and international clinical guidelines for addressing short-, medium-, and long-term posttraumatic symptomatology: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Both approaches are adapted from group formats for implementation in small online groups via Zoom. The impact of both therapeutic approaches on trauma improvement was assessed in a sample of 19 women who were victims of childhood sexual abuse through a Randomized Clinical Trial comparing EMDR Psychotherapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy after a baseline period. Intra and inter comparison were made using statistics appropriate to the sample. Both therapeutic approaches significantly reduced symptomatology across various evaluated variables, suggesting their efficacy in improving the quality of life for these individuals. Following CBT-FT treatment, patients exhibited enhanced emotional regulation, reduced reexperiencing, and avoidance. The EMDR group, utilizing the G-TEP group protocol, significantly improved dissociation, along with other crucial clinical variables and the perception of quality of life. Although the limitations of this study must be taken into account due to the size of the sample and the lack of long-term follow-up, the results align with existing scientific literature, underscoring the benefits of trauma-focused psychological treatments. The online group format appears promising for enhancing the accessibility of psychological treatment for these women. Furthermore, the differential outcomes of each treatment support recent research advocating for the inclusion of both approaches for individuals with trauma-related symptomatology. The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Valencian International University (VIU) (Valencia, Spain) (Ref. CEID2021_07). The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated to the scientific community. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04813224, identifier NCT04813224.

A randomized controlled trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

In addition to pharmacological treatment, psychotherapeutic approaches are recommended for the treatment of fibromyalgia. There is a suggestion that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may be effective. This study aimed to investigate the impact of EMDR therapy on fibromyalgia symptoms, depression, sleep quality, and traumatic stress in fibromyalgia patients through a randomized controlled study (RCT). The sample for this study comprised 79 individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the "Treatment as Usual" (TAU) group and the TAU + EMDR group. Prior to the study and at six different time points (before starting the study, at the end of the 5th, 10th, and 15th sessions, 1 month later, and 3 months later), participants completed assessments, including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Fibromyalgia ACR 2010 Diagnostic Criteria [Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity Scale (SSS)], Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (TSC-40). There were no differences in the sociodemographic variables between the study and experimental groups. Analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant group effect on VAS (p = 0.019), WPI (p = 0.018), BDI (p = 0.019), and TSC-40 (p = 0.21). After applying Bonferroni correction, EMDR was found to be effective for VAS, WPI, SSS, BDI, PSQI, and TSC-40 (p <0.05). The results of the current study suggest that EMDR therapy is a viable alternative treatment for fibromyalgia. We believe these findings offer robust evidence supporting the efficacy of EMDR therapy in treating fibromyalgia, particularly in the context of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The application of EMDR therapy for the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia is likely to be beneficial. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT06265194.

Group eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in chronic pain patients.

The prevalence of chronic pain is increasing, and conventional pain therapies often have limited efficacy in individuals with high levels of psychological distress and a history of trauma. In this context, the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based psychotherapy approach for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder, is becoming increasingly important. EMDR shows promising results, particularly for patients with pain and high levels of emotional distress. Although group therapy is becoming increasingly popular in pain management, EMDR has mainly been studied as an individual treatment. However, a systematic review suggests that group therapy can be an effective tool for improving mental health outcomes, especially when trauma is addressed together. Based on these findings, an outpatient EMDR group program was developed for patients with chronic pain. The program consists of a total of four treatment days with 5-5.5 h therapy sessions each day and provides patients with a supportive environment in which they can learn effective pain management strategies and interact with other patients with similar experiences. Initial pilot evaluations indicate high efficacy and adequate safety for patients with chronic pain.

DNA methylation changes in association with trauma-focused psychotherapy efficacy in treatment-resistant depression patients: a prospective longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Background: Stressful events increase the risk for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and trauma-focused psychotherapy can be useful for TRD patients exposed to early life stress (ELS). Epigenetic processes are known to be related to depression and ELS, but there is no evidence of the effects of trauma-focused psychotherapy on methylation alterations. Objective: We performed the first epigenome-wide association study to investigate methylation changes related to trauma-focused psychotherapies effects in TRD patients. Method: Thirty TRD patients assessed for ELS underwent trauma-focused psychotherapy, of those, 12 received trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, and 18 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). DNA methylation was profiled with Illumina Infinium EPIC array at T0 (baseline), after 8 weeks (T8, end of psychotherapy) and after 12 weeks (T12 – follow-up). We examined differentially methylated CpG sites and regions, as well as pathways analysis in association with the treatment. Results: Main results obtained have shown 110 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) with a significant adjusted p-value area associated with the effects of trauma-focused psychotherapies in the entire cohort. Several annotated genes are related to inflammatory processes and psychiatric disorders, such as LTA, GFI1, ARID5B, TNFSF13, and LST1. Gene enrichment analyses revealed statistically significant processes related to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor and TNF signalling pathway. Stratified analyses by type of trauma-focused psychotherapy showed statistically significant adjusted p-value area in 141 DMRs only for the group of patients receiving EMDR, with annotated genes related to inflammation and psychiatric disorders, including LTA, GFI1, and S100A8. Gene set enrichment analyses in the EMDR group indicated biological processes related to inflammatory response, particularly the TNF signalling pathway. Conclusion: We provide preliminary valuable insights into global DNA methylation changes associated with trauma-focused psychotherapies effects, in particular with EMDR treatment.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy compared to usual treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in adults with psychosis in forensic settings: Randomized controlled trial.

Little direct evidence supports any particular treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with schizophrenia, forensic histories, and/or multiple comorbidities. This trial assesses the efficacy and risks of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for people with PTSD and psychotic disorders receiving forensic care, including inpatients and prisoners. Single-blind randomized controlled trial comparing EMDR therapy to wait-list (routine care) in forensic-treated adults with psychotic disorders and PTSD. The primary outcome was clinician-rated PTSD symptoms. Secondary outcomes included participant-rated PTSD symptoms, psychotic symptoms, social functioning, disability level, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, posttraumatic cognitions, complex posttraumatic difficulties, and adverse events. Blinded investigators assessed outcomes at baseline, and after 10 weeks and 6 months. Analysis of the primary outcome was by a mixed linear model. Twenty-four participants were randomized, recruitment being hindered by COVID-19 restrictions. Clinician Administered PTSD Scale mean (SD) scores after 6 months were lower (better) in the EMDR group, 21.3 (13.3), compared with the control group, 31.5 (20.7). The point estimate [95% CI] difference, averaged over two measurement times, was 11.4 [1.3, 21.4], p = .028, favoring EMDR. Self-esteem increased in the EMDR group and depressive symptoms and disability reduced. There were no statistically significant differences in psychotic symptoms or adverse events, although point estimates favored EMDR. This is the first EMDR trial in mental health inpatient, forensic, or custodial settings, where PTSD is common. There were improvements in PTSD and other symptomatology consistent with EMDR being a safe and effective treatment for PTSD in these settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A pragmatic randomized controlled exploratory trial of the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy for psychotic disorder

BackgroundPeople with severe mental illness are often excluded from trials related to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Principal concerns are that they may not tolerate treatment, might risk relapse or that psychotic symptoms may worsen. There is however building evidence of a traumatogenic etiology of psychotic disorder that may benefit therapeutically from EMDR. However, EMDR in this role is done mainly in specialist tertiary settings. AimTo conduct a randomized exploratory trial of prospective treatment of EMDR for people with psychotic disorder and a history of trauma in an adult community mental health service. MethodsA randomized exploratory trial with a controlled pilot design was employed to conduct a prospective treatment and six-month follow-up study with an interim 10-week analysis in a rural county in the UK (population 538,000). We recruited participants with psychotic disorder who had a reported history of trauma and were interested in receiving trauma therapy. They were then randomized to either receive EMDR or treatment as usual (TAU). The primary instrument used was the Impact of Events Scale (IES) with secondary instruments of Positive and Negative Symptoms of Psychotic Disorder (PANSS), PTSD Checklist (PCL-C), and subjective Quality of Life (MANSA). ResultsIES scores showed significant improvements in the EMDR group (n = 24, age 42.0 SD (14.5), 42% male) compared to the TAU group (n = 12, age 34.4 SD (11.3), 50% male) at 10 weeks and at six months (p < 0.05). There were significant improvements in PCL-C and PANSS negative symptoms scores associated with treatment (p < 0.05). All other scales showed positive trends. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that EMDR can reduce the impact of traumatic events for patients with a psychotic disorder in a clinical setting in the UK. The improvements in psychotic disorder persisted for six months after treatment. Trial registrationISRCTN43816889.

Online Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Pilot Controlled Trial

The study aimed to provide a preliminary evaluation of the acceptability and effectiveness of online eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) compared with a waitlist control (WLC). A pilot nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted. Eighteen adults experiencing chronic pain completed the study (nEMDR= 10;ncontrol= 8). The intervention group received up to 10 weekly sessions of online EMDR. The control group received treatment as usual. Participants completed baseline and post-intervention measures assessing posttraumatic stress, pain severity, interference, and catastrophizing, and depression levels. Additionally, the online EMDR group participants provided feedback on intervention acceptability and satisfaction. The online EMDR group demonstrated significant reductions in both trauma and pain-related outcomes; depression levels did not significantly change. No significant change was observed in any outcome within the control group. After the WLC also received the intervention, additional analysis results demonstrated similar effects but did not reach statistical significance, except for depression. Overall, online EMDR appeared acceptable and positively received by participants. The study provides preliminary support that online delivery of EMDR may reduce trauma- and pain-related outcomes in individuals experiencing chronic pain. Further large-scale research is warranted to substantiate these findings. Limitations and implications are discussed. REC ref: 2020/HCSREC/04

EMDR versus waiting list in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis with post-traumatic stress symptoms: A randomized controlled trial.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent in the individuals at clinical-high risk for psychosis (CHR). The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in individuals at CHR with comorbid PTSD or subthreshold PTSD in a randomized controlled trial. Fifty-seven individuals at CHR with PTSD or subthreshold PTSD formed the study sample. The eligible participants were randomly assigned to a 12weeks EMDR treatment (N=28) or a waiting list condition (WL, N=29). The structured interview for psychosis risk syndrome (SIPS), the clinician administered post-traumatic stress disorder scale (CAPS) and a battery of self-rating inventories covering depressive, anxiety and suicidal symptoms were administered. Twenty-six participants in the EMDR group and all the participants in the WL group completed the study. The analyses of covariance revealed greater reduction of the mean scores on CAPS (F=23.2, Partial η2=0.3, P<0.001), SIPS positive scales (F=17.8, Partial η2=0.25, P<0.001) and all the self-rating inventories in the EMDR group than in the WL group. Participants in the EMDR group were more likely to achieve remission of CHR compared to those in the WL group at endpoint (60.7% vs. 31%, P=0.025). EMDR treatment not only effectively improved traumatic symptoms, but also significantly reduced the attenuated psychotic symptoms and resulted in a higher remission rate of CHR. This study highlighted the necessity of adding a trauma-focused component to the present approach of early intervention in psychosis.

Web-Based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Adults With Suicidal Ideation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundAdversity and traumatic experiences increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, trauma-focused psychotherapy that desensitizes painful memories, so that reminders in the present no longer provoke overwhelming emotional responses. Preliminary evidence suggests that EMDR can be used as an acute intervention in suicidal patients, including those with major depressive disorder. In addition, because of social distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians have been using EMDR on the web and, in the absence of formal evaluations of web-based EMDR, informal reports indicate good results.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate whether remotely delivered EMDR (targeting experiences associated with suicidal thinking) reduces suicidal thoughts. Secondary aims include examining the impact of remotely delivered EMDR on symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, emotional dysregulation, and dissociation. We will also report on adverse events in the EMDR group to explore whether targeting suicidal ideation with EMDR is safe. Finally, we will compare dropout rates between the treatment groups.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 80 adults who express suicidal ideation and meet the study criteria will receive either 12 sessions of twice weekly EMDR plus treatment as usual or treatment as usual alone. EMDR sessions will focus on the most distressing and intrusive memories associated with suicidal ideation. Data for primary and secondary objectives will be collected at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months after enrollment. A subsequent longer-term analysis, beyond the scope of this protocol, will examine differences between the groups with respect to the number of posttreatment emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and overall health care use in the year before and after therapy.ResultsThe protocol was approved by the University of Alberta Research Health Ethics Board (protocol ID Pro00090989). Funding for this study was provided by the Mental Health Foundation (grant RES0048906). Recruitment started in May 2021, with a projected completion date of March 2023.ConclusionsThe results of this trial will contribute to knowledge on whether web-based delivery of EMDR is a safe and effective treatment for reducing suicidal ideation and potentially reducing the incidence of suicide attempts in this patient population.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04181047; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04181047International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/30711

Postpartum Early EMDR therapy Intervention (PERCEIVE) study for women after a traumatic birth experience: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundUp to 33% of women develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic birth experience. Negative and traumatic childbirth experiences can also lead to fear of childbirth, avoiding or negatively influencing a subsequent pregnancy, mother-infant bonding problems, problems with breastfeeding, depression and reduced quality of life. For PTSD in general, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has proven to be effective. However, little is known about the preventive effects of early intervention EMDR therapy in women after a traumatic birth experience. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of early intervention EMDR therapy in preventing PTSD and reducing PTSD symptoms in women with a traumatic birth experience.MethodsThe PERCEIVE study is a randomized controlled trial. Women suffering from the consequences of a traumatic birth experience will be randomly allocated at maximum 14 days postpartum to either EMDR therapy or ‘care-as-usual’. Patients in the EMDR group receive two sessions of therapy between 14 (T0) and 35 days postpartum. All participants will be assessed at T0 and at 9 weeks postpartum (T1). At T1, all participants will undergo a CAPS-5 interview about the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms. The primary outcome measure is the severity of PTSD symptoms, whereas the secondary outcomes pertain to fear of childbirth, mother-infant bonding, breastfeeding, depression and quality of life. The study will be conducted at a large city hospital and at multiple midwifery practices in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.DiscussionIt is to be expected that the results of this study will provide more insight about the safety and effectiveness of early intervention EMDR therapy in the prevention and reduction of PTSD (symptoms) in women with a traumatic birth experience.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register NL73231.000.20. Registered on 21 August 2020.

Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing group protocol with children in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder in refugee children

The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is high among Syrian refugee children. Depression is another pathology whose symptoms are often seen associated with vulnerability to PTSD and decreasing life satisfaction in refugee children. The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy method is a well-known intervention for the treatment of PTSD. Despite its treatment efficacy shown in clinical trials, individual EMDR applications fall short of the cost and time effectiveness targets in mass casualty incidents, such as war victimizations. In response to this need, a group treatment protocol developed especially for children (EMDR-GP/C) was tested by a randomized controlled trial study with Syrian refugee children (n = 61, 6-15 years old). After the treatment, EMDR group had significantly lower trauma scores compared to the waiting-list (F(1,58) = 4.72, p = .03, ηp² = .08). Depression scores significantly diminished (F(1, 17) = 8.67, p = .01, ηp² = .34) and well-being levels increased (F(1,58) = 6.58, p = .01, ηp² = .10). The curative effect of time by itself (F(1, 59) = 29.91, p < .001, ηp² = .34) and time-by-group interaction (F(1, 59) = 4.61, p = .04, ηp² = .07) were significant on PTSD symptoms, but non-significant on depression and well-being levels. Results suggest that EMDR-GP/C interventions may reduce PTSD and depression symptoms, as well as improving the well-being of Syrian refugee children with PTSD. It also appears that the content of the EMDR-GP/C helps children to integrate the whole experience, reconstructing an adaptive meaning for the traumatic event.

Low-Intensity Interventions and EMDR Therapy

Unlike high-intensity treatment, in which clients have face-to-face contact with a mental health specialist, clients in low-intensity treatment have limited or no contact with a specialist. Instead, their treatment is usually provided through self-help procedures, which are delivered via (guided) computer programs, books, or “mHealth" apps. Other treatments sometimes considered low-intensity are brief treatments, group therapy, and interventions delivered by nonspecialists. Advantages include effectiveness, accessibility, efficiency, and affordability. Concerns related to safety, engagement, and adherence to self-help programs may be addressed by (asynchronous) therapist guidance. This article describes low-intensity treatments and their relevance for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Hundreds of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have found self-help interventions to be efficacious, with many producing the same level of results as the traditional face-to-face procedure. Guided self-help cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in the guidelines of both the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies. Only three self-help-EMDR RCTs have been conducted. This author advocates for reconceptualizing EMDR group therapy as “guided self-help-EMDR therapy,” because it is a highly manualized, heavily scripted treatment in which the client works independently on their own material. In this respect, it offers an excellent template for the future development of efficacious low-intensity EMDR interventions. Developing safe, easy-to-use, affordable, and readily available low-intensity interventions will make effective EMDR treatment available to many millions of people around the world.

Long-term effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in children and adolescents with medically related subthreshold post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial

Medical procedures and hospitalizations can be experienced as traumatic and can lead to post-traumatic stress reactions. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) shows promising results but very few long-term studies have been published. Therefore, our aim was to test the long-term (8 months post-treatment) effectiveness of EMDR in children and adolescents with medically related subthreshold post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seventy-four children (including 39 with congenital or acquired heart disease) aged 4-15 (M = 9.6 years) with subthreshold PTSD after previous hospitalization were included into a parallel group randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to EMDR (n = 37) or care-as-usual (CAU) (n = 37; medical care only). The primary outcome was PTSD symptoms of the child. Secondary outcomes were symptoms of depression and blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia, sleep problems, and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of the child. Assessments of all outcomes were planned at baseline and 8 weeks and 8 months after the start of EMDR/CAU. We hypothesized that the EMDR group would show significantly more improvements on all outcomes over time. Both groups showed improvements over time on child's symptoms of PTSD (only parent report), depression, BII phobia, sleep problems, and most HrQoL subscales. GEE analyses showed no significant differences between the EMDR group (nT2 = 33, nT3 = 30) and the CAU group (nT2 = 35, nT3 = 32) on the primary outcome. One superior effect of EMDR over time was found for reducing parent-reported BII phobia of the child. EMDR did not perform better than CAU in reducing subthreshold PTSD up to 8 months post-treatment in previously hospitalized children. Possible explanations and clinical implications are discussed.

Group eye movement desensitization and reprocessing interventions in adults and children: A systematic review of randomized and nonrandomized trials.

This review systematically synthesized existing literature on group protocols of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating a range of mental health difficulties in adults and children. We conducted database searches on PsychINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and Francine Shapiro Library up to May 2020, using PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they used at least one standardized outcome measure, if they present a quantitative data on the effect of group EMDR protocols on mental health difficulties and if they were published in English. Twenty-two studies with 1739 participants were included. Thirteen studies examined EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (IGTP), four studies examined EMDR Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP), four studies EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress and one study considered EMDR Group Protocol with Children. Of the 22 studies included, 12 were one-arm trials and 10 were two-arm trials. We assessed risk of bias using a revised Tool to Assess Risk of Bias in Randomized Trials (ROB 2) and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Overall, the results suggested that Group EMDR protocols might be an effective tool in improving a wide range of mental health-related outcomes including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. However, the included studies are limited to methodological challenges. The limitations and future directions are discussed.

Effectiveness of three brief treatments for recent traumatic events in a low-SES community setting.

To determine whether brief treatments provide psychological relief after traumatic events in low-resource communities. Participants (n = 105) who had experienced a traumatic event within the past 6 months were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 4-session treatments: individual eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), group-administered stress management with a trauma focus (SMT), or group-administered psychological first aid (PFA). Measures administered pretreatment and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month posttreatment included posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, posttraumatic cognitions (PTCI), and depressive symptoms (BDI). The 3 treatment groups all showed significant declines in PTSD, PTCI, and BDI symptoms over time with large prepost effect sizes (median 1-month: 0.96, 3-month: 1.38, 6-month: 1.10). However, the treatment groups showed significantly different rates of decline, with the EMDR group showing the fastest declines-interaction PTCI: F(1, 237) = 5.85, p = .016; depression:, F(1, 239) = 4.90, p = .028-followed by the SMT and then PFA group. While there were significant differences between the EMDR and PFA groups at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups, there were no significant differences in any of the 3 outcome measures at the 6-month follow-up, nor were there significant differences between groups on PTSD symptoms, F(1, 239) = 2.30, p = .131. This study provides preliminary evidence that any of these 3 approaches may be useful in low-resource community settings. Because it gives the quickest relief, EMDR is the preferred approach, followed by SMT, due its ease of administration. PFA provides a reasonable alternative. Where possible, booster sessions should be planned. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in patients with a personality disorder

ABSTRACT Background: Little is known about the effects of targeting memories of adverse (childhood) events in people with a personality disorder (PD). Objective: Determining the effectiveness of brief EMDR therapy in individuals with PD. Method: In a randomized-controlled trial, 97 outpatients with a PD as main diagnosis were allocated to either five (90 minutes) sessions of EMDR therapy (n = 51) or a waiting list (WL) control condition (n = 46) followed by 3 months of treatment as usual for their PD. Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were excluded. Measurements were performed on psychological symptoms, psychological distress, and personality dysfunctioning. Outcomes were compared at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3-month follow up. Data were analysed as intent-to-treat with linear mixed models. Results: EMDR therapy yielded significant improvements with medium to large effect sizes for the primary outcomes after treatment, i.e. psychological symptoms (EMDR: d =.42; control group: d =.07), psychological distress (EMDR: d =.69; control group: d =.29), and personality functioning (EMDR: d =.41; control group: d = −.10) within groups. At 3-month follow-up, after 3 months of TAU, improvements were maintained. Significant differences were found between both groups regarding all outcome measures in favour of the EMDR group at post-treatment (ds between −.62 and −.65), and at follow-up, after 3 months of TAU (ds between −.45 and −.53). Conclusions: The results suggest that EMDR therapy can be beneficial in the treatment of patients with PDs. More rigorous outcome research examining long-term effects and using a longer treatment track is warranted.

EMDR Versus Treatment-as-Usual in Patients With Chronic Non-Malignant Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

In recent years, different studies have observed a strong association between chronic pain (CP) and psychological trauma. Therefore, a trauma-focused psychotherapy, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), could be an innovative treatment option. The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether a specific EMDR protocol for CP leads to (a) a reduction in pain intensity, (b) an improvement in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and (c) an improvement in quality of life. 28 CP patients were randomly assigned to EMDR + treatment as usual (TAU; n = 14) or to TAU alone (n = 14). Patients in the EMDR group received 12 psychotherapeutic sessions of 90 minutes over 3 months. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale and the Pain Disability index, quality of life using the EQ-5D-5L, and anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale. Measures were taken for both conditions at pre- and post-treatment, and a follow-up in the EMDR condition was taken at 3 months post-treatment. Patients in the EMDR group showed significantly reduced pain intensity and improved quality of life and anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to TAU alone at post-treatment. Improvements were largely maintained at 3-month follow-up. This study suggests that EMDR may be an effective and safe psychological intervention to be used within the multidisciplinary treatment plan of patients with CP.

EMDR for children with medically related subthreshold PTSD: short-term effects on PTSD, blood-injection-injury phobia, depression and sleep

ABSTRACT Background: Paediatric illness, injury and medical procedures are potentially traumatic experiences with a range of possible negative psychosocial consequences. To prevent psychosocial impairment and improve medical adherence, evidence-based psychotherapy should be offered if indicated. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has been found to reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. The evidence for the use with children is promising. Furthermore, recent studies indicate its effectiveness for the treatment of other psychological symptomatology. However, the effectiveness of EMDR in children with subthreshold PTSD after medically related trauma has not yet been investigated. Objective: Investigating the short-term effectiveness of EMDR on posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression and sleep problems in children with subthreshold PTSD after hospitalization through a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Method: Following baseline screening of 420 children from various Dutch hospitals, 74 children (4–15 years old) with medically related subthreshold PTSD were randomized to EMDR (n = 37) or care-as-usual (CAU; n = 37). Follow-up assessment took place after M = 9.7 weeks. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analyses were performed to examine the effectiveness of EMDR compared to CAU. Results: Children in both groups improved significantly over time on all outcomes. However, the EMDR group improved significantly more as to child-reported symptoms of blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia and depression, and child-, and parent-reported sleep problems of the child. There was no superior effect of EMDR compared to CAU on subthreshold PTSD symptom reduction. Conclusions: EMDR did not perform better than CAU in reducing PTSD symptoms in a paediatric sample of children with subthreshold PTSD after hospitalization. However, the study results indicate that EMDR might be superior in reducing symptoms of blood-injection-injury phobia, depression and sleep problems.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Child Victims of Domestic Violence

Objective: This study was conducted to examine and compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in child victims of domestic violence (child physical abuse and/or witnessing parents' conflicts). Method : A total of 139 girls and boys, aged 8-12 years, were randomly assigned into CBT (n = 40), EMDR (n = 40), or control groups (n=59). All children received up to 12 individual treatment sessions over 4-12 weeks. Blind assessment was done before and 2 weeks after the treatment and on a variety of teacher-parent-rated and self-report measures of posttraumatic symptomatology, depression, anxiety, and behavior problems. Results: CBT and EMDR were effective in ameliorating psychological sequelae of victims of domestic violence on the measured variables (p =.001). Comparison of the treatment and control groups suggested moderate to high practical significance in treatment groups vs controls. Conclusion: Both CBT and EMDR can help children to greatly recover from the outcomes of domestic violence in comparison with control group. Moreover, structured trauma treatments are strongly recommended and can be used for children.

The Effect of EMDR Versus Guided Imagery on Insomnia Severity in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

This study compared the effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy versus guided imagery on insomnia severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this randomized controlled trial, 75 patients with RA were selected via convenience sampling before using block randomization to assign patients into three groups comprised of (a) six sessions of EMDR, (b) six sessions of guided imagery, and (c) a control group. The Persian version of the Insomnia Severity Index was implemented at preintervention and 2 weeks' postintervention as the outcome measure. The EMDR group obtained respective pre-and postintervention mean scores of 23.5 ± 5.2 and 11±2.1, whereas the guided imagery group obtained scores of 24 ± 3 and 15.3 ± 2.3, and the control group obtained scores of 24.2 ± 3.3 and 23.6 ± 3. Pairwise comparisons showed statistically significant differences in insomnia severity between patients from each group, with the EMDR group experiencing a greater reduction in insomnia severity than guided imagery. EMDR and guided imagery were both effective in reducing insomnia severity in RA patients, although the degree of insomnia reduction for patients from the EMDR group was greater than that of the guided imagery group.