Use Of Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Research Articles

Revisiting Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Discussion of the American Psychological Association's 2017 Recommendations.

This literature review evaluates the efficacy and clinical applications of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The review highlights the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms and explores variations in treatment protocols, populations studied, and outcome measures. We conducted systematic searches of multiple databases, supplemented with manual searches and reference list exploration. The inclusion criteria focused on English-language studies published between January 2000 and June 2023, with a specific emphasis on adult psychiatric patients with PTSD receiving EMDR treatment. The review utilized Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for narrative literature reviews. Out of 867 identified studies, 16 met the eligibility criteria. Most studies found that EMDR was superior in relieving PTSD when compared to controls. Eleven of the 16 selected studies demonstrated improvement in PTSD symptoms. An additional three studies noted an improvement in PTSD symptoms when compared to their waitlist control counterparts. One study found EMDR superior in combating depressive symptoms when compared to rapid eye movement desensitization. EMDR therapy is an appropriate treatment for PTSD. Although some studies compared to waitlist controls, and others have a small number of participants, the data supports the use of EMDR for PTSD. Future studies are needed to continue to better understand the mechanism and application in different populations.

Therapist use of cognitive behavior therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing components for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in practice settings.

Treatment practice guidelines for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recommend both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT); however, implementation in practice setting remains challenging. Here we aim to foster implementation efforts for PTSD by identifying the relative use of the various components of empirically supported treatments by therapists and the characteristics that predict their use. Surveyed 346 therapists (84.07% female) of whom 272 participants (78.61%) were trained primarily in CBT and 135 participants (39.02%) were trained in primarily in EMDR. Assessed relative use of various EMDR and CBT components as well as several training and personality factors. Psychoeducation about trauma was the most common element used. "Off label" use of components was also identified with application of EMDR techniques to other diagnoses. Findings also suggest underutilization of in vivo exposure techniques across therapists. EMDR therapists reported relatively high use of core EMDR techniques (i.e., greater use of EMDR core techniques). Big five personality factors, therapy efficacy, and anxiety were associated with differential component use. Results identify trends in empirically supported component use and therapist characteristics that are associated with the use of various techniques for PTSD. The findings suggest implementation efforts could foster training in underused techniques, address barriers to their utilization and develop knowledge of effective packages of components.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing as a treatment for PTSD, trauma, and trauma related symptoms in children with intellectual disabilities: a general review

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the utility of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a treatment for children with intellectual disabilities (ID) who have experienced trauma.Design/methodology/approachRelevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance and literature were reviewed to provide support for the use of EMDR as a treatment for trauma in children with ID.FindingsThere is a growing body of evidence which demonstrates that EMDR therapy is successful for the treatment of trauma in adults and children. However, for children with ID, the research is limited despite those with ID being more likely than non-disabled peers to experience trauma such as abuse or neglect.Practical implicationsEMDR can only be facilitated by trained mental health nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists (clinical, forensic, counselling or educational) or occupational therapists or social workers with additional training. Finally, general practitioners who are experienced in psychotherapy or psychological trauma and have accreditation. Therefore, this highlights that there may be a lack of trained staff to facilitate this intervention and that those who are generally working with the client closely and long term such as learning disability nurses are not able to conduct this intervention.Originality/valueThis paper presents an account of NICE guidance and evidence of the efficacy of EMDR as a treatment for adults, children and those with ID.

Effectiveness of EMDR for decreasing symptoms of over‐arousal: A meta‐analysis

AbstractA meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of symptoms of over‐arousal and comparing effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thirty‐two effect sizes from randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Findings were mixed, indicating that EMDR was more effective than alternative viable treatments in the treatment of over‐arousal, but that true effect may range from 210% of a standard deviation favoring EMDR to 66% of a standard deviation favoring alternative viable treatments. No statistically significant differences for effectiveness were noted in the use of EMDR when treating anxiety versus trauma. Our findings indicate that on average, EMDR may be beneficial, but there is an equivalent chance that future applications with similar samples could result in findings regarded as considerably or categorically ineffective.

Integrating EMDR With Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa: A Single Case Study

Eating disorders (EDs) are complex and treatment-resistant problems. Despite evidence-based methods like enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E), the number of clients who do not respond positively to treatment is also remarkable. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been adapted for EDs. As far as it is known, no case study has been reported in which EMDR was integrated with CBT-E in the treatment of EDs. This study provides a detailed description of the treatment of a participant with bulimia nervosa (BN) who received 20 sessions of CBT-E followed by five sessions of EMDR with a focus on body image. Presenting symptoms were measured on the Eating Attitudes Test-26, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Eating Disorder Belief Questionnaire, Bulimia Nervosa Stages of Change Questionnaire, and Body Satisfaction Scale. Results showed that the client had important improvements in terms of symptoms (binge-eating, restricting, and preoccupation with weight, shape, and eating) as well as motivation, body satisfaction, and social relations. This single case study provides preliminary evidence for the possible effectiveness of CBT-E plus EMDR in the treatment of BN. It also indicates that EMDR can make unique positive contributions to treatment. In this context, the use of EMDR as an integrative method appeared to increase the effectiveness of treatment results.

Efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder

The purpose of the present study is to examine the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For this purpose, a framework was determined by using findings of the research and explanations at the conceptual level. PTSD is a mental disorder that is experienced after traumatic events, affects individuals cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally and threatens the integrity of an individual's life. EMDR therapy is a therapy that imaginatively reveals the past or traumatic experiences of the client through eye movements and other bilateral stimuli (two-way sound or tactile stimulus), facilitates information processing processes. Whereas EMDR was initially an approach developed for adults, it was later used for children and adolescents. The fact that it gives positive results in a short time and these positive results continue in follow-up studies has increased the interest in using EMDR for children and adolescents with PTSD. The use of EMDR for children and adolescents has allowed their problems to be resolved in a timely manner and reduced PTSD symptoms. This situation has drawn attention to the importance of using EMDR in the practice of psychological counselors working in school environments, leading places where they work with children and adolescents, and where the first preventive and interventional studies are carried out. Therefore, it is considered that the use of EMDR will be functional in overcoming these negative life experiences of many students who have been directly or indirectly exposed to traumatic experiences during the COVID-19 epidemic period.

What Has EMDR Taught Us About the Psychological Characteristics of Tinnitus Patients?

Tinnitus is a common and distressing symptom affecting at least 10% of the population. It is poorly understood. There are many proposed therapies but a significant lack of well-controlled trials. This study is a secondary analysis from our recent study to determine the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a treatment for tinnitus. It was designed as a single-site prospective interventional clinical trial and took place at a teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Participants received a maximum of 10 sessions of EMDR. The EMDR used was a bespoke protocol: EMDR-for-tinnitus protocol (tEMDR). Outcome measures included evidence-based tinnitus and mood questionnaires recorded at baseline, discharge, and at 6 months post-discharge. The main outcome measure was the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, and scores demonstrated a statistically significant improvement. Secondary analyses conducted indicate statistically significant improvement for tinnitus patients with and without probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses. There was no significant decrease in depression and anxiety measures, however these were at the minimal range at the start. The purpose of this article is to describe the rationale behind the use of EMDR in tinnitus, the process of administrating a bespoke EMDR protocol, and the differences between tinnitus sufferers with differing experiences of trauma. To date our study is one of only two published studies investigating the use of EMDR for tinnitus; we therefore introduce an evolving and exciting application for EMDR therapy.

Theoretical Background and Clinical Aspects of the Use of EMDR in Patients With Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with a lifelong episodic course of severe mood and behavioral disturbance. In last decades treatment improved with numerous pharmacological and psychosocial treatments; however, subsequent mood episode rates are still high and possible risk factors for subsequent mood episodes are not sufficiently addressed. Of note, childhood trauma and stressful life events represent significant, under-recognized, and often neglected environmental risk factors in the etiology and course of BD. Here, we summarize the evidence of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in BD with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or life traumatic events. So far, one case report study and one pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) have been published suggesting positive effect of EMDR therapy in BD. Currently, two larger further RCTs are ongoing to increase scientific evidence of the use of EMDR therapy in this indication, especially with a focus on its effect on relapse prevention. In addition, a functional neuroimaging case report of a bipolar subject versus 30 healthy controls showed first evidence that EMDR might modulate the default mode network. These preliminary results suggest that EMDR could be a promising and safe psychotherapeutic approach for the add-on treatment of bipolar subjects, but confirmative large RCT are needed, with two currently being conducted.

EMDR Therapy's Efficacy in the Treatment of Pain

Chronic pain is the most common global cause of functional and quality of life limitations. Although there are many effective therapies for the treatment of acute pain, chronic pain is often unsatisfactory. Against this background, there is currently an urgent need to develop innovative therapies that enable more efficient pain relief. Psychosocial factors play an important role in the development and persistence of chronic pain. Especially in patients with high levels of emotional stress, significant anxiety, or relevant psychological comorbidity, classical pain therapy approaches often fail. This is in line with the results of recent pain research, which has shown that dysfunctions in emotion processing have a significant influence on the persistence of pain symptoms. The recognition that pain can become chronic through maladaptive emotional processing forms the pathophysiological basis for the application of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of chronic pain. In this sense, EMDR can be used as an established method for desensitizing and processing of emotional distress from trauma therapy specifically for processing emotional stress in patients with chronic pain. Against this background, it is not surprising that the implementation of EMDR for patients with chronic pain is expanding. However, the increasing clinical use of EMDR in the treatment of chronic pain has also led to a reputation to test the efficacy of EMDR in pain management through randomized clinical trials. In addition to numerous case control studies, there are now also six randomized controlled clinical trials available that demonstrate the efficacy and safety of EMDR in the treatment of different pain conditions. However, in order to overcome several methodological limitations, large multicenter studies are needed to confirm the results.

EMDR to Treat Functional Neurological Disorder: A Review

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an established treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is increasing evidence for its use beyond PTSD. EMDR can be effective at treating distressing memories not associated with PTSD, as well as somatic symptoms (like chronic pain), and as such could potentially be used as a treatment for patients with functional neurological disorder (FND). Searches were conducted for published peer-reviewed articles on the use of EMDR for FND. The databases selected and searched were Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, PsychINFO, PubMed, and Francine Shapiro Library. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Three relevant articles were found. The studies included are one case series and two case studies. Of the five participants included in the studies, four experienced functional non-epileptic attacks; and one experienced functional movement disorder. Four out of the five patients were successfully treated with EMDR. EMDR is potentially a useful treatment of FND, but further research, including controlled trials, is required. The authors propose that EMDR could be useful in treating patients with FND and comorbid PTSD, as well as patients without comorbid PTSD. We discuss the clinical implications and propose how EMDR could fit into the FND treatment pathway.

EMDR Therapy for an Elderly Woman With Depression, Traumatic Memories, and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: A Case Study

This case study looks at the application of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in an 83-year-old White woman with preexisting diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia. She presented to the community mental health team with depressive symptoms, and during assessment, which included the use of the Trauma Screening Questionnaire, several traumatic life events emerged. Following six sessions of EMDR, subjective reporting on trauma symptoms and resilience improved and this was maintained 9 months later. Depression and anxiety scores (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) remained consistent, though a lack of improvement in these scores was thought to be associated with progression of her physical health symptoms and related poor quality of life. This case highlights the potential use of EMDR in those with dementia and traumatic memories and the success of the standard EMDR protocol, despite difficulties with eye movements due to neurological effects of Parkinson’s disease. Further research in the application of EMDR in later life and in those with neurodegenerative medical conditions is recommended.

The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in substance use disorders: A systematic review

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic method that has been shown to be especially effective in traumatic disorders. Since the concept of an addiction memory has become widely accepted, the use of EMDR also in substance use disorders (SUD) treatment might count as a separate field. This review summarizes the current state of research on treatment effects EMDR in SUD. The literature search included the databases of PubMed and PsychInfo; four studies met the inclusion criteria. EMDR was found to be related to a decreased amount of craving, fear and depression and to an improvement of emotion regulation and management and self-esteem. Initial findings indicate a high therapeutic potential of EMDR in SUD treatment.

Outcomes from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in active-duty service members with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the therapy interventions recommended by the Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guidelines. However, the literature concerning the effectiveness of this treatment modality in military service members is sparse. This study investigated the efficacy of EMDR in active-duty service members. We conducted an effectiveness study with a record review from active-duty military mental health clinics where clinical outcomes had been monitored over a 10-week period using self-report measures of posttraumatic stress and disability. Symptom scores were examined over time in 331 service members who met presumptive criteria for the disorder on the PTSD Checklist-Military Version (PCL-M), who were in psychotherapy, and who received (n = 46) or didn't receive (n = 285) EMDR. Results indicated that patients receiving EMDR had significantly fewer therapy sessions over 10 weeks but had significantly greater gains in their PCL-M scores than did individuals not receiving EMDR. Randomized, controlled trials are still needed, but these findings provide further support for the use of EMDR in service members with PTSD. (PsycINFO Database Record

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in a Patient With Asperger’s Disorder: Case Report

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This case demonstrates the successful use of EMDR for the treatment of PTSD in a patient with Asperger’s disorder and examines potential pitfalls both in detecting and treating PTSD in patients with autism spectrum disorders. Our patient was a 21–year-old female with a diagnosis of Asperger’s disorder and multiple traumas stemming primarily from physical abuse at the hands of her peers in school. Treatment was provided in an accelerated format, being provided 3 days a week for approximately 3 weeks leaving at least 1 day in between sessions. After receiving 8 EMDR sessions, her scores improved on the Posttraumatic Checklist with effects maintained at 8-month follow-up.

The “Flashforward Procedure”: Confronting the Catastrophe

This article introduces the “Flashforward procedure,” which is a specific application of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). It is used for the treatment of irrational fears, for example, when a persisting fear continues after the core memories of past events have been fully processed. A theoretical background is presented, and the procedure is explained, together with 2 illustrative case studies. We describe psychological conditions and mental health problems for which the use of EMDR aimed at client’s flashforward might be appropriate, as well as indicating which stage in the therapeutic process is most applicable for the use of this procedure. Furthermore, the Flashforward procedure is compared with other EMDR applications and similar procedures in other therapies. Some implications are discussed.

What Makes a Good EMDR Therapist? Exploratory Findings From Client-Centered Inquiry

There are several qualities of good EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapists that must be examined to understand what clients most value in this specialized treatment. These qualities, as defined by former clients, include therapist personality, an ability to empower clients, flexibility, intuition, a sense of ease and comfort in working with trauma, and a commitment to the small measures of caring that clients identify as helping them feel safer. This article highlights the importance of honoring client safety in EMDR treatment by further exploring a theme from a phenomenological parent study on the use of EMDR with women in addiction continuing care. The parent study offered qualitative evidence showing that there is a place for EMDR as part of a comprehensive women’s addiction recovery program when applied properly. In this article, participants’ descriptions of their EMDR therapists and how these therapists were able to establish safety are described in greater detail than the parent study article allowed. Implications for emphasis on client-centered factors in the training and formation of EMDR therapists are discussed using the data extrapolated from the clients’ experiences, and further directions for researching the client-centered perspective in EMDR are presented.

The Use of EMDR in Treatment of Traumatized Iraqi Children

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to determine the prevalence of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Iraqi children and the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in traumatized Iraqi children. The participants in the present study were Iraqi children, ages 7–12; mean age = 10.17 years. There were 29 boys and 31 girls who immigrated to Malaysia during the recent war in Iraq. Those children were assessed for PTSD. Following the assessment, 37 children were assigned to two groups: 12 to the experimental group and 25 to the control group. The 12 children in the experimental group were treated with EMDR and were compared with the 25 children in the control group. This was done in order to determine the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms among traumatized children. UCLA PTSD DSM‐IV (Revision 1) was used to determine the prevalence of PTSD among Iraqi children. The results suggested that EMDR was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.

A wait-list controlled pilot study of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms from motor vehicle accidents

The present study investigated the efficacy of four EMDR sessions in comparison to a six-week wait-list control condition in the treatment of 27 children (aged 6 to 12 years) suffering from persistent PTSD symptoms after a motor vehicle accident. An effect for EMDR was identified on primary outcome and process measures including the Child Post-Traumatic Stress-Reaction Index, clinician rated diagnostic criteria for PTSD, Subjective Units of Disturbance and Validity of Cognition scales. All participants initially met two or more PTSD criteria. After EMDR treatment, this decreased to 25% in the EMDR group but remained at 100% in the wait-list group. Parent ratings of their child's PTSD symptoms showed no improvement, nor did a range of non-trauma child self-report and parent-reported symptoms. Treatment gains were maintained at three and 12 month follow-up. These findings support the use of EMDR for treating symptoms of PTSD in children, although further replication and comparison studies are required.

Does EMDR reduce post‐traumatic stress disorder symptomatology in combat veterans?

AbstractPrior meta‐analyses have suggested that eye‐movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may be effective in alleviating the symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR is now being recommended as a treatment for military combat veterans who suffer from PTSD. We provide a review of published outcome studies that appeared in print from 1987 – April, 2008 which examined the specific effects of EMDR on PTSD among military combat veterans. Studies were identified through electronic bibliographic databases, web sites, and manual searches of article reference lists. A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three quasi‐experimental studies met our inclusionary criteria and are reviewed. The evidence supporting the use of EMDR to treat combat veterans suffering from PTSD is sparse and equivocal, and does not rise to the threshold of labeling the therapy as an empirically supported treatment. It is premature to incorporate EMDR into routine care for veterans to alleviate combat‐related PTSD. EMDR needs a considerably stronger evidentiary foundation which includes large‐scale RCTs involving credible placebo controlled treatment conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Interview With Francine Shapiro: Historical Overview, Present Issues, and Future Directions of EMDR

This interview with Dr. Francine Shapiro, originator and developer of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), provides an overview of the history and evolution of EMDR from its inception to current findings and utilization, as well as future directions in research and clinical development. Dr. Shapiro discusses the psychological traditions that informed the development of EMDR and the Adaptive Information model, as well as the implications for current treatment. The rationale for the application of EMDR to a wide range of disorders is discussed, as well as its integration with other therapeutic approaches. Topics include research on the role of eye movements, the use of EMDR with combat veterans, somatoform disorders, attachment issues, and the distinct features of EMDR that have allowed it to be used for crisis intervention worldwide.