Emdr for ptsd
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EMDR for PTSD: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to EMDR and PTSD
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapeutic approach primarily used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This technique facilitates the reprocessing of maladaptive memories, which are central to PTSD pathology 14. EMDR has been extensively studied and shown to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall trauma-related outcomes 37.
Efficacy of EMDR in Treating PTSD
Comparative Studies and Long-Term Benefits
Several studies have compared EMDR with other treatment modalities. For instance, a randomized clinical trial found that EMDR was more effective than fluoxetine (an SSRI) in achieving sustained reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms, particularly in adult-onset trauma survivors 7. Another study within an HMO setting demonstrated significant improvements in PTSD symptoms with EMDR compared to standard care 9.
EMDR in Pediatric PTSD
EMDR has also been adapted for use in children with PTSD. Research indicates that child-adjusted EMDR protocols are effective, with the largest treatment effects observed in reducing re-experiencing symptoms 10. Additionally, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) found that EMDR significantly improved symptoms of blood-injection-injury phobia, depression, and sleep problems in children with subthreshold PTSD, although it did not outperform care-as-usual in reducing PTSD symptoms 2.
EMDR Beyond PTSD
Application in Other Mental Health Conditions
EMDR's utility extends beyond PTSD. Systematic reviews have highlighted its positive effects in various psychiatric conditions, including addictions, somatoform disorders, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain 145. These findings suggest that EMDR can be a valuable tool in treating trauma-associated symptoms across a range of mental health issues.
EMDR in Comorbid Conditions
In patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as psychosis and bipolar disorder, EMDR has shown promise in improving trauma-associated symptoms and achieving partial symptomatic improvement in the primary disorder 45. A feasibility study also demonstrated that EMDR is effective and safe for PTSD patients with concurrent psychotic disorders, significantly reducing PTSD symptom severity without worsening psychotic symptoms 8.
Online EMDR During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the adaptation of EMDR for online delivery. Preliminary studies suggest that online EMDR is a promising treatment for PTSD, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in this format 6.
Conclusion
EMDR is a well-established and effective treatment for PTSD, with robust evidence supporting its use in both adults and children. Its application extends beyond PTSD, showing potential benefits in various other mental health conditions. However, further research is needed to refine its protocols, especially for online delivery and in populations with comorbid psychiatric disorders.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
EMDR as Treatment Option for Conditions Other Than PTSD: A Systematic Review
EMDR therapy shows potential as an effective treatment option for various mental and physical disorders, but more methodologically rigorous studies are needed.
Systematic ReviewEMDR for children with medically related subthreshold PTSD: short-term effects on PTSD, blood-injection-injury phobia, depression and sleep
EMDR may be more effective than care-as-usual in reducing blood-injection-injury phobia, depression, and sleep problems in children with subthreshold PTSD after hospitalization.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalThe Use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder—A Systematic Narrative Review
EMDR therapy is an effective treatment for PTSD, improving diagnosis, reducing symptoms, and showing promise in various cultural contexts.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedEMDR beyond PTSD: A Systematic Literature Review
EMDR therapy shows potential in improving trauma-associated symptoms in patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders and may improve psychotic or affective symptoms and be an add-on treatment for chronic pain conditions.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedEMDR as a treatment option for conditions other than PTSD
EMDR therapy shows potential in improving trauma-associated symptoms and has a minor effect on primary disorders in various mental health conditions.
Systematic ReviewPTSD treatment in times of COVID-19: A systematic review of the effects of online EMDR
Online EMDR shows promising results for PTSD treatment during COVID-19, but further research is needed before wider dissemination.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalA randomized clinical trial of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), fluoxetine, and pill placebo in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: treatment effects and long-term maintenance.
Brief EMDR treatment effectively reduces PTSD and depression symptoms in adult-onset trauma victims, while SSRIs provide moderate relief for adult victims of childhood-onset trauma.
RCTHighly CitedTreating PTSD in patients with psychosis: a within-group controlled feasibility study examining the efficacy and safety of evidence-based PE and EMDR protocols.
Both prolonged exposure (PE) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) effectively reduce PTSD symptoms in patients with comorbid psychotic disorders, with no serious adverse events or worsening of symptoms.
RCTHighly CitedControlled study of treatment of PTSD using EMDR in an HMO setting.
Sixty-seven individuals diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were randomly assigned to either Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment or Standard Care (SC) treatment. Participants were assessed pretreatment, after three sessions, and at the completion of treatme
RCTHighly CitedApplying EMDR on children with PTSD
A child-adjusted EMDR protocol is effective for treating PTSD in traumatized and psychosocially exposed children, with the largest treatment effect on re-experiencing.
RCTRigorous Journal