State of the science: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

Summary & key facts

This paper reviews the current research on EMDR therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It says EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy backed by more than 30 randomized controlled trials that show effectiveness in both adults and children. Most international clinical guidelines now list EMDR as a first-line treatment. The paper also summarizes evidence about how well EMDR works, its safety, its use across cultures and diverse groups, and suggests directions for more research.

Key facts:

• EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is described in the paper as an evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD.
• More than 30 published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) support EMDR's effectiveness in adults and children.
• Most international clinical practice guidelines recommend EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
• The paper reviews evidence on EMDR's efficacy (how well it works in trials), effectiveness (how well it works in real-world settings), and safety.
• The authors discuss EMDR's applicability across cultures and diverse populations and call for further research to expand the evidence base and applications.

Abstract

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with support from more than 30 published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating its effectiveness in both adults and children. Most international clinical practice guidelines recommend EMDR therapy as a first-line treatment for PTSD. This paper describes the current state of the evidence for EMDR therapy. We begin with a brief description of EMDR therapy and its theoretical framework. Next, we summarize the scientific support for its efficacy, effectiveness, and safety and discuss its applicability across cultures and with diverse populations. We conclude with suggestions for future directions to develop the research base and applications of EMDR therapy.

Topics

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Psychiatric care and mental health services Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Aesthetics Art Clinical psychology Desensitization (medicine) Eye movement Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Internal medicine Medicine Movement (music) Neuroscience Posttraumatic stress Psychology Psychotherapist Receptor

Conditions & symptoms

PTSD