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

Summary & key facts

EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is a psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More than 30 randomized controlled trials report it is effective for both adults and children. Most international clinical practice guidelines now list EMDR as a first-line treatment. The paper reviews the current evidence on EMDR’s effectiveness, safety, and use across cultures, and it suggests directions for future research.

Key facts:

• EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and is a psychotherapy used to treat PTSD.
• More than 30 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated EMDR’s effectiveness in both adults and children with PTSD.
• Most international clinical practice guidelines recommend EMDR therapy as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
• The reviewed paper summarizes evidence on EMDR’s efficacy, effectiveness, safety, and applicability across cultures and diverse populations.
• The paper concludes by calling for more research to develop the evidence base and expand EMDR 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