Treating combat-related stress disorders: A multiple case study utilizing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with battlefield casualties from the Iraqi war

Casualties from the Iraqi War were evacuated to a field hospital in Rota, Spain, and were screened for combat-related stress conditions. Four combat veterans requested immediate relief of their posttraumatic symptoms prior to returning to the United States. A single session of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) led to significant improvement in their acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. A detailed account of those treatment sessions, as well as the proposed alterations of standard protocols for time-limited fieldwork, is presented. Compared to other early interventions, EMDR may be better suited for combat veterans. The results are promising but in need of further research.

Journal

English

Mark C. Russell

Russell, M. C. (2006). Treating combat-related stress disorders: A multiple case study utilizing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with battlefield casualties from the Iraqi war. Military Psychology, 18(1), 1-18. doi:10.1207/s15327876mp1801_1