Some answers to unanswered questions about the empirical support for EMDR in the treatment of PTSD

A recent review [by Rubin] summarized research studies investigating EMDR treatment of PTSD. Rubin identified populations in which there has been insufficient research to determine what treatments, if any, are effective, and he articulated questions about EMDR's efficacy with these groups. He also addressed the problem of potential reviewer bias. Unfortunately his own review of the literature contained numerous errors and failed to consider the context of the larger research field. The purpose of the current article is to provide a more balanced perspective and to clarify confusion that may have been raised by Rubin's article. We provide some answers to the unanswered questions about the efficacy of EMDR treatment for PTSD with child, multiply traumatized civilian, and combat-veteran populations. We also address the methodological questions raised by Rubin.

Journal

English

Louise Maxfield
Kristine Lake
Lee A. Hyer

Maxfield, L., Lake, K., & Hyer, L. A. (2004). Some answers to unanswered questions about the empirical support for EMDR in the treatment of PTSD. Traumatology, 10(2), 73-89. doi:10.1177/153476560401000202