Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: An empirical review of the effectiveness of EMDR as a treatment for PTSD

The level of evidence for EMDR is based upon 12 controlled studies that investigated the efficacy of EMDR treatment of participants with PTSD. The 7 civilian studies, with 1 exception, all found EMDR to be efficacious in the treatment of PTSD: EMDR was equivalent to cognitive behavioral therapy, and superior to other control conditions. 4 of the 5 studies with combat veterans addressed only one or two memories in this multiply traumatized population, and their findings were equivocal. The 1 combat veteran study which administered a longer course of treatment provides preliminary evidence that EMDR may be efficacious with that population. EMDR is a rapid treatment and appears to be well tolerated by clients, with effects being maintained at follow-up.

Journal

English

Louise Maxfield

Maxfield, L. (1999). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: An empirical review of the effectiveness of EMDR as a treatment for PTSD. Traumatology, 5(4), 1-17. doi:10.1177/153476569900500401