Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: A review of the efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of PTSD

The level of evidence for EMDR is based upon twelve controlled studies that investigated the efficacy of EMDR treatment of participants with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The seven civilian studies, with one 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. Four of the five studies with combat veterans addressed only one or two memories in this multiply traumatized population, and their findings were equivocal. The one 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: A review of the efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of PTSD. Traumatology, 5(4), 1-17. doi:10.1177/153476569900500401