La methode eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) comme traitement du trouble d'anxiete generalisee The method and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) as treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

This doctoral dissertation in clinical psychology sought to investigate the potential efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It consists of two articles. The first article, written in French, presents a recent review of the literature on the efficacy of EMDR in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Having focused on recent experimental designs and meta-analyses, this review indicates that (1) EMDR's efficacy is superior to the absence of treatment or than non-specific treatments; (2) EMDR and cognitive-behavioral approaches are equally efficacious in treating PTSD; and (3) that the effects of EMDR are maintained over time. A brief discussion on the possible distinctions between EMDR and exposure therapies is presented, as well as hypotheses concerning the possible role of eye movements.

The second article constituting this doctoral dissertation focuses on and presents the results following this initial investigation of EMDR's potential efficacy in treating GAD. A single-case design with multiple baselines across participants was used for this research. It sought to investigate to effects of 15 EMDR sessions for four participants. Results indicate that by targeting past experiential contributors, current and future triggers of excessive worry with EMDR, there was a statistically significant decrease in levels of excessive worry and its accompanying anxiety, as indicated by Time-series analyses. As well, various self-report and clinician administered measures show that at both post-treatment and at follow-up all four participants no longer presented a diagnosis of GAD.

First article is in French, Second article is in English

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Philippe Gauvreau

Gauvreau, P. (2007). La methode eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) comme traitement du trouble d'anxiete generalisee [The method and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) as treatment of generalized anxiety disorder]. Dissertation Abstracts International, Section B. Sciences and Engineering, 69(04)