Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) as treatment for combat-related PTSD: A meta-analysis

Introduction. Although the symptom presentation of PTSD in the general and military population is very similar, combat-related PTSD is typically thought to be more severe due to the repeated and prolonged exposure of traumatic events. One of the treatments of choice, Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) has however not been validated for the military population. Method. A meta-analysis was carried out on literature ranging back to 1987. Results. The analysis thus far resulted in a failure to support the effectiveness of EMDR in treating PTSD in the military population. Several possible explanations are given, of which the limited amount of well-designed RCTs seems to be the most important one. Conclusion. Until more research is done, EMDR as first treatment of choice for combat-related PTSD should only be used if other treatment protocols have proven unsuccessful.

Journal

English

Sietse Verstrael
Peter van der Wurff
Eric Vermetten

Verstraela, S., van der Wurff, P., & Vermetten, E. (2013, August). Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) as treatment for combat-related PTSD: A meta-analysis. Military Behavioral Health, 1(2), 68-73. doi:10.1080/21635781.2013.827088