EMDR may lead to faster PTSD symptom reduction than brief eclectic psychotherapy

Description

This article summarizes a study which found that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may lead to faster posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom reduction than brief eclectic psychotherapy. EMDR and brief eclectic psychotherapy (a form of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy) were equally effective in decreasing PTSD, depressive and general anxiety symptom severity among PTSD patients. Both forms of treatment also had similar drop-out rates. However, patients receiving EMDR showed significantly greater PTSD symptom reduction in the initial phases of treatment while symptom reduction was more gradual throughout the course of brief eclectic psychotherapy. The present research summary is divided into sections: Key Findings, Study Type, Sample, and Study Implications. This research was conducted by Nijdam, M. J., Gersons, B. P., Reitsma, J. B., de Jongh, A. & Olff, M. (2012). Brief eclectic psychotherapy v. eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 200, 224-31.

Format

Newsletter

Language

English

Author(s)

US Navy, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED)

Original Work Citation

US Navy, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) (2012, Spring). EMDR may lead to faster PTSD symptom reduction than brief eclectic psychotherapy. Combat and Operational Stress Research Quarterly, 4(2), 6. doi:10.1037/e555092012-016

Citation

“EMDR may lead to faster PTSD symptom reduction than brief eclectic psychotherapy,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 16, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/22153.

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