25 a˜ nos de eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: protocolo de aplicación, hipótesis de funcionamiento y revisión sistemática de su eficacia en el trastorno por estrés postraumático25 years of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): The EMDR therapy protocol, hypotheses of its mechanism of action and a systematic review of its efficacy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new psychot herapy that has gradually gained popularity for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. In the present work, the standardised EMDR protocol is introduced, along with current hypot heses of its mechanism of action, as well as a critical review of the available literature on its clinical effectiveness in adult post-traumatic stress disorder. A systematic review of the published literature was performed using PubMed and PsycINFO databases with the keywords «eye movement desensitization and reprocessing» and «post-traumatic stress disorder» and its abbreviations «EMDR» and «PTSD». Fifteen randomised controlled trials of good methodologi cal quality were selected. These studies compared EMDR with unspecific interventions, waiting lists, or specific therapies. Overall, the results of these studies suggest that EMDR is a useful, evidence-based tool for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, in line with recent recommendations from different international health organisations.

Journal

Spanish

Patricia Novo Navarro
Ramon Landin-Romero
Rocio Guardiola-Wanden-Berghe
Ana Moreno-Alcazar
Alicia Valiente-Gomez
Walter Lupo
Francisca García
Isabel Fernández
Víctor Perez
Benedikt L. Aman

Navarro, P. N., Landin-Romero, R., Guardiola-Wanden-Berghe, R., Moreno-Alcazar, A., Valiente-Gomez, A., Lupo, W., Garcia, F., Fernandez, I., Perez, V., & Aman, B. L. (2016) [25 years of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): The EMDR therapy protocol, hypotheses of its mechanism of action and a systematic review of its efficacy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder]. Revista Psiquiatria Salud Mental.  Spanish