Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

In summary, EMDR is an empirically tested treatment for PTSD that has some positive reports in the research literature. Some researchers have provided evidence that effortful eye movements tax working memory during the recall of traumatic experiences, thus dividing attention and reducing vividness and distressing emotions. There is still some concern about the long-term efficacy of eye movements, but some meta-analyses have shown that EMDR is more effective than waitlist controls and often comparable in efficacy to some exposure and cognitive behavioral therapies.

Book Section

English

Lawrence Patihis
Cristobal Cruz
Richard J. McNally

Patihis, L., Cruz, C. S., & McNally, R. J. (2019). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). In V. Zeigler-Hill & T. K. Shackelford (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Personality & Individual Differences. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Co. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_895-1