Efficacy of EMDR therapy for anxiety disorders: RCTs review
Description
Background and aims
The poster outlines the state of the research on EMDR therapy's efficacy for anxiety disorders.
Methods
The studies in the review were selected by searching the following databases: EBSCO Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Google Scholar, and the Francine Shapiro Library. Inclusion criteria for the review were RCTs, investigating EMDR treatment of adults with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.
Results
The RCTs that investigated the efficacy of EMDR therapy for Anxiety disorders are six (1997-2017). EMDR therapy has demonstrated in four RCTs a positive effect on panic and phobic symptoms (Feske and Goldstein, 1997; Horst et al. 2017; Doering et al. 2013; Triscari et al. 2015), whereas one RCT on PDA was in part negative (Goldstein et al. 2000) and one study failed in improving self-esteem in patients with Anxiety disorders (Staring et al. 2016).
Conclusions
Considered as a whole, these preliminary data suggest EMDR therapy to be effective not only for PD but also for specific phobias. Efficacy and stability of the results may depend on whether the treatment plan accurately targets early contributory experiences, as well as later etiological factors. An extended preparation phase and rehearsal through the future templates may also be relevant to produce better outcomes. Learning objectives:
1. Further controlled studies are needed to corroborate these preliminary findings.
2. RTCs should systematically evaluate the efficacy of EMDR therapy for GAD, Social anxiety and Agoraphobia. 3. Controlled comparisons between EMDR therapy and CBT would be especially useful.
The poster outlines the state of the research on EMDR therapy's efficacy for anxiety disorders.
Methods
The studies in the review were selected by searching the following databases: EBSCO Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Google Scholar, and the Francine Shapiro Library. Inclusion criteria for the review were RCTs, investigating EMDR treatment of adults with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.
Results
The RCTs that investigated the efficacy of EMDR therapy for Anxiety disorders are six (1997-2017). EMDR therapy has demonstrated in four RCTs a positive effect on panic and phobic symptoms (Feske and Goldstein, 1997; Horst et al. 2017; Doering et al. 2013; Triscari et al. 2015), whereas one RCT on PDA was in part negative (Goldstein et al. 2000) and one study failed in improving self-esteem in patients with Anxiety disorders (Staring et al. 2016).
Conclusions
Considered as a whole, these preliminary data suggest EMDR therapy to be effective not only for PD but also for specific phobias. Efficacy and stability of the results may depend on whether the treatment plan accurately targets early contributory experiences, as well as later etiological factors. An extended preparation phase and rehearsal through the future templates may also be relevant to produce better outcomes. Learning objectives:
1. Further controlled studies are needed to corroborate these preliminary findings.
2. RTCs should systematically evaluate the efficacy of EMDR therapy for GAD, Social anxiety and Agoraphobia. 3. Controlled comparisons between EMDR therapy and CBT would be especially useful.
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Faretta, E., & Dal Farra, M. (2021, June). Efficacy of EMDR therapy for anxiety disorders: RCTs review. Poster presented at the 20th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Virtual
Citation
“Efficacy of EMDR therapy for anxiety disorders: RCTs review,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 7, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/26913.