COVID-19, isolation, quarantine: On the efficacy of the internet-based EMDR for the ongoing trauma

Literature points to CBT and EMDR as evidence-based therapies for trauma-related disorders. Treatments are typically administered in a vis-à-vis setting with patients reporting symptoms of a previously experienced trauma. Conversely, online-therapies and ongoing trauma have not received adequate attention. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two brief treatments for health professionals and individuals suffering from the circumstances imposed by COVID-19 pandemic. The EMDR and the trauma focused-CBT were administered online during the earliest stage of distress to manage the ongoing trauma associated to quarantine or disease. Thirty-eight patients satisfying the DSM-5 criteria for acute stress disorder were randomly assigned to the EMDR or CBT group. Both groups received a 7-sessions therapy, and psychometric tests were administered before, after the treatment and at 1-month follow-up to assess the traumatic, depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results revealed that both treatments yielded a relevant and similar improvement on all the outcome measures. Present findings indicate the internet-based EMDR and CBT as equally effective brief treatments, also suggesting a maintenance of the effects as indicated by the follow-up evaluation. The EMDR and CBT might be considered as first line therapies to treat the ongoing trauma and to prevent the sensitization and accumulation of trauma memories.

Conference

English

Antonio Onofri

Onofri, A. (2021, June). COVID-19, isolation, quarantine: On the efficacy of the internet-based EMDR for the ongoing trauma. Invited symposium at the 20th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Virtual