Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in the medical detting: A systematic review
Description
Background
This systematic literature review aims to evaluate the use and effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in adult patients treated in the medical setting.
Methods
We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if the effectiveness of EMDR was assessed in adult patients treated in a medical setting. Excluded were patients exclusively suffering from a mental health disorder, without somatic comorbidity. A risk of bias analysis was performed. This review was specified in advance and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022325238).
Findings
89 studies are included and categorized in 14 medical domains: pain, oncology, neurology, obstetrics, otorhinolaryngology, rheumatology, cardiology, gynecology, dentistry, dermatology, pulmonary medicine, internal medicine, nephrology, and intensive care unit. In addition, three studies focusing on persistent physical complaints were included. Most frequently used outcomes were anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, and pain. These outcomes were assessed by study-specific and validated outcome measures. EMDR was found to be adequate in reducing symptoms in nearly all studies included (87/89). Only two studies, within the field of gynecology, reported either no beneficial effects or that the beneficial effects did not remain over time. Notably, the occurrence of adverse events was rarely mentioned.
Interpretation
EMDR seems to have a beneficial effect on improving psychological and physical symptoms, including anxiety, PTSD, and pain, in adults treated in a medical setting. Most evidence exists for its application in the fields of oncology, pain, and neurology. The average treatment duration was relatively short, which further improves applicability in the medical setting.
This systematic literature review aims to evaluate the use and effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in adult patients treated in the medical setting.
Methods
We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if the effectiveness of EMDR was assessed in adult patients treated in a medical setting. Excluded were patients exclusively suffering from a mental health disorder, without somatic comorbidity. A risk of bias analysis was performed. This review was specified in advance and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022325238).
Findings
89 studies are included and categorized in 14 medical domains: pain, oncology, neurology, obstetrics, otorhinolaryngology, rheumatology, cardiology, gynecology, dentistry, dermatology, pulmonary medicine, internal medicine, nephrology, and intensive care unit. In addition, three studies focusing on persistent physical complaints were included. Most frequently used outcomes were anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, and pain. These outcomes were assessed by study-specific and validated outcome measures. EMDR was found to be adequate in reducing symptoms in nearly all studies included (87/89). Only two studies, within the field of gynecology, reported either no beneficial effects or that the beneficial effects did not remain over time. Notably, the occurrence of adverse events was rarely mentioned.
Interpretation
EMDR seems to have a beneficial effect on improving psychological and physical symptoms, including anxiety, PTSD, and pain, in adults treated in a medical setting. Most evidence exists for its application in the fields of oncology, pain, and neurology. The average treatment duration was relatively short, which further improves applicability in the medical setting.
Format
Other
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Driessen, H. P. A., Morsink, S., Busschbach, J., Hoogendijk, W. J. G., & Kranenburg, L. W. (2023). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in the medical setting: A systematic review. THELANCET-D-23-03420. doi:10.2139/ssrn.4495140
Citation
“Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in the medical detting: A systematic review,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed April 28, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/28804.