EMDR outcomes in depression and anxiety: Evidence from a meta-analysis

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR therapy) has been used to treat depression and anxiety, but its relative benefits across these conditions and comparators remain unclear. We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate symptom reduction in both outcomes and to examine potential moderators, including age, treatment duration, region, follow-up period, intervention format, comparator type, and study quality. Forty randomized controlled trials (N = 2,064) were analyzed using random-effects models. Effect sizes were calculated as Hedges’ g with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses examined clinical and methodological moderators, including risk of bias and publication bias. EMDR therapy was associated with symptom reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms compared with control conditions (SMD = –1.10). Reductions were slightly larger for anxiety than depression, but the difference was not statistically significant. Effects were larger relative to passive controls (SMD = –1.30) and smaller and statistically uncertain relative to active psychological comparators (SMD = –0.59). Heterogeneity was substantial (I² > 85%). Trim-and-fill analyses attenuated pooled estimates, and risk-of-bias meta-regression indicated larger reductions in studies with greater methodological concerns. Benefits were generally maintained at follow-up, though variability remained high. EMDR therapy is associated with symptom reduction in depression and anxiety, particularly relative to passive controls. However, high heterogeneity, small-study effects, and smaller differences versus active comparators limit certainty. EMDR may represent a clinically useful option in some contexts, but its comparative advantage over established psychotherapies remains uncertain.

Journal

English

Kenni Wojujutari Ajele
Botho Nanvula Ramonkga
Erhabor Sunday Idemudia

Ajele, K. W., Ramonkga, B. N., & Idemudia, E. S., (2026). EMDR outcomes in depression and anxiety: Evidence from a meta-analysis. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 20. https://doi.org/10.34133/jemdr.0033