Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in trauma related panic disorder: Clinical outcomes through a neuroendocrine lens

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EMDR therapy on symptoms and severity in individuals diagnosed with panic disorders who had experienced at least 1 traumatic event.

Article Abstract

“Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on symptoms and disease severity in individuals diagnosed with panic disorders who had experienced at least 1 traumatic event.

Methods: This study was conducted using a single-group pretest posttest experimental design. Participants received the standard EMDR protocol, and symptom severity was assessed using the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) at 4 separate time points (pretreatment, post-first session, post-second session, and posttreatment).
Results: The study included 34 participants (25 women, 9 men; mean age, 33.6 ± 8.1 years). A significant decrease in PBSS scores was observed across the 4 measurements (pretest: 19.6 ± 5.7; posttest: 8.8 ± 2.7; P < .001). The change (delta) in PBSS scores according to sex was 11.5 ± 3.9 in women and 9.1 ± 2.6 in men, with no statistically significant difference between groups (P = .068). No effect of marital status on symptom changes was observed (P > .05). A weak but nonsignificant positive correlation was found between age and PBSS change scores (r = 0.261; P = .135).
Conclusion: EMDR therapy appears to be effective in reducing symptom severity in patients with panic disorders in the short term. This effect was observed independently of the demographic variables. However, further studies are needed to determine long term efficacy and compare the results with other therapeutic approaches.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access 

Yildiz, E., & Sayiner, Z. A. (2026). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in trauma related panic disorder: Clinical outcomes through a neuroendocrine lens. Medicine, 105(42), e50943.  https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000050943(opens in new tab)

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Date
October 16, 2026

Creator(s)
Emrah Yildiz, Zeynel Abidin Sayiner

Topics
Anxiety/Panic/Phobias

Practice & Methods
Neurobiology

Extent
4 pages

Publisher
Wolters Kluwer Health, LLC

Rights
Copyright © 2026, Wolters Kluwer Health

APA Citation
Yildiz, E., & Sayiner, Z. A. (2026). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in trauma related panic disorder: Clinical outcomes through a neuroendocrine lens. Medicine, 105(42), e50943.  https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000050943

Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals

Language
English

Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed

Access Type
External Resource, Open Access

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