Remote EMDR versus CBT for PTSD after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: a randomized trial

This RCT evaluated the comparative effectiveness of remotely delivered EMDR and CBT in treating PTSD and related symptoms among 89 adult earthquake survivors.

Resource Abstract

“The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye caused widespread psychological trauma, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emerging as a major consequence. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the comparative effectiveness of remotely delivered Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in treating PTSD and related symptoms among 89 adult earthquake survivors. Participants were assigned to 12-week EMDR, CBT, or no-treatment control conditions. Both interventions significantly reduced PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms relative to control. EMDR yielded greater improvements in PTSD severity, while CBT demonstrated broader effects on depression and emotion regulation. Although both treatments were delivered online, their clinical outcomes remained robust, supporting their scalability in disaster contexts. These findings provide real-world evidence that trauma-focused psychotherapies can be effective and accessible in the aftermath of large-scale humanitarian crises, highlighting the importance of flexible, evidence-based approaches tailored to the psychological needs of disaster-affected populations.”

—Description from publisher

Resource Access

Open Acces

Çınaroğlu, M. (2025). Remote EMDR versus CBT for PTSD after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: a randomized trial. Figshare. Online resource. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.29325677.v1