Face-to-face versus web-based EMDR therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms: A randomized controlled trial

This randomized controlled study examined the effectiveness of face-to-face versus web-based EMDR for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Article Abstract

“Background: This randomized controlled study examined the effectiveness of face-to-face versus web-based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Method: Sixty-five patients were randomly assigned to face-to-face EMDR (n = 23), web-based EMDR (n = 23), or a waiting-list control condition (WLCC) (n = 23). Treatment consisted of ten sessions. Symptom changes were assessed post-treatment and at one- and three-month follow-ups using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Participants also recorded daily anxiety and worry levels from two weeks before treatment to two weeks after follow-up.

Results: Linear mixed-model analyses showed significant improvements in both treatment conditions compared to WLCC, with large effect sizes (e.g., GAD-7: d_pre−post = 1.90 for face-to-face, d_pre−post = 1.59 for web-based). No significant differences between treatment conditions were found, except for worry. Treatment effects remained stable at follow-ups.

Conclusions: Both face-to-face and web-based EMDR are effective for GAD. However, because wait-list control is used, symptom improvements cannot be attributed solely to EMDR. Future studies using active control groups are warranted.

Ethics: Approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Bushehr University of Medical Science (IR.BPUMS.REC.1402.070) and registered retrospectively in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20240716062442N1).”

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Jamshidi, F., de Jongh, A., Rajabi, S., Dehghani, Y., & Pakizeh, A. (2025). Face-to-face versus web-based EMDR therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. Cognitive Therapy and Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-025-10641-x