Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders can take an emotional toll on those who cope with and manage the symptoms on a day to day basis. In addition, OCD presents treatment challenges to the mental health system in terms of time and financial resources. There is a growing body of evidence that supports the use of EMDR therapy with OCD. Below are some resources that could be helpful for EMDR therapists working with clients dealing with OCD. For those that have already taken the EMDR training, there are some continuing education workshops on EMDR therapy with OCD clients in our Distance Learning education library. And it is always an option to run a search for pertinent upcoming workshops in our Education Calendar as well.
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EMDR Protocol Adaptations for OCD:
Bohm, K. (2016). Obsessive-compulsive disorder and EMDR therapy. In M. Luber (Ed.), Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy scripted protocols and summary sheets: Treating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and mood-related conditions (pp. 102-136). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Co.
Marr, J. (2012). EMDR treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Preliminary research. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 6(1), 2-15. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.6.1.2
Popky, A. J. (2005). DeTUR, an urge reduction protocol for addictions and dysfunctional behaviors. In R. Shapiro (Ed.), EMDR solutions, pathways to healing (pp. 167-188). New York, NY: W. W. Norton and Co.
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Peer Reviewed Research Articles – Open Access or Access to Journal of EMDR Practice and Research (JEMDR) via EMDRIA Membership
Bohm, K. R. (2019). EMDR’s efficacy for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 333-336. https://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.333
Cusimano, A., (2018). EMDR in the treatment of adolescent obsessive-compulsive disorder: A case study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12(4), 242-254. Open access: https://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.12.4.242
de Jongh, A., & ten Broeke, E. (2009). EMDR and the anxiety disorders: Exploring the current status. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(3), 133-140. Open access: https://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.3.3.133
Gorgulu, S. A. (2020). Trichotillomania treatment based on trauma: Case report. Archives of Clinical and Medical Case Reports, 4(1), 158-163. Open access: http://dx.doi.org/10.26502/acmcr.96550181
Keenan, P., Farrell, D., Keenan, L., & Ingham, C. (2018). Treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: An ethno-phenomenological case series. International Journal of Psychotherapy, 22(3), 74-91. Open access: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330093373_Treating_Obsessive_Compulsive_Disorder_OCD_using_Eye_Movement_Desensitisation_and_Reprocessing_EMDR_Therapy_An_Ethno-Phenomenological_Case_Serieshttp://www.ijp.org.uk/index.php?ident=b888b29826bb53dc531437e723738383d8339b56#.Xd0-OuhKgVA
Marr, J. (2012). EMDR treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Preliminary research. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 6(1), 2-15. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.6.1.2
Marsden, Z. (2016). EMDR treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Three cases. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 10(2), 91-103. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.10.2.91
Mazzoni, G. P., Pozza, A., La Mela, C., & Fernandez, I. (2017). CBT combined with EMDR for resistant refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: Report of three cases. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 14(5), 345-356. Open access: https://www.clinicalneuropsychiatry.org/clinical-neuropsychiatry-volume-14-issue-5-october-2017/
Nijdam, M. J., van der Pol, M. M., Dekens, R. E., Olff, M., & Denys, D. (2013). Treatment of sexual trauma dissolves contamination fear: Case report. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 4, 19157. Open Access: https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpthttps://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v4i0.19157
Potik, D. (2017). “Winter is Coming!” – treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder imagery after viewing the television series Game of Thrones. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11(3), 147-161. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.11.3.147
Pozza, A., Mazzoni, G. P., Neri, M. T., Bisciglia, R., La Mela, C., Fernandez, I., & Dettore, D. (2014). “Tackling trauma to overcome OCD resistance” (The TTOOR Florence trial): Efficacy of EMDR plus CBT versus CBT alone for inpatients with resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. Protocol for a randomized comparative outcome trial. American Journal of Applied Psychology, 2(5), 114-122. Open access: http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajap/2/5/3
Sarichloo, M. E., Taremian, F., Dolatshahee, B., & Haji Seyed Javadi, S. A. (2020). Effectiveness of exposure/response prevention plus eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in reducing anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms associated with stressful life experiences: A randomized controlled trial. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 14(3), e101535. Open access: https://dx.doi.org/10.5812/ijpbs.101535
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Peer Reviewed Research Articles – Not Open Access
Bohm, K., & Voderholzer, U. (2010). Use of EMDR in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders: A case series. Verhaltenstherapie, 20(3), 175-181. https://doi.org/10.1159/000319439
Marsden, Z., Lovell, K., Blore, D., Ali, S., & Delgadillo, J. (2017). A randomized controlled trial comparing EMDR and CBT for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 25(1), e10-e18. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2120
Nazari, H., Momeni, N., Jariani, M., & Tarrahi, M. J. (2011). Comparison of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing with citalopram in treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, 15(4), 270-274. https://doi.org/10.3109/13651501.2011.590210 (RCT)
Potik, D., Moghrabi, F., & Schreiber, S. (2020). Case report: Pharmacotherapy and EMDR psychotherapy as an effective treatment for OCD imagery in a patient with a psychotic disorder. The Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences, 57(1), 47-54. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343390813_Case_Report_Pharmacotherapy_and_EMDR_Psychotherapy_as_an_Effective_Treatment_for_OCD_Imagery_in_a_Patient_with_a_Psychotic_Disorder
Talbot, D. (2021). Examination of initial evidence for EMDR as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(3), 167-173. http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-D-21-00004
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Other Articles/Podcasts/Resources
Manning, R. & Sursok, T. (Co-hosts). (2020, Oct 14). Torrey Devitto shares what it was really like working on Pretty Little Liars, dealing with her OCD with EMDR therapy, and what watching people die has taught her about life [Audio Podcast]. In Women On Top. Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/torrey-devitto-shares-what-it-was-really-like-working/id1458933088?i=1000494700961
Rutledge, C. (2020, Jan 11). Better ways to treat OCD. OMTimes Magazine [blog]. Retrieved from: https://omtimes.com/2020/01/noninvasive-treatments-ocd/
Shapiro, R. (2009). Attachment, affect tolerance, and avoidance targets in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. In (R. Shaprio, Ed.), EMDR solutions II, for depression, eating disorder, performance, and more. New York, NY: W. W. Norton and Co.