Addiction focused EMDR therapy to treat sexual addiction in an individual with a sexual offense history: Self-report and wearable device report in a single case design

This study investigated the efficacy of Addiction Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) therapy interventions in patients struggling with sexual addiction, and aimed to determine if AF-EMDR therapy reduced craving for explicit content and other symptoms of sexual addiction.

Article Abstract

“This study investigated the efficacy of a palette of Addiction Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR) therapy interventions in patients struggling with sexual addiction, including those with a history of sexual offenses. Using a single case multiple baseline design, we aimed to determine if AF-EMDR therapy reduced craving for explicit content and other symptoms of sexual addiction. Data were collected using the Empatica E4 wristband, passively monitoring indirect measures of autonomic nervous system activity during cravings, alongside self-reports of sexual craving, online sexual addiction and online sexual behavior. Measurements were taken before, during, and post-desensitization, both at rest and during exposure to questions about online pornography use. A follow-up interview was conducted to assess the lasting effects of the treatment. During exposure to sexual addiction related questions, more sympathetic nervous system activity was measured than in the resting condition. In both conditions clinically desirable changes occurred following the initiation of desensitization in AF-EMDR treatment. Follow-up measurements and the interview suggested that the behavioral changes were maintained a year post-treatment. This study indicates that AF-EMDR therapy is a viable treatment option for patients who are struggling with sexual addiction.”

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Landman, W., Rijckmans, M., Spreen, M., de LLooff, P., van Meurs, L., & Bogaerts, S. (2025). Addiction focused EMDR therapy to treat sexual addiction in an individual with a sexual offense history: Self-report and wearable device report in a single case design. Sexual Health & Compulsivity, 1-37. https://doi.org/10.1080/10720162.2025.2552126