Addressing mental health need after COVID-19: A systematic review of remote EMDR therapy studies as an emerging option
This meta-analysis demonstrates the feasibility and potential efficacy of online EMDR as an accessible therapeutic option during times of limited in-person interaction.
Article Abstract
“Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a substantial rise in mental health challenges, prompting a need for accessible and effective therapeutic interventions. This review summarizes the evidence on remote Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy delivered in response to the increased need.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases including PsychINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched to identify studies assessing the efficacy of EMDR therapy administered online.
Results: Sixteen articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected, involving 1,231 participants across various age groups. Studies covered remote individual and group EMDR sessions and self-administered computerized protocols. Findings indicate promising outcomes in reducing PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression.
Discussion: The analysis of the selected studies demonstrates the feasibility and potential efficacy of online EMDR as an accessible therapeutic option for addressing mental health difficulties, particularly during times of limited in-person interaction. However, the studies revealed limitations such as small sample sizes, absence of control groups, and reliance on self-reported measures.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
Kaptan, S. K., Kaya, Z., Akan, A. (2023). Addressing mental health need after COVID-19: A systematic review of remote EMDR therapy studies as an emerging option. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 3389. Open access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1336569
About the Journal
“Frontiers in Psychiatry is an interdisciplinary journal that focuses on translational and ‘bench-to-beside’ approaches to improve therapeutic options for mental illness and consequently to improve patient treatment outcomes.”
—Description from publisher
Date
January 4, 2024
Creator(s)
Safa Kemal Kaptan, Zehra Merve Kaya, Ayşe Akan
Topics
COVID-19
Practice & Methods
Group, Telehealth
Publisher
Frontiers
Rights
Copyright © 2024 Kaptan, Kaya and Akan. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
APA Citation
Kaptan, S. K., Kaya, Z., Akan, A. (2023). Addressing mental health need after COVID-19: A systematic review of remote EMDR therapy studies as an emerging option. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 3389. Open access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1336569
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Article, Meta-analyses/Systematic Reviews
Access Type
External Resource, Open Access
