Cognitive behaviour therapy versus eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for post-traumatic disorder – Is it all in the homework then? (European Review of Applied Psychology)

Cognitive behaviour therapy versus eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for post-traumatic disorder – Is it all in the homework then?

The aim of the present meta-analysis was to determine whether there are any differences between these two treatments with respect to efficacy and efficiency in treating PTSD.

Article Abstract

“Introduction: Treatment of choice for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is either eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) or trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (TFCBT).

Objective: The aim of the present meta-analysis was to determine whether there are any differences between these two treatments with respect to efficacy and efficiency in treating PTSD.

Method: We performed a comprehensive literature search using several electronic search engines as well as manual searches of other review papers. Eight original studies involving 227 participants were identified in this manner.

Results: There were no differences between EMDR and TFCBT on measures of PTSD. However, there was a significant advantage for EMDR over TFCBT in reducing depression (Hedge’s g = 0.63). The analysis also indicated a difference in the prescribed homework between the treatments. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between hours of homework and gains in depression and PTSD symptoms.

Conclusion: These findings are discussed in terms of efficacy and cost-effectiveness and the use of homework in therapy.”

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Ho, M. S. K., & Lee, C. W. (2012). Cognitive behaviour therapy versus eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for post-traumatic disorder – Is it all in the homework then? European Review of Applied Psychology/Revue Europeenne de Psychologie Appliquee, 62(4), 253-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erap.2012.08.001

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“The aim of the European Review of Applied Psychology is to promote high-quality applications of psychology to all areas of specialization, and to foster exchange among researchers and professionals.”

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Cognitive behaviour therapy versus eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for post-traumatic disorder – Is it all in the homework then? (European Review of Applied Psychology)