Effects of “eye movement desensitization” on emotional processing in normal subjects

Case reports make claims for efficacy of “eye movement desensitization” (EMD) in treatment of traumatic memories. Is there evidence?

Article Abstract

“A number of single case reports have made impressive claims for the efficacy of “eye movement desensitization” (EMD) in the treatment of traumatic memories. Many of these case reports claim that EMD reduces the unpleasant feelings associated with traumatic images. However, at present, there are no published controlled studies that provide evidence for these claims. The present experiment investigated whether EMD inhibits emotional responding during retrieval of aversive information. Normal Ss (N=40) were exposed to an aversive slide. During a next stage, half of the Ss underwent EMD while they rehearsed the slide information, whereas the other half underwent a control procedure (i.e., finger tapping) while rehearsing slide information. Before and after EMD or control intervention, heart rate and self-report data were obtained while Ss retrieved and visualized the aversive slide. No evidence was found to suggest that EMD inhibits emotional reactivity more than does finger tapping.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Purchase/Subscription Required

Merkelbach, H., Hogervorst, E., Kampman, M., & de Jongh, A. (1994). Effects of “eye movement desensitization” on emotional processing in normal subjects. Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy, 22(4), 331-335. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465800013217