EMDR-eating disorder protocol as adjunctive treatment for adolescents with an eating disorder: Preliminary findings of a feasibility study

This feasibility study examined the impact of EMDR therapy for eating disorders (EDs) as an adjunctive treatment for adolescents.

Resource Abstract

“This feasibility study examined the impact of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for eating disorders (EDs) as an adjunctive treatment for adolescents. Eleven adolescents received manualized EMDR-ED treatment developed specifically for EDs as an addition to standard care in an academic mental health setting for adolescents. Outcomes on ED symptoms, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and self-image were assessed using validated questionnaires at pre- and posttreatment. Feasibility of the protocol was evaluated posttreatment. There was a significant decrease in some ED symptoms and posttraumatic stress symptoms, with no significant improvements in self-image scores. Implementing EMDR-ED was feasible in the current setting. Quantitative clinical observations are discussed. The preliminary findings suggest that EMDR-ED is a feasible and potential valuable addition to standard ED treatment.”

—Description from publisher

Resource Access

Open Access

Jansma, M, Kooij, L. H., Zijlstra, B. J. H., de Roos, C., & Utens, E. M. J. W. (2026). EMDR-eating disorder protocol as adjunctive treatment for adolescents with an eating disorder: Preliminary findings of a feasibility study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 20, Article 33. https://doi.org/10.34133/jemdr.0032