EMDR interventions in refugees and asylum seekers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This review analyses the efficacy of EMDR in reducing PTSD in refugees or asylum seekers using randomized controlled studies (RCTs). A systematic review and meta-analysis published in PROSPERO (CRD42024595506) using the databases PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science were conducted.
Article Abstract
“Both refugees and asylum seekers exhibit poorer mental health and higher rates of mental disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for which EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective. This review analyses the efficacy of EMDR in reducing PTDS in refugees or asylum seekers using randomized controlled studies (RCTs). A systematic review and meta-analysis published in PROSPERO (CRD42024595506) using the databases PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science were conducted. The authors independently reviewed the articles to maintain double blind. A total of 10 articles met the criteria for inclusion. The analysis of these studies revealed that a nonsignificant effect of EMDR on PTSD symptoms was observed at the end of the intervention period and the effect sizes reflect interaction effects between treatment/control over time on outcome, and these represent changes over time. It should be interpreted with awareness of the potential limitations introduced by excluding other study designs due to heterogeneity.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Paid/Subscription Access
Antuña-Camblor, C., & Hernández, V. T. (2025). EMDR interventions in refugees and asylum seekers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 32(1): e70039. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.70039
Date
January 29, 2025
Creator(s)
Celia Antuña-Camblor, Victor Tejedor Hernández
Topics
PTSD
Client Population
Immigrants/Refugees
Publisher
Wiley
Rights
© 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
APA Citation
Antuña-Camblor, C., & Hernández, V. T. (2025). EMDR interventions in refugees and asylum seekers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 32(1): e70039. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.70039
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Article, Meta-analyses/Systematic Reviews, Peer-Reviewed
Access Type
External Resource, Open Access