Methods: A multicenter feasibility study in 24 older PTSD patients receiving weekly EMDR sessions for either 3, 6 or 9 months. A linear-mixed-model was used with personality functioning (SIPP-SF) as dependent variable and time, PTSD severity (CAPS-5), and “other treatment” as predictor variables. Secondary, pre- and posttreatment percentages were calculated for the PDs presence.

Results: Symptom changes over time showed a significant influence of CAPS-5 on SIPP-SF (b = −1.40, 95% CI=[−2.48 to −0.33], p = .012), no significant effect of time for total SIPP-SF, and a significant improvement of SIPP-SF “identity integration”-scale over time (b = 9.20, 95% CI=[0.97–17.42], p = .029). There was a marginal significant effect of “other treatment” (b = 8.42, 95% CI=[−0.30–17.13], p = .058). There was 31% full PDs-decrease.

Conclusions: Observed improvements in personality functioning from pre to post-EMDR treatment were explained by PTSD-severity. Identity integration improved significantly over time. Results suggest that participants with “other treatment” showed more severe baseline pathology and thus lower personality functioning.

Clinical implications: EMDR, in addition to being a feasible treatment option for older adults with PTSD, improves personality functioning and reduces the presence of PDs over time.”