Preliminary Evidence for the Efficacy of EMDR in Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder

This preliminary study sought to evaluate the potential effectiveness of EMDR as a treatment modality for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Article Abstract

“This preliminary study sought to evaluate the potential effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment modality for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Using a single-case design with multiple baselines across four subjects, the effectiveness of 15 EMDR sessions was evaluated. Results indicate that subsequent to targeting the experiential contributors to GAD and the current and anticipated situations that caused excessive worry, the scores of anxiety and of excessive worry dropped to levels below diagnostic threshold and in two cases to full remission of GAD symptoms. At both posttreatment and at 2 months follow-up, all four participants no longer presented with GAD diagnosis. In addition, time-series analyses (ARMA) indicate statistically significant improvement on both daily measures of worry and anxiety over the course of the EMDR treatment.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Gauvreau, P., & Bouchard, S. (2008). Preliminary Evidence for the Efficacy of EMDR in Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(1), 26–40. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.2.1.26

About the Journal

Journal of EMDR Practice and Research (JEMDR) is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about EMDR therapy. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR therapy and its application to clinical practice. JEMDR is the official publication of the EMDR International Association.