REM desensitization as a new therapeutic method for post-traumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Study aimed to evaluate rapid eye movement (REM) desensitization as a new therapeutic approach in PTSD in comparison with EMDR.
Article Abstract
“Aim: to evaluate potential efficacy of a new therapeutic approach in posttraumatic stress disorder in comparison with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a standard treatment approach and controls.
Methods: the study was designed using a randomized controlled trial methodology. Participants were recruited from military servicemen aged between 25 to 50 years who were admitting hospitals of Bushehr, Iran, with the final diagnosis of PTSD. Finally 33 male patients were devided into three subgroups: G1: EMDR; G2: REM Desensitization; and group 3: controls who received no therapy. Mississippi Scale for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a 37 item death anxiety questionnaire were used for measures.
Results: multiple comparisons showed that intrusive thoughts were significantly more likely to improve with REM Desensitization versus EMDR (P=0.03), while depression was more responsive to EMDR (p=0.03). Among the Pittsburgh scale for the quality of sleep items, sleep quality (p=0.02), sleep duration (p=0.001), and total sleep quality score (p=0.002) were significantly more likely to improve in the REM Desensitization group. Change in the absolute death anxiety scores was not different between subgroups excepting EMDR versus control group (p=0.05).
Conclusion: REM, desensitization, the new therapeutic approach to PTSD is a highly effective strategy, even more than EMDR, the standard treatment, in most of the evaluated subjects, with special emphasis on sleep symptoms, and also in the management of intrusive thoughts. Depression is the only factor in which, REM Desensitization was significantly less likely to represent a superior therapeutic effect than EMDR.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
Ahmadi, K., Hazrati, M., Ahmadizadeh, M., & Noohi, S. (2015). REM desensitization as a new therapeutic method for post-traumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Acta Medica Indonesiana, 47(2), 111-119. Retrieved from: http://www.actamedindones.org/index.php/ijim/article/view/46
Date
April 1, 2015
Creator(s)
Khodabakhsh Ahmadi, Majid Hazrati, Mohammadjavad Ahmadizadeh
Contributor(s)
Sima Noohi
Topics
PTSD
Practice & Methods
Comparative Studies
Extent
9 pages
APA Citation
Ahmadi, K., Hazrati, M., Ahmadizadeh, M., & Noohi, S. (2015). REM desensitization as a new therapeutic method for post-traumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Acta Medica Indonesiana, 47(2), 111-119. Retrieved from: http://www.actamedindones.org/index.php/ijim/article/view/46
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed, RCT
Access Type
External Resource, Open Access