The use of eye-movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder – A systematic narrative review
This article reviews evidence for the efficacy of EMDR therapy as a treatment for PTSD.
Article Abstract
“Aim: There is an extensive body of research examining the efficacy of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This systematic narrative review aimed to systematically, and narratively, review robust evidence from Randomized-Controlled Trials examining the efficacy of EMDR therapy.
Method: Eight databases were searched to identify studies relevant to the study aim. Two separate systematic searches of published, peer-reviewed evidence were carried out, considering relevant studies published prior to April 2017. After exclusion of all irrelevant, or non-robust, studies, a total of two meta-analyses and four Randomized-Controlled Trials were included for review.
Results: Data from meta-analyses and Randomized-Controlled Trials included in this review evidence the efficacy of EMDR therapy as a treatment for PTSD. Specifically, EMDR therapy improved PTSD diagnosis, reduced PTSD symptoms, and reduced other trauma-related symptoms. EMDR therapy was evidenced as being more effective than other trauma treatments, and was shown to be an effective therapy when delivered with different cultures. However, limitations to the current evidence exist, and much current evidence relies on small sample sizes and provides limited follow-up data.
Conclusions: This systematic narrative review contributes to the current evidence base, and provides recommendations for practice and future research. This review highlights the need for additional research to further examine the use of EMDR therapy for PTSD in a range of clinical populations and cultural contexts.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
Wilson, G., Farrell, D., Barron, I., Hutchins, J., Whybrow, D., & Kiernan, M. D. (2018). The use of eye-movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder – A systematic narrative review. Frontiers in Psychology, 923. Open access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00923
About the Journal
“Frontiers in Psychology is a multidisciplinary journal that publishes advances in psychological research.”
—Description from publisher
Date
June 6, 2018
Creator(s)
Gemma Wilson, Derek Farrell, Ian Barron
Contributor(s)
Jonathan Hutchins, Dean Whybrow, Matthew D. Kiernan
Topics
PTSD
Extent
11 pages
Publisher
Frontiers
APA Citation
Wilson, G., Farrell, D., Barron, I., Hutchins, J., Whybrow, D., & Kiernan, M. D. (2018). The use of eye-movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder – A systematic narrative review. Frontiers in Psychology, 923. Open access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00923
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Article, Meta-analyses/Systematic Reviews, Peer-Reviewed
Access Type
External Resource, Open Access