Treating combat-related stress disorders: A multiple case study utilizing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with battlefield casualties from the Iraqi war

Four combat veterans received a single session of EMDR and had significant improvement in their acute stress disorder and PTSD symptoms.

Article Abstract

“Casualties from the Iraqi War were evacuated to a field hospital in Rota, Spain, and were screened for combat-related stress conditions. Four combat veterans requested immediate relief of their posttraumatic symptoms prior to returning to the United States. A single session of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) led to significant improvement in their acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. A detailed account of those treatment sessions, as well as the proposed alterations of standard protocols for time-limited fieldwork, is presented. Compared to other early interventions, EMDR may be better suited for combat veterans. The results are promising but in need of further research.”

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Russell, M. (2006). Treating combat-related stress disorders: A multiple case study utilizing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with battlefield casualties from the Iraqi war. Military Psychology, 18(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327876mp1801_1