Treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: An ethno-phenomenological case series

This case-series design study explored EMDR Therapy with clients with OCD, who had received previous treatment but were still symptomatic.

Article Abstract

“Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a bio-psycho-socio-cultural disorder that includes genetic, neural brain anomalies, traumatic experiences, and development of dysfunctional beliefs frequently learnt from others and from the environment.

Current empirical research supports Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Exposure and Response Prevention) as the ‘gold-standard’ psychological treatment intervention. However, clients with OCD often describe their anxieties as the result of an exposure to earlier adverse life experiences (past), or as a worst fear (future) related to their symptomatology, by onset or maintenance features.

This case-series design study explored the impact of EMDR Therapy with eight clients diagnosed with OCD, yet despite having received previous treatment – CBT (ERP) – were still OCD symptomatic.

The research methodology was that of Ethno-Phenomenology. Psychometric results highlighted a promising treatment effect of EMDR Therapy by reducing anxiety, depression, obsessions, compulsions and subjective levels of disturbance. Despite promising initial results with a small survey, more conducted research with this important clinical population is essential.”

—Description from publisher

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Keenan, P., Farrell, D., Keenan, L., & Ingham, C. (2018). Treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: An ethno-phenomenological case series. International Journal of Psychotherapy, 22(3), 74-91. http://www.ijp.org.uk/shop/product.php?product=495