EMDR for panic disorder with agoraphobia: Comparison with waiting list and credible attention-placebo control conditions.

In a randomized controlled trial, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) was compared with both waiting list and credible attention-placebo control groups. EMDR was significantly better than waiting list for some outcome measure, (questionnaire, diary, and interview measures of severity of anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia) but not for others (panic attack frequency and anxious cognitions). However, low power and, for panic frequency, floor effects may account for these negative results. Differences between EMDR and the attention placebo control condition were not statistically significant on any measure, and, in this case, the effect sizes were generally small (η?=?.00–.06), suggesting the poor results for EMDR were not due to lack of power. Because there are established effective treatments such as cognitive–behavior therapy for PDA, these data, unless contradicted by future research, indicate EMDR should not be the first-line treatment for this disorder. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A meta-analysis.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a controversial treatment suggested for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions, was evaluated in a meta-analysis of 34 studies that examined EMDR with a variety of populations and measures. Process and outcome measures were examined separately, and EMDR showed an effect on both when compared with no treatment and with therapies not using exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli and in pre–post EMDR comparisons. However, no significant effect was found when EMDR was compared with other exposure techniques. No incremental effect of eye movements was noted when EMDR was compared with the same procedure without them. R. J. DeRubeis and P. Crits-Christoph (1998) noted that EMDR is a potentially effective treatment for noncombat PTSD, but studies that examined such patient groups did not give clear support to this. In sum, EMDR appears to be no more effective than other exposure techniques, and evidence suggests that the eye movements integral to the treatment, and to its name, are unnecessary. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for psychologically traumatized individuals.

The effects of 3 90-min eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment sessions on traumatic memories of 80 participants were studied. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment or delayed-treatment conditions and to 1 of 5 licensed therapists trained in EMDR. Participants receiving EMDR showed decreases in presenting complaints and in anxiety and increases in positive cognition. Participants in the delayed-treatment condition showed no improvement on any of these measures across the 30 days before treatment, but after treatment participants in the delayed-treatment condition showed similar effects on all measures. The effects were maintained at 90-day follow-up. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment for combat PTSD": Commentary.

Comments on the article by J. G. Carlson et al (see record 84-01737) regarding the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment (EMDR) to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Vietnam veterans. The author suggests that EMDR seems simplistic and lacks face validity altogether. L. Waters proposes that EMDR works because of resolute perception, a process defined by F. J. Hanna and K. Puhakka (1991) as a deliberate sustained focus of attention on an identified problem with the goal of achieving clarity, at a point when the client is ready and willing to confront and perceive. Waters suggest that a way to test whether or not EMDR works because of resolute perception would be to assign a similar group of clients to a totally different task (e.g., drawing straight lines) while giving them the same instructions as are given in EMDR regarding their memories, thoughts, and desirable cognitions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Use of eye movement to reduce stress after trauma

In 1987 an accidental discovery revealed an association between certain eye movements and reduced levels of distress resulting from traumatic memories. The result was a new psychological intervention, eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). The treatment consists of generating rapid and rhythmic eye movements while simultaneously holding traumatic images, thoughts and emotions in the active memory. This paper describes the experiences of one psychotherapist in using EMDR to treat people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Six case studies illustrate aspects of this complex treatment.     

Comparative efficacy of a DA2/alpha2 agonist and a beta-blocker in reducing adrenergic drive and cardiac fibrosis in an experimental model of left ventricular dysfunction after coronary artery occlusion

In a prepilot study, eight adults with chronic PTSD underwent three 90-minute sessions of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) at one-week intervals in an open trial. None of the seven who completed treatment met criteria for current PTSD two months later. Significant decreases in measures of pathology and disturbance were recorded. A controlled trial of EMDR is under way.     

Comparative efficacy, speed, and adverse effects of three PTSD treatments: Exposure therapy, EMDR, and relaxation training.

The authors examined the efficacy, speed, and incidence of symptom worsening for 3 treatments of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): prolonged exposure, relaxation training, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; N=60). Treatments did not differ in attrition, in the incidence of symptom worsening, or in their effects on numbing and hyperarousal symptoms. Compared with EMDR and relaxation training, exposure therapy (a) produced significantly larger reductions in avoidance and reexperiencing symptoms, (b) tended to be faster at reducing avoidance, and (c) tended to yield a greater proportion of participants who no longer met criteria for PTSD after treatment. EMDR and relaxation did not differ from one another in speed or efficacy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comment on Greenwald (1996): The assessment of fidelity to the EMDR treatment protocol.

Comments on R. Greenwald's (see record 83-27577) article in which he argues that fidelity to the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) protocol is the critical factor that determines whether a treatment outcome study will show that EMDR is effective. M. Van Ommeren recommends the formation of a panel that can make assessments as to whether or not the treatments used in EMDR outcome studies have fidelity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The role of "resolute perception" in EMDR: Reply to Linda Waters.

Replies to the comments by L. Waters (see record 84-36309) on the article by J. G. Carlson et al (see record 84-01737) regarding the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment (EMDR) to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Vietnam combat veterans. The authors suggest that Waters' interest in considering curative elements in psychotherapy common to a number of methods is useful because it encourages clinicians to focus on EMDR as a complex of procedures. The EMDR method of psychotherapy purports to provide a mechanism to enable and accelerate the resolution of experiences that otherwise might remain in stasis indefinitely. Waters' thoughtful letter suggests to the authors that EMDR may be reaching a level of clinical acceptance that is provoking a careful examination beyond an exclusive focus on 1 component, the eye movements, to consideration of EMDR as a sophisticated method of brief psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Behavioral and neurochemical methods in research on new psychotropic drugs

The present study is a 15-month follow-up of the effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on the functioning of 66 participants, 32 of whom were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prior to treatment, PTSD participants improved as much as those without the diagnosis, with both groups maintaining their gains at 15 months. At 15-month follow-up, the three 90-min sessions of EMDR previously administered (S.A. Wilson, L.A. Becker, & R. H. Tinker, 1995) produced an 84% reduction in PTSD diagnosis and a 68% reduction in PTSD symptoms. The average treatment effect size was 1.59; the average reliable change index was 3.37. Implications of the maintenance of EMDR treatment effects are discussed.     

Fifteen-month follow-up of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder and psychological trauma.

The present study is a 15-month follow-up of the effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on the functioning of 66 participants, 32 of whom were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prior to treatment. PTSD participants improved as much as those without the diagnosis, with both groups maintaining their gains at 15 months. At 15-month follow-up, the three 90-min sessions of EMDR previously administered (S. A. Wilson, L. A. Becker, & R. H. Tinker, 1995) produced an 84% reduction in PTSD diagnosis and a 68% reduction in PTSD symptoms. The average treatment effect size was 1.59; the average reliable change index was 3.37. Implications of the maintenance of EMDR treatment effects are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Helping child flood victims using group EMDR intervention in Argentina: Treatment outcome and gender differences.

A comprehensive group intervention with 124 children who experienced disaster-related trauma during a massive flood in Santa Fe, Argentina, in 2003 is illustrated, utilizing a one-session group eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) protocol. A posttreatment session was done 3 months after the treatment intervention to evaluate results. Results of this one-session treatment procedure, utilizing the EMDR-Integrative Group Treatment Protocol, showed statistically significant reduction of symptoms immediately after the intervention. These statistically significant differences were sustained at posttreatment evaluation 3 months later, as measured by psychometric scales, and by clinical and behavioral observation. Data analysis also revealed significant gender differences. Despite methodological limitations, this study supports the efficacy of EMDR group treatment in the amelioration and prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, providing an efficient, simple, and economic (in terms of time and resources) tool for disaster-related trauma. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

As good as it seems? A review of EMDR experimental research.

The article reviews 7 experimental studies that examined eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment. The 7 studies varied greatly in their complexity, their designs, how treatment effects were measured, and their results. Each study is detailed and critically examined. A summary of results is provided as well as suggestions for clinical application and future research. In addition, questions are raised regarding F. Shapiro's (1995) approach to disseminating information about EMDR. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Four case studies of a new tool for executive coaching and restoring employee performance after setbacks.

The effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) integrated into executive coaching are reported in 4 case studies illustrating varied job titles and industries. Participants received 1–10 hrs of coaching in which EMDR was used to desensitize an upsetting event that had impaired their performance at work. Outcomes indicated that EMDR desensitized the disturbing incident and that participants shifted their negative view to a more positive one. Work performance was restored or enhanced. In the 4th case EMDR appeared to decrease anxiety about job interviewing and the participant reported a satisfactory result. Findings suggest that EMDR is a promising adjunct to coaching for workplace performance enhancement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A life review interview guide: a structured systems approach to information gathering

To study the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with traumatized young women, 60 women between the ages of 16 and 25 were randomly assigned to two sessions of either EMDR or an active listening (AL) control. Factorial ANOVA interaction effects and simple main effects for outcome measure (Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Penn Inventory for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Impact of Event Scale, Tennessee Self-Concept Scale) indicated significant improvement for both groups and significantly greater pre-post change for EMDR-treated participants. Pre-post effect sizes for the EMDR group averaged 1.56 compared to 0.65 for the AL group. Despite treatment brevity, the posttreatment outcome variable means of EMDR-treated participants compared favorably with nonpatient or successfully treated norm groups on all measures.     

Is EMDR being held to an unfair standard? Rejoinder to Van Ommeren (1996).

Replies to comments by M. Van Ommeren (see record 1996-00480-017) on R. Greenwald's (see record 1996-00401-008) article, in which Greenwald argues that fidelity to the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) protocol is the critical factor that determines wehther a treatment outcome study will show that EMDR is effective. Here, Greenwald contends that Van Ommeren's recommendation regarding the formation of EMDR-neutral panels is probably unattainable, even though it is ideal from a scientific perspective. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Learned tolerance to ethanol-induced c-Fos expression in rats

This study examined the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and exposure in the treatment of a specific phobia. Twenty-six spider phobic children were treated during 2 treatment phases. During the first phase, which lasted 2.5 hr, children were randomly assigned to either (a) an EMDR group (n = 9), (b) an exposure in vivo group (n = 9), or (c) a computerized exposure (control) group (n = 8). During the 2nd phase, all groups received a 1.5-hr session of exposure in vivo. Therapy outcome measures (i.e., self-reported fear and behavioral avoidance) were obtained before treatment, after Treatment Phase 1, and after Treatment Phase 2. Results showed that the 2.5-hr exposure in vivo session produced significant improvement on all outcome measures. In contrast, EMDR yielded a significant improvement on only self-reported spider fear. Computerized exposure produced nonsignificant improvement. Furthermore, no evidence was found to suggest that EMDR potentiates the efficacy of a subsequent exposure in vivo treatment. Exposure in vivo remains the treatment of choice for childhood spider phobia.     

Treating phobic children: Effects of EMDR versus exposure.

This study examined the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and exposure in the treatment of a specific phobia. Twenty-six spider phobic children were treated during 2 treatment phases. During the first phase, which lasted 2.5 hr, children were randomly assigned to either (a) an EMDR group (n?=?9), (b) an exposure in vivo group (n?=?9), or (c) a computerized exposure (control) group (n?=?8). During the 2nd phase, all groups received a 1.5-hr session of exposure in vivo. Therapy outcome measures (i.e., self-reported fear and behavioral avoidance) were obtained before treatment, after Treatment Phase 1, and after Treatment Phase 2. Results showed that the 2.5-hr exposure in vivo session produced significant improvement on all outcome measures. In contrast, EMDR yielded a significant improvement on only self-reported spider fear. Computerized exposure produced nonsignificant improvement. Furthermore, no evidence was found to suggest that EMDR potentiates the efficacy of a subsequent exposure in vivo treatment. Exposure in vivo remains the treatment of choice for childhood spider phobia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Responding to an identified need: A joint department of defense/department of veterans affairs training program in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for clinicians providing trauma services.

An earlier study of federal Department of Defense mental health professionals found relatively few trained in the psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder previously identified as effective by both this department and the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. In response to that need, a training program for one of the psychotherapies, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), was implemented utilizing personnel from these federal departments with assistance from a nonprofit agency. This article presents an evaluation of that program with rating data gathered from participants as well as treatment outcome data from the application of the training to patients. The program was highly rated by the participants and the impact of EMDR treatment was significant. Suggestions for similar programs and for further research are offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)