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Cited by 145Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchPsychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsPsychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research

The use of eye-movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder—A systematic narrative review

Open access
Wilson, Gemma, Farrell, Derek, Barron, Ian, Hutchins, Jonathan, Whybrow, Dean, Kiernan, Matthew D.·2018·Frontiers in Psychology
DOI 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00923PMC PMC5997931
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Abstract

Aim: There is an extensive body of research examining the efficacy of Eye-Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This systematic narrative review aimed to systematically, and narratively, review robust evidence from Randomised-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 Randomised-Controlled Trials were included for review. Results: Data from meta-analyses and Randomised-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.

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Crossref · 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00923

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  • EMDR therapy exhibits markedly superior efficacy in ameliorating PTSD symptoms compared to control conditions and alternative interventions such as CBT.

    “Scholarly investigations have demonstrated that EMDR therapy exhibits a markedly superior efficacy in ameliorating symptoms of PTSD in comparison to control conditions and alternative interventions, such as CBT [72].”

    From Clinical Efficacy of Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Analysis. (2024) · cites this paper as [72]

    Results (Search 1) reports that meta-analyses found EMDR significantly more effective than control conditions and other interventions, including CBT, for PTSD symptoms. But the claim’s “markedly superior” wording implies a magnitude the review does not establish: it reports substantial heterogeneity, and Results (Search 2) describes one study in which EMDR improved some PTSD symptoms no more than a stabilization control group. (LLM, conf=0.85)

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Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (2017a). CASP Systematic Review Checklist [online]. Available online at: https://casp-uk.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/CASP-Systematic-Review-Checklist-Download.pdf
  2. Farrell D. P. (2016). Trans-generational trauma and EMDR therapy. BACP Journal-Private Practice Winter Edition. Available online at: https://www.livingrelaxed.com/node/17
  3. Shapiro F. (1995). Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. New York, NY: Guildford Press.

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Authors
Wilson, G., Farrell, D., Barron, I., Hutchins, J., Whybrow, D., & Kiernan, M. D.
Affiliations
  • Northumbria University (GB)
  • University of Worcester (GB)
  • University of Dundee (GB)
  • Cardiff University (GB)
Corresponding author
Wilson, Gemma
ORCID
Venue
Frontiers in Psychology
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Published
2018-06-06
Volume
9
Pages
923-923
ISSN
1664-1078 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00923
PMC
PMC5997931
OpenAlex
W2803696867
Cited by
145
References
17
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 22 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 4
FWCI
1.52
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Frontiers in Psychology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University) (acceptedVersion)
  • Discovery Research Portal (University of Dundee) (acceptedVersion, cc-by)
  • Northumbria Research Link (Northumbria University) (acceptedVersion)
  • Worcester Research and Publications (University of Worcester) (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
Keywords
EMDR, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma treatment, treatment efficacy, trauma symptoms, randomized controlled trials

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