What is the research behind EMDR?
Since its original discovery by Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR has attracted the interests of many researchers in the field of trauma and trauma therapy. There are a vast number of studies that have demonstrated that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD. A number of meta-analyses have been conducted into its effectiveness [3, 4, 5, 10, 19].
There are, however, a number of other research findings that have demonstrated its efficacy for a range of other clinical conditions, in addition to PTSD.
Taken together, here are a few of the main findings from research into EMDR.
- Treatment for PTSD - There is a substantial body of research indicating that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD [3, 4, 5, 10, 19]. The World Health Organisation (WHO) conducted a review in 2013 and has since recommended EMDR for adults, children and adolescents with PTSD [3]. Furthermore, this research has indicated that EMDR can also achieve these results in fewer sessions compared with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) [16].
- Comparisons with other modalities - Research studies which have compared EMDR to other forms of therapy have generally demonstrated that it is equally effective [19]. A meta-analysis comparing treatments for PTSD [15] indicated that both Cognitive Therapy and EMDR were effective in the treatment of PTSD. It was, however, demonstrated that EMDR was able to achieve these results in fewer sessions and with a quicker onset [16, 18].
- Brain changes - A number of neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that EMDR can also lead to changes within the brain itself as a result of processing traumatic memories. Furthermore, these changes have been demonstrated to be similar to those achieved via other forms of therapy. This research indicated that EMDR is able to facilitate adaptive information processing and neurobiological changes [11]. EMDR was also demonstrated to elicit functional decreases in deep grey matter [14].
- Wide ranging applicability - Whilst EMDR was initially researched for PTSD, EMDR has also been demonstrated to be effective in other conditions such as anxiety [6, 21], depression [7], and chronic pain [17]. These studies have demonstrated promising results for further implementation of EMDR across a wider array of clinical presentations.
- Widespread support - A number of international bodies have since recommended the use of EMDR therapy as an effective treatment for PTSD and other psychological conditions. These include the Australian Psychological Society (APS) [2], the World Health Organisation (WHO) [3], Pheonix Australia (formerly Australian Centre for Post-Traumatic Mental Health) [13], and the American Psychological Association (APA) [1].
- Long term results - Researchers have demonstrated that the effects of EMDR therapy on individuals are maintained after the cessation of treatment. Numerous studies have indicated that individuals who received EMDR as treatment for PTSD have maintained their positive outcomes at 6-month and 12-month follow-up [9].
- Mechanism of action - Research into EMDR therapy is continuing to improve our understanding of the mechanism of action. Research to date has indicated that EMDR assists individuals to process traumatic memories through the use of bilateral stimulation (eye movements, auditory tones, alternating taps) [16]. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that EMDR also utilises working memory in order to assist in the processing of distressing memories [8].
- Outcome variability - As with any treatment, it is important to remember that EMDR may not work for everyone. Studies have demonstrated that EMDR is effective for most (but not all) participants. There can be a variety of factors that can impact the effectiveness of EMDR for trauma symptoms and psychological conditions.
Overall, the research supporting the use of EMDR has been demonstrated to be robust particularly for PTSD. Multiple studies have demonstrated its effectiveness and treating not only those with PTSD but also many other conditions as well. The use of EMDR, and the research base supporting its use, continue to grow as more and more psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health clinicians continue to utilise this versatile psychological therapy.
References
1. American Psychological Association (APA). (2017). Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Author. Retrieved from: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline
2. Australian Psychological Society. (2018). Evidence-based psychological interventions in the treatment of psychological disorders. A review of the literature. Melbourne: Author.
3. Bisson, J., Roberts, N.P., Andrew, M. Cooper, R., & Lewis, C. (2013). Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013., DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub4
4. Chen, L., Zhang, G., Hu, M., & Liang, X. (2015). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing versus cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult posttraumatic stress disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of nervous and mental disease, 203(6), 443-451.
5. Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Chen, S. R., ... & Chou, K. R. (2014). Efficacy of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing for patients with posttraumatic-stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PloS one, 9(8), e103676.
6. de Jongh, A., & ten Broeke, E. (2009). EMDR and the anxiety disorders: Exploring the current status. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(3), 133-140.
7. Gauhar, Y. W. M. (2016). The efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of depression. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 10(2), 59-69.),
8. Gunter, R. W., & Bodner, G. E. (2008). How eye movements affect unpleasant memories: Support for a working-memory account. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(8), 913-931.
9. Hurley E. C. (2018). Effective Treatment of Veterans With PTSD: Comparison Between Intensive Daily and Weekly EMDR Approaches. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 1458. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01458
10. Jonas, D. E., Cusack, K., Forneris, C. A., Wilkins, T. M., Sonis, J., Middleton, J. C., ... & Gaynes, B. N. (2013). Psychological and pharmacological treatments for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
11. Pagani M, Di Lorenzo G, Verardo AR, Nicolais G, Monaco L, et al. (2012) Neurobiological Correlates of EMDR Monitoring – An EEG Study. PLoS ONE 7(9): e45753. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0045753.
12. Phelps, A. J., Lethbridge, R., Brennan, S., Bryant, R. A., Burns, P., Cooper, J. A., ... & Silove, D. (2022). Australian guidelines for the prevention and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: Updates in the third edition. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 56(3), 230-247.
13. Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. (2021). Australian guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute stress disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and Complex PTSD. Australian Government, National Health and Medical Research Council. Retrieved from: https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/australian-guidelines-for-ptsd/
14. Rousseau, P. F., El Khoury-Malhame, M., Reynaud, E., Zendjidjian, X., Samuelian, J. C., & Khalfa, S. (2019). Neurobiological correlates of EMDR therapy effect in PTSD. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 3(2), 103-111.
15. Seidler, G. H., & Wagner, F. E. (2006). Comparing the efficacy of EMDR and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of PTSD: a meta-analytic study. Psychological Medicine, 36(11), 1515–1522. doi:10.1017/S0033291706007963.
16. Shapiro, F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71.br>
17. Valiente-Gómez, A., Moreno-Alcázar, A., Treen, D., Cedrón, C., Colom, F., Perez, V., & Amann, B. L. (2017). EMDR beyond PTSD: A systematic literature review. Frontiers in psychology, 8, 1668.
18. Van der Kolk, B. A., Spinazzola, J., Blaustein, M. E., Hopper, J. W., Hopper, E. K., Korn, D. L., & Simpson, W. B. (2007). A randomized clinical trial of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), fluoxetine, and pill placebo in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: treatment effects and long-term maintenance. Journal of clinical psychiatry, 68(1), 37.
19. Van Etten, M. L., & Taylor, S. (1998). Comparative efficacy of treatments for post‐traumatic stress disorder: A meta‐analysis. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy: An International Journal of Theory and Practice, 5(3), 126-144.
20. Verstrael, S., van der Wurff, P., & Vermetten, E. (2013). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as treatment for combat-related PTSD: A meta-analysis. Military Behavioral Health, 1, 68-73. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2013.827088
21. Yunitri, N., Kao, C. C., Chu, H., Voss, J., Chiu, H. L., Liu, D., ... & Chou, K. R. (2020). The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing toward anxiety disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of psychiatric research, 123, 102-113.
