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The Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Helena Moon 1,*
1
Sofia University
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
JPHE  2023 6(2):235; https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxxx
Received: 7 September 2023 / Accepted: 10 October 2023 / Published Online: 18 December 2023

Abstract

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has gained recognition as a psychotherapeutic approach for treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), involving bilateral stimulation while processing traumatic memories to alleviate distress and promote adaptive resolution. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall functioning in individuals with PTSD. Through a comprehensive literature review, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of EMDR compared to control conditions (e.g., waitlist, cognitive-behavioral therapy, supportive therapy) in targeting PTSD symptoms, including re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, and negative cognitions. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, therapist experience, treatment format (individual vs. group), and participant characteristics (e.g., trauma type, comorbidities), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of EMDR for PTSD.


Copyright: © 2023 by Moon. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

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ACS Style
Moon, H. The Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Public Health & Environment, 2023, 6, 235. doi:10.xxxx/xxxxxx
AMA Style
Moon H. The Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Public Health & Environment; 2023, 6(2):235. doi:10.xxxx/xxxxxx
Chicago/Turabian Style
Moon, Helena 2023. "The Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials" Journal of Public Health & Environment 6, no.2:235. doi:10.xxxx/xxxxxx

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References

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