Research article summary (published 30 Dec 1998):

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the anxiety disorders: clinical and research implications of an integrated psychotherapy treatment.

Full Abstract

Four recent, independent, rigorously controlled studies of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have reported that 84 to 100% of single-trauma victims no longer maintain the posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis after the equivalent of three 90-minute sessions. The rapidity of EMDR treatment effects makes many ancillary research opportunities available. Specifically, the increased number of cases resolved in a relatively short period of time allows investigation of neurophysiological phenomena, patterns of cognitive and emotional processing, component analyses of a large range of procedural factors, and evaluation of the efficacy of application to diverse clinical populations. Unfortunately, some research has been conducted that has been severely hampered by insufficient treatment fidelity and lack of clinical validity. Consequently, this article will attempt to describe the procedures and protocols that are believed to contribute to EMDR's clinical effects and are, therefore, suggested for the EMDR treatment and research of the anxiety disorders. This is particularly relevant given the misconceptions that have abounded due to the unfortunate naming of the procedure after the eye movements, which have proved to be only one of many useful types of stimulation, and only one of many components of this complex, integrated treatment.

Author information

Author/s: Shapiro, F (F);

Affiliation: Mental Research Institute, Palo Alto, California, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Journal of anxiety disorders (J Anxiety Disord), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: -1999 Jan-Apr; vol 13 (issue 1-2) : pp 35-67

Dates: Created 1999/06/30; Completed 1999/06/30; Revised 2009/08/12;

PMID: 10225500, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 8/21/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

ErratumIn: J Anxiety Disord 1999 Nov-Dec;13(6):621.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Anxiety Disorders - therapy Clinical Protocols Clinical Trials as Topic - standards Desensitization, Psychologic - methods; trends Humans Imagery (Psychotherapy) - methods; trends Internal-External Control

Internal-External Control Life Change Events Memory - physiology Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care) - standards Saccades Self Assessment (Psychology) Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - psychology; therapy

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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