Study shows EMDR therapy effective for PTSD, but varies by gender and employment

A recent meta-analysis published in Psychological Medicine reveals that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it does not outperform other psychological treatments. This study, led by Simonne Lesley Wright from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, analyzed data from eight randomized controlled trials involving 346 adult participants with PTSD.

The findings indicate that EMDR therapy is on par with various recognized psychological treatments, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-TF), relaxation therapy, emotional freedom technique, and REM-desensitization. The research found no notable differences between EMDR and these therapies in terms of reducing PTSD symptoms, achieving treatment response, attaining remission, or decreasing dropout rates.

However, the study identified important sociodemographic factors that influence treatment outcomes. Notably, unemployed individuals undergoing EMDR exhibited higher PTSD symptom severity at post-treatment assessments. Additionally, males were more likely to discontinue treatment compared to their female counterparts.

The authors emphasize that this is the first individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA) examining moderators of EMDR effectiveness for adults with PTSD. With greater statistical power than previous studies, the analysis allowed for a closer look at how variables like employment status and gender affect therapy results.

This research challenges the notion that one trauma therapy is superior to others and suggests that various psychological treatments can yield similar outcomes for PTSD. It highlights the need for mental health professionals to consider the social context of patients, focusing not only on therapeutic techniques but also on the structural factors that may affect treatment success.