Addressing mental health need after COVID-19: a systematic review of remote EMDR therapy studies as an emerging option

Abstract

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a substantial rise in mental health challenges, prompting a need for accessible and effective therapeutic interventions. This review summarizes the evidence on remote Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy delivered in response to the increased need.MethodsA systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases including PsychINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched to identify studies assessing the efficacy of EMDR therapy administered online.ResultsSixteen articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected, involving 1,231 participants across various age groups. Studies covered remote individual and group EMDR sessions and self-administered computerized protocols. Findings indicate promising outcomes in reducing PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression.DiscussionThe analysis of the selected studies demonstrates the feasibility and potential efficacy of online EMDR as an accessible therapeutic option for addressing mental health difficulties, particularly during times of limited in-person interaction. However, the studies revealed limitations such as small sample sizes, absence of control groups, and reliance on self-reported measures.Systematic review registration: The present review was registered on “The International Database to Register Your Systematic Reviews” (INPLASY) with the registration number 2023120018 and DOI number 10.37766/inplasy2023.2.0068.

Randomized trial on the effects of an EMDR intervention on traumatic and obsessive symptoms during the COVID-19 quarantine: a psychometric study

“…In a sample of 57 victims of rape, early intervention with EMDR was not found to be more effective than watchful waiting in reducing PTSD symptoms, general psychopathology, depression, sexual dysfunction, and feelings of guilt and shame ( 62 ). However, several studies demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of EMDR as an accessible therapeutic option for addressing mental health difficulties after the COVID-19 pandemic both online ( 63 – 66 ) and face-to-face ( 67 ). For example, a pilot study was carried out with 21 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 who were assessed for anxiety and depressive symptoms, intensity of distress, and levels of experienced fear (i.e., fear of the unknown) and were treated with EMDR therapy.…”

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“…In a sample of 57 victims of rape, early intervention with EMDR was not found to be more effective than watchful waiting in reducing PTSD symptoms, general psychopathology, depression, sexual dysfunction, and feelings of guilt and shame (62). However, several studies demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of EMDR as an accessible therapeutic option for addressing mental health difficulties after the COVID-19 pandemic both online (63)(64)(65)(66) and face-to-face (67). For example, a pilot study was carried out with 21 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 who were assessed for anxiety and depressive symptoms, intensity of distress, and levels of experienced fear (i.e., fear of the unknown) and were treated with EMDR therapy.…”