Internet-delivered eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (iEMDR): an open trial

Abstract

Recent research indicates internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) can reduce symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined the efficacy of an internet-delivered treatment protocol that combined iCBT and internet-delivered eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (iEMDR), in an uncontrolled trial. Eleven of the 15 participants completed post-treatment questionnaires. Large effect sizes were found from pre-treatment to 3-month follow-up ( d = 1.03 – 1.61) on clinician-assessed and self-reported measures of PTSD, anxiety and distress, with moderate effect sizes ( d = 0.59 – 0.70) found on measures of depression and disability. At post-treatment, 55% of the participants no longer met criteria for PTSD and this was sustained at follow-up. Symptom worsening occurred in 3 of 15 (20%) of the sample from pre- to post-treatment; however, these participants reported overall symptom improvement by follow-up. Future research directions for iEMDR are discussed.

Self-administered EMDR therapy: potential solution for expanding the availability of psychotherapy for PTSD or unregulated recipe for disaster?

“…A total of 277 articles were retrieved, following the removal of duplicates, from the search of seven databases (Medline, PsycInfo, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials). Of these, only one relevant article was found relating to research into the efficacy, tolerability, feasibility or safety of self-help EMDR therapy; 35 no additional relevant articles were retrieved from Francine Shapiro's EMDR library, the Study Register, the snowball search, or the search of Web of Science for any other articles citing this one. The relevant article, published in 2013, described a small quasi-experimental feasibility study based in Australia, which aimed to explore the acceptability and efficacy of a six-lesson internet-delivered treatment that combined elements of EMDR therapy (iEMDR) and internet CBT (iCBT), alongside weekly telephone and email contact with a clinical psychologist.…”

EMDR in Telemental Health Counseling for Healthcare Workers Caring for COVID-19 Patients: A Pilot Study

“…If face-to-face EMDR sessions are not possible before switching to a remote setting, then it appears even more essential that all elements of safety and emotional stability are implemented and that EMDR therapy is clearly explained to the client, as well as the general therapy framework (Spence et al, 2013;Todder & Kaplan, 2007;Virtual Training and Therapy Task Group, 2020).…”

PTSD treatment in times of COVID-19: A systematic review of the effects of online EMDR

“…This procedure mimics real-life EMDR the best. In the study of Spence et al. (2013) , therapist involvement was minimal.…”

“…None of these studies met our inclusion criteria, except for one study, the full text of which was screened. This study, performed by Spence et al. (2013) , was deemed eligible for inclusion in this review.…”

“…To conclude, this systematic review identified only one trial examining the effects of online EMDR for PTSD in children and adults. That uncontrolled study by Spence et al. (2013) combined internet-delivered CBT and EMDR which successfully reduced clinician-rated, but not self-rated PTSD severity from pre-treatment to post-treatment and both self-rated and clinician-rated PTSD from pre-treatment to follow-up.…”