The Effectiveness of Using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy on Reducing the Severity of Symptoms among Individuals Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a global-concern mental illness that occurs due to exposure to a traumatic life experience such as a natural disaster, a severe accident, or a physical or sexual assault in adulthood or childhood. The consequence of PTSD warrants mental health professionals to find effective interventions to maintain and restore mental-well-being. Therefore, selection of intervention is a cornerstone element in deciding successful interventions. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and summarize the effectiveness of using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) intervention among individuals diagnosed with PTSD. As well as to highlight the standardized EMDR-based-interventional protocol. Data source: The relevant literature was extracted and conducted using the following online bibliographic databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), ProQuest, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, SAGE Journals, and Science Direct and by hand checking reference lists of past similar reviews. Methods: This Systematic review is guided according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. Several online databases were used in searching for eligible studies in peer-reviewed journals relevant to the study keywords. The included studies were Systematic reviews and clinical trials which used EMDR intervention among patients experiencing PTSD symptoms, older than 18 years and were published in the English language from 2017 to 2022. Three researchers independently contributed to study selections, data extraction and study evaluations from different aspects: including quality assessment, risk of bias, and study synthesis. Results: A total of eight published studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review; four articles were randomized controlled trials and four were systematic review and meta-analysis studies. In all included studies, the EMDR was utilized as a primary psychotherapy intervention for PTSD symptoms. The results of this extensive and comprehensive review showed that EMDR is an effective psychotherapeutic intervention to reduce and control the severity of symptoms among individuals with PTSD. Conclusions: This Systematic review gives an overview and explains strong supportive evidence for effectiveness of the EMDR interventions among individuals with PTSD. Therefore, EMDR therapy could be assumed as one standard treatment option for PTSD aiming at reducing treatment duration, and cost of treatment, and restoring the mental well-being and functionality of those suffering from PTSD.