Effects of EMDR vs. waiting list for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent mental health condition that can significantly impair quality of life. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been proposed as a psychotherapeutic intervention for PTSD, yet its effects remain debated. We conducted a systematic re...

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Veröffentlicht in:Journal of affective disorders Jg. 392; S. 120134
Hauptverfasser: Villegas-Ortega, Jose, Galvez-Arevalo, Ricardo, Castilla-Encinas, Adriam M., Gutiérrez-González, Benjamín, Apolitano-Cárdenas, Claudia I., Alvarez-Arias, Priscilla, Paredes-Angeles, Rubí, Taype-Rondan, Alvaro
Format: Journal Article
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.01.2026
Schlagworte:
Adult
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing - methods
Humans
Posttraumatic stress disorder
PSTD
Psychiatric/Mental Health
Quality of Life
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - psychology
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - therapy
Systematic review
Trauma-focused psychotherapy
Waiting Lists
Systematic review
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
Trauma-focused psychotherapy
PSTD
EMDR
ISSN:0165-0327, 1573-2517, 1573-2517
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Zusammenfassung:Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent mental health condition that can significantly impair quality of life. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been proposed as a psychotherapeutic intervention for PTSD, yet its effects remain debated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines to evaluate EMDR versus waiting list in adults with PTSD. Included RCTs were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed, and evidence certainty was graded using GRADE. Twelve RCTs (n = 690 randomized participants) met the inclusion criteria. EMDR may increase the likelihood of losing PTSD diagnosis at post-treatment (Risk Ratio [RR]: 2.13; 95 % CI: 1.08–4.23) and follow-up (RR: 3.56; 95 % CI: 0.82–15.48), although the evidence is very uncertain. EMDR may also reduce PTSD symptoms at post-treatment (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -1.19; 95 % CI: −1.70 to −0.68) and follow-up (SMD: -0.88; 95 % CI: −1.62 to −0.13), although evidence certainty remains low to very low. Similar trends were observed for depression, anxiety, social disability, and sleep disturbances, but long-term effects remain unclear. No study assessed relevant outcomes such as quality of life, treatment acceptability, or adverse effects. Risk of bias, particularly due to lack of shielding and allocation concealment, further limits confidence in these findings. Although EMDR may reduce PTSD symptoms and increase the likelihood of diagnostic remission compared to a waiting list, the certainty of the evidence is low to very low, and its long-term effects remain unknown. •EMDR may reduce PTSD symptoms compared to waiting list at post-treatment.•Evidence suggests EMDR may increase diagnostic remission in PTSD patients.•Effects of EMDR on depression, anxiety, and sleep showed similar patterns.•Certainty of evidence was low to very low due to methodological limitations.•Long-term effects, quality of life, and safety of EMDR remain unclear.
Bibliographie:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
ObjectType-Review-3
content type line 23
ISSN:0165-0327
1573-2517
1573-2517
DOI:10.1016/j.jad.2025.120134