Quote:
Originally Posted by grimtopaz
The two treatment modalities that have the most evidence for their efficacy are Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Processing Therapy - this is what they practice at VA's.
Research indicates that what is effective about EMDR is the prolonged exposure component.
|
While Prolonged Exposure is effective in the treatment of trauma, it requires 1-2 hours of daily homework while EMDR does not require any homework and has a significantly lower "drop-out" rate. And EMDR therapy's effectiveness has been shown to be related to many other aspects besides some exposure. Also, EMDR therapy is NOT prolonged exposure because there are regular breaks and dosing of processing.
The VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) & Department of Defense (2004). VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress. Washington, DC. (see:
VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines Home)
EMDR was one of four therapies recommended and given the highest level of evidence.
Actually, there are 35 randomized controlled (and 20 nonrandomized) studies that have been conducted on EMDR therapy in the treatment of trauma. And more excellent research now on the role of eye movements, mechanism of action, and other Randomized Controlled Studies, not only on trauma and PTSD, but also on the use of EMDR therapy with generalized anxiety disorder, treatment of distressful experiences that fail to meet the criteria for PTSD, dental phobia, depression, body dysmorphic disorder, chronic phantom limb pain, panic disorder with agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and peer verbal abuse. Many organizations, professional associations, departments of health in many countries, the US Dept. of Defense, and the VA, all have given their "stamp of approval" to EMDR therapy.
The World Health Organization has published Guidelines for the management of conditions that are specifically related to stress: Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the only psychotherapies recommended for children, adolescents and adults with PTSD. “Like CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR aims to reduce subjective distress and strengthen adaptive cognitions related to the traumatic event. Unlike CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR does not involve (a) detailed descriptions of the event, (b) direct challenging of beliefs, (c) extended exposure, or (d) homework." (Geneva, WHO, 2013, p.1)