State of the science: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with support from more than 30 published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating its effectiveness in both adults and children. Most international clinical practice guidelines recommend EMDR therapy as a first-line treatment for PTSD. This paper describes the current state of the evidence for EMDR therapy. We begin with a brief description of EMDR therapy and its theoretical framework. Next, we summarize the scientific support for its efficacy, effectiveness, and safety and discuss its applicability across cultures and with diverse populations. We conclude with suggestions for future directions to develop the research base and applications of EMDR therapy.