Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Pain Management
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Nonpharmacologic interventions are recommended for chronic pain.
• Fibromyalgia is a condition where nonpharmacologic interventions are beneficial.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is not yet a routine pain management practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the efficacy of EMDR for managing chronic pain.
• Evaluate EMDR's impact on pain symptoms and associated mental health.
• Assess the quality and effect sizes of existing EMDR studies for chronic pain.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies.
• Keywords used: "EMDR" and "chronic pain".
• Collected data on study population, EMDR protocols, pain assessment, outcomes, and risk of bias. Calculated Hedges g for effect sizes.

Main Results:

• Nine studies (seven RCTs) were reviewed, using diverse pain measures and EMDR protocols.
• All studies reported significant improvements in pain symptoms with EMDR.
• EMDR also improved psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. Effect sizes ranged from large to small.

Conclusions:

• EMDR demonstrates potential for managing chronic pain and related mental health issues.
• Despite study limitations and heterogeneity, findings support EMDR's use in chronic pain management.
• Further research may clarify optimal EMDR protocols for different chronic pain conditions.