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Eye movement desensitization: a partial dismantling study
1Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Eye movement desensitization (EMD) and its variants effectively treat PTSD. The specific eye movements in EMD are not essential for positive treatment outcomes, suggesting flexibility in therapeutic approaches.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition.
- Eye Movement Desensitization (EMD) is a recognized therapy for PTSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of standard EMD versus variants lacking specific eye movements.
- To determine if eye movements are crucial for EMD's therapeutic effect.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three PTSD subjects participated.
- Interventions included standard EMD, EMD with light-tracking eye movements, and EMD with fixed visual attention.
- Dependent measures assessed treatment changes.
Main Results:
- All three EMD variants yielded significant positive changes in all measured outcomes.
- Treatment gains were sustained at follow-up.
- No significant differences were found between the different intervention groups.
Conclusions:
- The characteristic eye movements of EMD are not essential for successful treatment outcomes.
- Therapeutic approaches for PTSD can be adapted, offering more flexibility.
- Further research is recommended to explore these implications.