Eye movement and reprocessing to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder and related symptoms among forcibly displaced people: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Meta-analysis on the efficacy of EMDR to effectively reduce PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety among forcibly displaced people.

Article Abstract

“Purpose: This study is a meta-analysis on the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring depression, and anxiety symptoms among forcibly displaced people. Methods: A search was followed by data extraction and assessment of risk of bias. Within- and between-conditions effect sizes of posttest and follow-up outcomes using a random effects model were examined, with heterogeneity and subgroup analyses. Results: Twenty-two studies (N = 1964) were included and seventeen (N = 1652) had complete data for the meta-analysis. There were medium to large effect size reductions on PTSD, depression, and anxiety within-conditions. EMDR was more effective than other conditions at posttest for PTSD symptoms but outcomes for the posttests and follow-ups for depression and anxiety were inconclusive. Discussion: EMDR effectively reduced PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety among forcibly displaced people. More studies with larger samples and better designs are needed.”

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Macgowan, M. J., Naseh, M., & Rafieifar, M. (2022). Eye movement and reprocessing to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder and related symptoms among forcibly displaced people: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Research on Social Work Practice, 32(8), 863-877. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F10497315221082223