Eye movement desensitization reprocessing as a treatment for PTSD in conflict-affected areas

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Abstract

Objective: One recommended psychological intervention for trauma treatment inWestern countries, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR). However, there is a paucity of data regarding treatment interventions in low and middle-income countries. This study examined the efficacy of EMDR for treating posttraumatic stress (PTS), anxiety, and depression among a cohort of individuals with low socioeconomic status in a conflict-affected middle-income country as well as a smaller refugee cohort. Methods: Two hundred and sixty-eight adults residing in Lebanon (male=65, female = 203, SD gender =0.43; μ age = 30.5, SD age = 10.49; 85% Lebanese, 15% refugees [9.3% from Syria, and 5.7% from Iraq, Palestine, the Philippines, and Other]) received EMDR therapy. Measures of PTS, anxiety, and depression were taken at three time points: before treatment (T0), posttreatment (T1), and 6-month follow-up (T2). Results: Reduction in PTS symptoms from T0 to T1, F (1, 208)= 412.3, p<.01, and T1 to T2, F (1, 46) = 136.1, p<.01. Reduction in anxiety symptoms from T0 to T1, F (1, 208) =387.0, p<.01, and T1 to T2, F (1, 46)= 153.7, p<.01. Similarly, for depression, a reduction of symptoms from T0 to T1, F (1, 207) = 309.5, p<.01, and T0 to T2, F (1, 46) =96.0, p<.01. Conclusion: This research supports the use of EMDR for the treatment of PTS, depression, and anxiety symptoms in individuals with low socioeconomic status and refugees, thus contributing to the research base for populations that are underresearched.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S561-S567
Number of pages7
JournalPsychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy
Volume16
Issue numberSuppl 3
Early online date19 Jan 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Emdr
  • Low and middle-income countries
  • Posttraumatic stress

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