A brief overview of the scientific backing for EMDR therapy.
Mechanism of Action
Research suggests two primary hypotheses for why EMDR works:
Working Memory Taxation: Doing a dual task (thinking about a memory + moving eyes) overloads the limited capacity of the working memory. This degrades the quality of the memory when it is re-consolidated, making it less intense.
REM Sleep Simulation: The eye movements mimic the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, which is when the brain processes and integrates daily events and emotions.
Clinical Efficacy
WHO Recommendation
In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) formally recommended EMDR for the treatment of PTSD in children, adolescents, and adults.
Effectiveness Studies
More than 30 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) confirm EMDR's efficacy. Studies have shown that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder after only three 90-minute sessions.
References
Shapiro, F. (1989). Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization procedure in the treatment of traumatic memories. Journal of Traumatic Stress.
Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry.