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  • Title: Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy v. stabilisation as usual for refugees: randomised controlled trial.
    Author: Ter Heide FJ, Mooren TM, van de Schoot R, de Jongh A, Kleber RJ.
    Journal: Br J Psychiatry; 2016 Oct; 209(4):311-318. PubMed ID: 26892849.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a first-line treatment for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some clinicians argue that with refugees, directly targeting traumatic memories through EMDR may be harmful or ineffective. AIMS: To determine the safety and efficacy of EMDR in adult refugees with PTSD (trial registration: ISRCTN20310201). METHOD: In total, 72 refugees referred for specialised treatment were randomly assigned to 12 h of EMDR (3×60 min planning/preparation followed by 6×90 min desensitisation/reprocessing) or 12 h (12×60 min) of stabilisation. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) were primary outcome measures. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analyses found no differences in safety (one severe adverse event in the stabilisation condition only) or efficacy (effect sizes: CAPS -0.04 and HTQ 0.20) between the two conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Directly targeting traumatic memories through 12 h of EMDR in refugee patients needing specialised treatment is safe, but is only of limited efficacy.
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