A single session, group study of exposure and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Vietnam War veterans: preliminary data

J Anxiety Disord. 1999 Jan-Apr;13(1-2):119-30. doi: 10.1016/s0887-6185(98)00043-7.

Abstract

This report summarizes data gathered thus far from an ongoing study. Two groups (total N = 12) of Vietnam War veterans diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) received a single session of exposure or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) focusing on the veterans' most distressing war experience. Group assignment was random, treatment providers were blind to assessment data, and the pre- and posttreatment assessor was blind to treatment assignment. Both groups showed improvement on the Impact of Event Scale. EMDR treatment resulted in greater positive changes in within-session Subjective Units of Discomfort levels and on self-monitored severity of intrusive recollection. A trend toward decreased heart rate reactivity was observed in both groups. Results must be considered carefully due to the small number of subjects used in the study.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Combat Disorders / therapy*
  • Desensitization, Psychologic* / methods
  • Desensitization, Psychologic* / standards
  • Humans
  • Imagery, Psychotherapy* / methods
  • Imagery, Psychotherapy* / standards
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Psychotherapy, Group* / methods
  • Psychotherapy, Group* / standards
  • Saccades*
  • Treatment Outcome