Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing to Reduce Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Related Symptoms among Forcibly Displaced People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mark J. Macgowan, Mitra Naseh, Maryam Rafieifar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
JournalResearch on Social Work Practice
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2022

Keywords

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • EMDR
  • forced displacement
  • PTSD
  • refugees
  • trauma

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