Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing VS Cognitive Behaviour Therapy For Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The condition of posttraumatic stress disorder is considered a common psychiatric disorder among children and adolescents as a result to a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD can also suffer from other psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Due to the increasing number of people who suffer from PTSD, effective treatments are desperately needed. This study aims to compare eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive behaviour therapy efficacy in reducing post-traumatic, anxiety, and depression symptoms in PTSD patients. Method: A systematic search for articles published between 2005 and August 2021 was conducted by using the following five databases: CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO, Global Health via OvidSP (1910-present), and Scopus. The RevMan software version 5 was used to evaluate a quantitative meta-analysis of RCTs comparing CBT and EMDR used in treating PTSD patients. Results: Eight studies out of 671 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and are included in this meta analysis. Three studies (n = 296) reported that EMDR reduced depression symptoms better than CBT in both children, adolescents, and adults [SDM (95% CI) = -2.43 (-3.93 – -0.94), p = 0.001]. In three other studies (n= 185), EMDR was shown to reduce anxiety in children and adolescents better than CBT [SDM (95% CI) = -3.99 (-5.47 – -2.52), p <0.001]. In terms of reducing PTSD symptoms, EMDR and CBT did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences [SDM (95% CI) = -0.14 (-0.48 – 0.21), p = 0.44]. There was no statistically significant difference at three-month follow-up and at six-month follow-up for depression (p = 0.31), anxiety (p = 0.59), and PTDS (p=0.55). Conclusion: PTSD has increased globally among different segments of the population due to factors such as population growth and wars between countries. This meta-analysis highlighted a statistically significant difference between EMDR post-interventions and CBT regarding the reduction of anxiety and depression, with EMDR showing greater benefit, while no statistically significant difference was found between the two therapies regarding the treatment of PTSD. However, the benefits of EMDR were most noticeable at post-treatments for children and adolescents but not for adults with anxiety symptoms. Additionally, EMDR benefits children, adolescents, and adults with depression symptoms, but it is not sustainable in the long-term for treating these symptoms. EMDR has demonstrated promising outcomes in some trials conducted over the last decade, and these findings may contribute to be generalised for clinical use in the future. Both treatments are among the best options for certain PTSD patients, as several trials and a number of guidelines recommended their use for PTSD patients. In future work, randomised trials with larger samples and longer follow-up times are recommended as well as more awareness and education about the current treatments and other alternatives for managing PTSD.