El presente artículo reporta los resultados de seguimiento de nuestro estudio de campo (Jarero & Uribe, 2011), en el que se investigó la aplicación del Protocolo de Terapia de Reprocesamiento y Desensibilización a través del Movimiento Ocular para Incidentes Críticos Recientes (EMDR-PRECI) en una situación de masacre humana. Se aplicó una sola sesión de tratamiento a 32 empleados forenses de la Procuraduría General del Estado de Durango en México, quienes estaban trabajabando con 258 cuerpos recuperados de fosas clandestinas. Los resultados pre y post-tratamiento mostraron una mejoría significativa, tanto en el grupo de atención inmediata (GAI), como en el grupo de atención demorada (GAD), en los puntajes de la Impact of Events Scale (IES) y en el Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT). En este estudio reportamos la evaluación de seguimiento, la cual se realizó después de 3 y 5 meses de la aplicación del tratamiento. Los puntajes obtenidos en el seguimiento muestran que los resultados del tratamiento original se mantuvieron, y que continuó presentándose una disminución significativa de los síntomas de estrés postraumático y de TEPT auto-reportados, entre el post-tratamiento y el seguimiento. Durante el período de seguimiento, los empleados continuaron su labor forense con los restos humanos recuperados y estuvieron permanentemente expuestos a estresores emocionales aterradores y a amenazas constantes relacionadas con su seguridad. Lo anterior sugiere que el EMDR-PRECI fue una intervención temprana efectiva al reducir el estrés postraumático en un grupo de adultos traumatizados que continuaron laborando bajo estresores extremos en una situación de masacre humana. Parece ser que el tratamiento ayudo a prevenir el desarrollo de TEPT crónico y a aumentar la resiliencia psicológica y emocional.

This article reports the follow-up results of our field study (Jarero & Uribe, 2011) that investigated the application of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents (EMDR-PRECI) in a human massacre situation. A single individual session was provided to 32 forensic personnel of the State Attorney General in the Mexican state of Durango who were working with 258 bodies recovered from clandestine graves. Pre-post results showed significant improvement for both immediate treatment and waitlist/delayed treatment groups on the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT). In this study, we report the follow-up assessment, which was conducted, at 3 and 5 months posttreatment. Follow-up scores showed that the original treatment results were maintained, with a further significant reduction of self-reported symptoms of posttraumatic stress and PTSD between posttreatment and follow-up. During the follow-up period, the employees continued to work with the recovered corpses and were continually exposed to horrific emotional stressors, with ongoing threats to their own safety. This suggests that EMDR-PRECI was an effective early intervention, reducing traumatic stress for a group of traumatized adults continuing to work under extreme stressors in a human massacre situation. It appears that the treatment may have helped to prevent the development of chronic PTSD and to increase psychological and emotional resilience.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer in adult women. EMDR-IGTP intensive therapy was administered for 3 consecutive days, twice daily, to 24 adult women diagnosed with different types of cancer (cervical, breast, colon, bladder, and skin) who had PTSD symptoms related to their diagnosis and treatment. The data was analyzed using factorial ANOVA with the effects of the EMDR-IGTP evaluated with the Short PTSD Rating Interview as dependent variable and group (two groups of patients: active phase and follow-up phase of cancer treatment) and time (four time points) as independent variables. Post hoc analyses were carried out. Results showed significant main effects for time and group. No significant interaction was found. Results also showed an overall subjective improvement in the participants. This pilot study suggests that intensive administration of the EMDR-IGTP can be a valuable support for cancer patients with PTSD symptoms related to their diagnosis and treatment. Further research with randomized controlled studies is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of EMDR-IGTP in this population.

L'objectif de cette recherche est d'évaluer l'efficacité du protocole de traitement intégratif de groupe par la désensibilisation et le retraitement par les mouvements oculaires (PTIG-EMDR) dans la réduction des symptômes d'état de stress post-traumatique (ESPT) liés au diagnostic et au traitement de différents types de cancer chez des femmes adultes. La thérapie intensive PTIG-EMDR a été administrée pendant trois jours consécutifs, deux fois par jour, à 24 femmes adultes diagnostiquées avec différents types de cancer (cancer du col de l'utérus, du sein, du côlon, de la vessie et de la peau) et présentant des symptômes d'ESPT liés à leur diagnostic et à leur traitement. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide d'une ANOVA factorielle sur les effets du PTIG-EMDR, évalués avec le Short PTSD Rating Interview (entretien court d'évaluation de l'ESPT) comme variable dépendante, et le groupe (deux groupes de patientes : phase active et phase de suivi du traitement du cancer) et le temps (quatre intervalles de temps) comme variables indépendantes. Des analyses post hoc ont été effectuées. Les résultats ont montré des effets principaux significatifs pour le temps et le groupe. Aucune interaction importante n'a été observée. Les résultats ont également montré une amélioration subjective globale chez les participantes. Cette étude pilote suggère qu'une administration intensive du PTIG-EMDR peut être un apport valable pour des patients atteints du cancer et présentant des symptômes d'ESPT liés au diagnostic et au traitement. D'autres recherches comportant des études contrôlées randomisées seront nécessaires pour démontrer l'efficacité du PTIG-EMDR sur cette population.

This randomized controlled trial extended the investigation previously conducted by Jarero et al. (2015) which found that the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol adapted for ongoing traumatic stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) was effective in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer in adult women. The current study sought to determine if the results could be replicated and if the treatment would also be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants in treatment (N = 35) and no-treatment control (N = 30) groups completed pre, post, and follow-up measurements using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) (PCL-5) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data analysis by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the EMDR-IGTP-OTS was effective in significantly reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with symptoms maintained at 90-day follow-up and with large effect sizes (e.g., d = 1.80). A comparison of the treatment and no-treatment control groups showed significantly greater decreases for the treatment group on symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. No significant correlation was found when exploring the relationship between scores on the Adverse Life Experiences scale and scores indicating pretreatment severity of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This study suggests that EMDR-IGTP-OTS may be an efficient and effective way to address cancer-related posttraumatic, depressive, and anxious symptoms.

Experiencing cancer is a peculiar stressor within the infrastructure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because this debilitating disease involves ongoing stressors and is both acute and potentially chronic. The experience can include a wide range of associated adverse events, such as tumor detection, diagnosis, severity of disease, and prognosis; aggressive treatment; disfigurement and bodily dysfunction; side effects of treatment; impaired physical, social, and occupational functioning; and sometimes, recurrence and diagnosis of terminal illness. This article provides a detailed description of the clinical application of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) Adapted for Adolescents and Adults Living with Ongoing Traumatic Stress for the patients with cancer. This protocol administers the eight phases of EMDR individual treatment to a group of patients using an art therapy format (i.e., drawings) and the butterfly hug (a self-administered bilateral stimulation method to process traumatic material). A previous study (Jarero et al., 2015) showed that after 6 sessions of EMDR-IGTP, there was a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer in adult women. Effects were maintained at 90-day follow-up. In this article, we discuss how this protocol can be used to effectively provide intensive EMDR treatment to large groups of patients, and we provide detailed instructions for its provision to address one of the major psychological dimensions of cancer: the ongoing traumatic stress responses experienced by patients with cancer. A clinical example illustrates the treatment process.

This randomized, controlled group field study was conducted subsequent to a 7.2 earthquake in North Baja California, Mexico. Treatment was provided according to continuum of care principles. Crisis management debriefing was provided to 53 individuals. After this, the 18 individuals who had high scores on the Impact of Event Scale (IES) were then provided with the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents (EMDR-PRECI), a single-session modified EMDR protocol for the treatment of recent trauma. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: immediate treatment group and waitlist/delayed treatment group. There was no improvement in the waitlist/delayed treatment group, and scores of the immediate treatment group participants were significantly improved, compared with waitlist/delayed treatment group paticipants. One session of EMDR-PRECI produced significant improvement on symptoms of posttraumatic stress for both the immediate-treatment and waitlist/delayed treatment groups, with results maintained at 12-week follow-up, even though frightening aftershocks continued to occur frequently. This study provides preliminary evidence in support of the protocol’s efficacy in a disaster mental health continuum of care context. More controlled research is recommended to evaluate further the efficacy of this intervention.

This article presents four brief reports that illustrate EMDR’s potential in addressing a range of pathologies and problems. These include traumatized groups, families and couples, sex offenders, and individuals with performance anxiety. Each brief report provides a short summary of the research, highlights current EMDR research, and points out what is needed for future investigations. Preliminary results suggest that the EMDR–integrative group treatment protocol may be an effective means of providing mental health care to large groups of people affected by critical incidents. The report titled “EMDR in Couples and Family Therapy” provides an overview of the field and describes the various ways in which EMDR is being incorporated. The presenting issue with performance anxiety is debilitating evaluation anxiety at the prospect of having to perform some important activity in front of an audience that matters a great deal to the client. Sex offender treatment is enhanced by an effective means of resolving psychological mechanisms that contribute to the dynamics of the offense chain.

The EMDR Integrative Group Treatment protocol (EMDR-IGTP) has been used in different parts of the world since 1998 with both adults and children after natural or man-made disasters. This protocol combines the eight standard EMDR treatment phases with a group therapy model, thus providing more extensive reach than the individual application of EMDR. In this study the EMDR-IGTP was used with 16 bereaved children after a human provoked disaster in the Mexican State of Coahuila in 2006. Results showed a significant decrease in scores on the Child’s Reaction to Traumatic Events Scale that was maintained at 3-month follow-up. Although controlled research is needed to establish the efficacy of this intervention, preliminary results suggest that EMDR-IGTP may be an effective means of providing treatment to large groups of people impacted by large-scale critical incidents (e.g., human-provoked disasters, terrorism, natural disasters).

El presente estudio, evalúo un abordaje de tratamiento del trauma, multi-componente y en fases, aplicado a 34 niñas y niños que fueron víctimas de violencia interpersonal severa (e.g., violación, abuso sexual, violencia física y emocional, negligencia y abandono). Los niños asistieron a un campamento de recuperación del trauma que tuvo una duración de una semana, en el que se les facilitaron experiencias para desarrollar recursos psicológicos, y en el que se les administró el Protocolo Grupal e Integrativo con Terapia de Reprocesamiento y Desensibilización a través del Movimiento Ocular (EMDR-IGTP) y terapia individual de EMDR, para la resolución de las memorias traumáticas. Las sesiones de terapia individual de EMDR, se administraron a 26 niños y niñas que aún presentaban perturbación relacionada con las memorias traumáticas elegidas como blanco, después de la administración del Protocolo Grupal e Integrativo con EMDR. Los resultados mostraron una mejoría significativa en la Escala Child's Reaction to Traumatic Events Scale (CRTES) y en el Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT) para todos los participantes. Estos resultados se mantuvieron en el seguimiento. Es necesario realizar más investigación para evaluar el Protocolo Grupal e Integrativo con EMDR y la terapia individual de EMDR, como parte de una aproximación terapéutica multi-modal para el tratamiento de niños que han sufrido violencia interpersonal severa.

Este artículo presenta un resumen de las Intervenciones Humanitarias para la Recuperación del Trauma con Terapia de Reprocesamiento y Desensibilización a través del Movimiento Ocular (EMDR) en Latinoamérica y el Caribe y proporciona al lector ejemplos de historias clínicas obtenidas en la primera línea de apoyo. A lo largo de los muchos años realizando trabajo de campo, hemos observado que el trauma psicológico, como consecuencia de las situaciones multifacéticas que enfrentan los individuos y comunidades después de un desastre, implica un gran reto. En el presente artículo, describimos las Intervenciones Humanitarias con Terapia EMDR realizadas desde 1998 en Latinoamérica y el Caribe, para tratar las perturbaciones psicológicas que se presentan en las y los sobrevivientes después de desastres naturales (ej. inundaciones, deslizamientos de tierra, terremotos), desastres provocados por el hombre, masacres humanas y violencia interpersonal severa. Se ha proporcionado tratamiento a niños, adolescentes y adultos sobrevivientes, frecuentemente en las comunidades donde ocurrieron los desastres; así como a auxiliadores y a pacientes con cáncer. Los protocolos de Intervención Temprana con Terapia EMDR son intervenciones breves y efectivas que pueden ser utilizadas en campo o en situaciones de emergencia. Existe un cuerpo de investigaciones que apoyan el uso de protocolos modificados de Terapia EMDR para tratar el trauma agudo en formatos de atención individual y grupal (Jarero, Artigas, & Luber, 2011).

This research evaluated the effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents (EMDR-PRECI) in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms related to the explosion in an explosives manufacturing factory north of Mexico City that killed 7 employees. The EMDR-PRECI was administered on 2 consecutive days to 25 survivors who had posttraumatic stress symptoms related to the critical incident. Participants’ mean score on the Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT) was 22, well above the clinical cutoff of 14. They were randomly assigned to immediate and waitlist/delayed treatment conditions and therapy was provided within 15 days of the explosion. Results showed significant main effects for the condition factor, F(1, 80) = 67.04, p < .000. SPRINT scores were significantly different across time showing the effects of the EMDR therapy through time, F(3, 80) = 150.69, p < .000. There was also a significant interaction effect, condition by time, F(2, 80) = 55.45, p < .001. There were significant differences between the two treatment conditions at Time 2 (post-immediate treatment vs. post-waitlist/delayed), t(11) = −10.08, p < .000. Treatment effects were maintained at 90-day follow-up. Results also showed an overall subjective improvement in the participants. This randomized controlled trial provides evidence for the efficacy of EMDR-PRECI in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms after a technological disaster.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents and Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-PRECI) in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression symptoms related to the work of first responders on active duty. Participants were randomly assigned to two 60-minute individual treatment sessions (N = 30) or to a no-treatment control condition (N = 30). They completed pre-, post-, and follow-up measurements using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) (PCL-5) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data analysis by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed clear effects of the EMDR-PRECI in reducing PTSD work-related symptoms in the treatment group with symptom reduction maintained at 90-day follow-up with a large effect size (d = 3.99), while participants continued to experience direct exposure to potentially traumatic work-related events during the follow-up period. Data analysis by repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between time and group, F (2,116) = 153.83, p < .001, η_P² = .726 for PTSD, and for anxiety F (1,58) = 37.40, p < .005, ηP2 = .090, but not for depression. A t-test showed a clear decrease for depression symptoms for the treatment group with statistically significant results. The study results suggest that the EMDR-PRECI could be an efficient and effective way to address first responders' work-related PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms. Future research is recommended to replicate these results and to investigate if symptom improvement also results in the reduction of physical health symptoms and early retirement for PTSD-related reasons among first responders.

The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the effectiveness of specially trained and supervised paraprofessionals in administering the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) to reduce work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The 2 paraprofessionals in this study were specially selected and trained in the application of the EMDR-IGTP and then provided treatment in an uncontrolled clinical trial to 37 clients from 3 non-governmental organizations in Bolivia. The participants were adult staff members (protective services workers, caregivers, psychologist, lawyers, and social workers) who provided care to children and adolescents with severe interpersonal trauma. Four EMDR-IGTP sessions within a parallel 2-week period were administered for each randomly assigned group. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was administered at pretreatment and 30 and 90 days’ posttreatment. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined that PCL-5 score means differed statistically significantly between time points F(2, 72) = 574.53, p < .001, η_P² = .94. The study presents preliminary evidence scaling up EMDR therapy in a low- and middle-income country, making it possible to reach larger numbers of people in a shorter time, thereby offering an operational advantage. The study has limitations specially related to the size of the sample, the use of only one measure, and the lack of comparison with a control group or treatment. Further studies are required to present large samples with more measures and comparison of results with another therapy or control group.

The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) has been used in its original format or with adaptations to meet the circumstances in numerous settings around the world for thousands of disaster survivors after natural or man-made incidents. In this study, the EMDR-IGTP was applied during three consecutive days to a group of 20 adults during ongoing geopolitical crisis in a Central American country in 2009. Results in this uncontrolled study showed significant decreases in scores on the Subjective Unit of Disturbance Scale and the Impact of Event Scale (IES). Changes on the IES were maintained at 14 weeks follow-up even though participants were still exposed to ongoing crisis. Controlled research is recommended to further evaluate the efficacy of this intervention.

Le protocole EMDR (désensibilisation et retraitement par les mouvements oculaires) individuel pour une utilisation paraprofessionnelle dans les situations de traumatisme aigu (EMDR-PROPARA) fait partie d'un projet développé à l'initiative du Dr Francine Shapiro. Cet essai clinique randomisé a examiné l'efficacité de ce protocole, administré par des thérapeutes EMDR expérimentés. Trente-neuf premiers intervenants en service actif ayant subi des traumatismes ont été répartis de manière aléatoire en deux groupes et ont reçu des séances de quatre-vingt-dix minutes, soit d'EMDR-PROPARA, soit de thérapie de soutien. Les participants du groupe EMDR-PROPARA ont montré une amélioration immédiatement après le traitement, et leurs scores au Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT), lors d'un suivi à trois mois, avaient encore baissé. Comparativement, les participants du groupe ayant bénéficié de la thérapie de soutien présentaient une amélioration non significative après le traitement et une augmentation des scores au SPRINT lors du second suivi. La différence significative entre les deux traitements donne un support préliminaire à l'hypothèse de l'efficacité de l'EMDR-PROPARA pour réduire la gravité des symptômes post-traumatiques et favoriser une amélioration subjective globale. Les auteurs recommandent que des études mieux contrôlées soient menées afin d'évaluer plus précisément l'efficacité de cette intervention.

This article presents an overview of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Humanitarian Trauma Recovery Interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean and provides the reader with clinical stories from the front lines. During our many years working in the field, we have observed that psychological trauma is a challenging consequence of the multifaceted situations confronting individuals and communities after disasters. In this article, we describe the EMDR humanitarian interventions provided since 1998 in Latin America and the Caribbean to address survivors’ psychological distress after natural disasters (e.g., flooding, landslides, earthquakes), man-made disasters, human massacre, and severe interpersonal violence. Treatment has been provided to child, adolescent, and adult survivors, often in community settings, and to first responders and cancer patients. The EMDR early intervention protocols are brief effective interventions that can be used in the field or emergency situations; there is a body of research supporting the use of modified EMDR therapy protocols to treat acute trauma in both group and individual formats (Jarero, Artigas, & Luber, 2011).

L’expérience du cancer est un facteur de stress particulier au sein de l’infrastructure de l’état de stress post-traumatique (ESPT) car cette maladie débilitante implique des facteurs de stress permanents, et elle est à la fois aiguë et potentiellement chronique. Le cancer peut s’accompagner d’un large éventail d’effets négatifs connexes, tels que la détection d’une tumeur, le diagnostic, la gravité de la maladie et le pronostic, l’agressivité des traitements, la mutilation et le dysfonctionnement physique, les effets secondaires du traitement, les perturbations du fonctionnement physique, social et professionnel et, parfois, la récidive et un diagnostic de maladie terminale. Cet article fournit une description détaillée de l’application clinique du protocole intégratif de traitement de groupe de désensibilisation et de retraitement par les mouvements oculaires (EMDR-IGTP) adapté aux patients adolescents et adultes atteints de cancer et vivant avec un stress traumatique continu. Ce protocole administre les huit phases du traitement EMDR individuel à un groupe de patients en utilisant une composante de l’art-thérapie (c’est-à-dire des dessins) et le « butterfly hug » (BH – le « câlin de papillon », une méthode de stimulation bilatérale autoadministrée utilisée pour traiter le matériel traumatique). Une étude antérieure (Jarero et coll., 2015) avait montré qu’après six séances d’EMDR-IGTP, on observait une diminution significative des symptômes d’ESPT liés au diagnostic et au traitement de différents types de cancer chez des femmes adultes. Les effets se maintenaient lors de la séance de suivi, 90 jours plus tard. Dans le présent article, nous discutons de la manière dont on peut se servir de ce protocole pour fournir efficacement un traitement EMDR intensif à de grands groupes de patients, et nous donnons des instructions détaillées pour son utilisation, afin d’aborder l’une des principales dimensions psychologiques du cancer : les réactions de stress traumatique permanentes que connaissent les patients. Un exemple clinique illustre le processus de traitement.

El presente estudio de campo fue realizado tras el descubrimiento de 218 cuerpos en fosas clandestinas, en el estado mexicano de Durango en abril de 2011. Se llevó a cabo una evaluación psicométrica preliminar, con los 60 empleados de la Procuraduría General del Estado que se encontraban trabajando con los cuerpos. Esto para establecer los criterios de selección y medidas de base. Se administraron la Escala de Impacto del Evento (IES) y la escala Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT). Los 32 individuos que arrojaron puntajes de estrés postraumático y de Trastorno por Estrés Postraumático (TEPT) de moderados a severos, fueron tratados con el Protocolo de EMDR para Incidentes Críticos Recientes (EMDR-PRECI). Los participantes se asignaron a dos grupos: Grupo de Atención Inmediata (GAI, síntomas severos) y Grupo de Atención Demorada (GAD, síntomas moderados). Cada sesión individual con los clientes tuvo una duración entre 90 y 120 minutos. Los resultados demostraron que una sesión de terapia EMDR empleando el Protocolo para Incidentes Críticos Recientes (PRECI), produjo una mejoría significativa en la sintomatología de TEPT y estrés postraumático. Esto tanto para el grupo de atención inmediata como para el grupo de atención demorada. Este estudio provee evidencia preliminar, que sustenta la eficacia del protocolo en un escenario natural de situación de masacre humana, con un grupo de adultos traumatizados trabajando bajo estrés extremo. Se recomienda más investigación para evaluar la eficacia del protocolo.

This ongoing field study was conducted subsequent to the discovery of clandestine graves with 218 bodies recovered in the Mexican state of Durango in April 2011. A preliminary psychometric assessment was conducted with the 60 State Attorney General employees who were working with the corpses to establish a triage criterion and provide baseline measures. The Impact of Event Scale (IES) and the short posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rating interview were administered, and the 32 individuals whose scores indicated moderate-to-severe posttraumatic stress and PTSD symptoms were treated with the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents (EMDR-PRECI). Participants were assigned to two groups: immediate treatment (severe scores) and waitlist/delayed treatment (moderate scores). Each individual client session lasted between 90 and 120 minutes. Results showed that one session of EMDR-PRECI produced significant improvement on self-report measures of posttraumatic stress and PTSD symptoms for both the immediate treatment and waitlist/delayed treatment groups. This study provides preliminary evidence in support of the protocol’s efficacy in a natural setting of a human massacre situation to a group of traumatized adults working under extreme stressors. More controlled research is recommended to evaluate further the protocol’s efficacy.

El Protocolo Individual de Terapia de Reprocesamiento y Desensibilización a través del Movimiento Ocular para uso de Paraprofesionales en situaciones de trauma agudo (EMDR-PROPARA), es parte de un proyecto desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de la Dra. Francine Shapiro. Este estudio aleatorio controlado investigó la efectividad del protocolo administrado por Terapeutas EMDR con experiencia. En el estudio participaron 39 auxiliadores traumatizados y en servicio activo, que fueron asignados al azar para recibir una sesión de 90 minutos, ya fuera del EMDR-PROPARA o de Consejería de Apoyo. Los participantes tratados con el EMDR-PROPARA mostraron beneficios inmediatos después del tratamiento; con un decremento de los puntajes de la Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT), que continuó observándose hasta el segundo seguimiento a los tres meses. En comparación, los participantes que fueron tratados con Consejería de Apoyo, tuvieron un decremento no significativo después del tratamiento y un aumento en los puntajes del SPRINT en el segundo seguimiento. Las diferencias significativas entre los dos tratamientos proporcionan evidencia preliminar, que apoya la eficacia del EMDR-PROPARA para reducir la severidad de los síntomas postraumáticos y en la mejoría subjetiva global. Se recomienda realizar mayor investigación controlada para evaluar de manera más extensa la eficacia de esta intervención.

Cette étude de terrain randomisée et contrôlée a été réalisée après un séisme de 7,2 en Basse-Californie au Mexique. Le traitement a été offert selon les principes du continuum de soins. Un briefing de gestion de crise a été proposé à 53 individus Ensuite, les 18 individus qui avaient obtenu des scores élevés sur l’échelle IES (Impact of Event Scale : échelle d’impact des événements) ont bénéficié du protocole EMDR pour les incidents critiques récents (EMDR-PRECI: EMDR Protocol for Recent Critical Events), un protocole EMDR modifié à séance unique qui a été élaboré pour le traitement des traumatismes récents. Les participants ont été assignés de manière aléatoire à deux groupes : le groupe de traitement immédiat et le groupe de de traitement retardé/liste d’attente. Il n’y a pas eu d’amélioration dans le groupe de liste d’attente ; les scores des participants du groupe de traitement immédiat se sont significativement améliorés en comparaison avec les participants du groupe de liste d’attente. Une séance de EMDR-PRECI a produit une amélioration significative des symptômes de stress post-traumatique tant pour le groupe de traitement immédiat que pour le groupe de traitement retardé/de liste d’attente, avec des résultats maintenus lors du suivi après 12 semaines, alors que des séismes d’après-choc effrayants continuaient à survenir fréquemment. Cette étude apporte des preuves préliminaires en faveur de l’efficacité de ce protocole dans un contexte de continuum de soins en santé mentale après une catastrophe. Des études contrôlées supplémentaires sont souhaitées afin d’approfondir l’évaluation de l’efficacité de cette intervention.

While eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is considered an evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults, there are differences as to how various international treatment guidelines judge the strength of this evidence base. Furthermore, in areas other than adult PTSD, major guidelines differ even more as to the strength of the evidence base and when to use EMDR. In 2019, the Council of Scholars: The Future of EMDR Therapy Project was initiated. Several working groups were established, with one assigned to the focus area of research. This article is a product of that working group. Firstly the group concluded that there were five areas where there was some base that EMDR was effective, but more data were needed to increase the likelihood that it would be considered in future international treatment guidelines. These areas were PTSD in children and adolescents, early EMDR interventions, combat PTSD, unipolar depression, and chronic pain. In addition, research into cost-effectiveness of EMDR therapy was identified as one of the priorities. A hierarchical system was used for classifying and rating evidence in the focus areas. After assessing the 120 outcome studies pertaining to the focus areas, we conclude that for two of the areas (i.e., PTSD in children and adolescents and EMDR early interventions research) the strength of the evidence is rated at the highest level, whereas the other areas obtain the second highest level. Some general recommendations for improving the quality of future research on the effectiveness of EMDR therapy are formulated.

This study evaluated a multicomponent phase–based trauma treatment approach for 34 children who were victims of severe interpersonal trauma (e.g., rape, sexual abuse, physical and emotional violence, neglect, abandonment). The children attended a week-long residential psychological recovery camp, which provided resource building experiences, the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP), and one-on-one EMDR intervention for the resolution of traumatic memories. The individual EMDR sessions were provided for 26 children who still had some distress about their targeted memory following the EMDR-IGTP. Results showed significant improvement for all the participants on the Child’s Reaction to Traumatic Events Scale (CRTES) and the Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT), with treatment results maintained at follow-up. More research is needed to assess the EMDR-IGTP and the one-on-one EMDR intervention effects as part of a multimodal approach with children who have suffered severe interpersonal trauma.

The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) individual protocol for paraprofessional use in acute trauma situations (EMDR-PROPARA) is part of a project developed at the initiative of Dr. Francine Shapiro. This randomized clinical trial examined the effectiveness of the protocol administered by experienced EMDR therapists. There were 39 traumatized first responders on active duty randomly assigned to receive two 90-min sessions of either EMDR-PROPARA or of supportive counseling. Participants in the EMDR-PROPARA group showed benefits immediately after treatment, with their scores on the Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT) showing further decreases at 3-month follow-up. In comparison, supportive counseling participants experienced a nonsignificant decrease after treatment and an increase in the SPRINT scores at the second follow-up. The significant difference between the two treatments provides preliminary support for EMDR-PROPARA’s effectiveness in reducing severity of posttraumatic symptoms and subjective global improvement. More controlled research is recommended to evaluate further the efficacy of this intervention.