The immediate and follow-up effects of EMDR therapy for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Authors

Han Yang, Zhiheng Xiong, Xiangxiang Chen, Yijing Wo, Hao Tang, Mengxuan Qiao, Yu Chen, Zhilin Wang

Published in

BMC psychology. Volume 14. Issue 1. Aug 12, 2026. Epub Aug 12, 2026.

Abstract

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is recommended as an effective psychotherapy for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prior meta-analyses lacked follow-up data or data on comorbid symptoms, and exhibited high heterogeneity. The aims of this meta-analysis were to investigate the immediate and follow-up effects of EMDR on adult patients with PTSD, especially those with comorbid anxiety and depression.
Sixty-five studies (including 3342 participants) were analyzed to assess intervention effects and moderating factors such as trauma type, control group type, geography, early intervention, and intervention duration.
This study found that EMDR approach has immediate and follow-up effects on PTSD, with sustained effects at follow-up. It also has an immediate effect on anxiety and depression. Some factors like control group type, trauma type, moderated the immediate effects on PTSD, while for depression, factors like early intervention and number of sessions had moderating effects.
EMDR is an effective intervention for adults with PTSD, with sustained effects and additional benefits for anxiety and depression. Early, brief EMDR shows superior efficacy.
Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD420251012356.

PMID:
42773467
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 23 Sep 2026.

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