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Meta-Analysis
. 2022 Dec 15;19(24):16836.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph192416836.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing versus Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing versus Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ali Hudays et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

This meta-analysis review compared eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive behavior therapy efficacy in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression symptoms. A systematic search for articles published between 2010 and 2020 was conducted using five databases. The RevMan software version 5 was used. Out of 671 studies, 8 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Three studies reported that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing reduced depression symptoms better than cognitive behavior therapy in both children, adolescents, and adults (SDM (95% CI) = -2.43 (-3.93--0.94), p = 0.001). In three other studies, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing were shown to reduce anxiety in children and adolescents better than cognitive behavior therapy (SDM (95% CI) = -3.99 (-5.47--2.52), p < 0.001). In terms of reducing PTSD symptoms, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive behavior therapy 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 the three-month follow-up and at the six-month follow-up for depression (p = 0.31), anxiety (p = 0.59), and PTSD (p = 0.55). We recommend randomized trials with larger samples and longer follow-up times in the future.

Keywords: anxiety; cognitive behavioral therapy; depression; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; post-traumatic stress disorder.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow diagram of the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion processes for studies.

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