Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review of the literature

Hatoum, AH; Burton, AL

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review of the literature

Hatoum, AH Burton, AL

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Publisher:: Wiley
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Mental Health Science

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Hatoum, AH
dc.contributor.author	Burton, AL
dc.date.accessioned	2024-10-31T04:15:41Z
dc.date.available	2024-10-31T04:15:41Z
dc.identifier.citation	Mental Health Science
dc.identifier.issn	2642-3588
dc.identifier.issn	2642-3588
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/181651
dc.description.abstract	<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has demonstrated promise as a treatment for eating disorders (ED). The present study aimed to systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of EMDR therapy in the treatment of EDs, ED symptomatology and body image concerns. Included articles were original studies that described the use of EMDR therapy in the treatment of EDs, published in the English language in a peer‐review journal. The search was conducted using four electronic databases: PsycINFO, MedLine, Embase, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers conducted screening, selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. Of the initial search of 109 potential studies, eight met inclusion criteria, including six case studies, one quasi‐experimental study, and one randomised control trial (RCT). The RCT indicated that including an EMDR component did not have benefits over standard treatment for core ED symptoms, whereas the quasi‐experimental study demonstrated some benefits for inclusion of EMDR as a treatment adjunct for anorexia nervosa patients. Case studies indicated some promising outcomes for patients with various presentations. Despite EMDR being an available treatment for several decades now, there is limited clinical evidence regarding its efficacy in the treatment of EDs. These findings highlight a critical need for more clinical research in this area to ensure clinical practice is guided and supported by evidence‐based outcomes.</jats:p>
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Wiley
dc.relation.ispartof	Mental Health Science
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1002/mhs2.92
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review of the literature
dc.type	Journal Article
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Graduate School of Health
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Graduate School of Health/GSH.Clinical Psychology
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2024-10-31T04:15:40Z
pubs.publication-status	Published online

Abstract:

AbstractEye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has demonstrated promise as a treatment for eating disorders (ED). The present study aimed to systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of EMDR therapy in the treatment of EDs, ED symptomatology and body image concerns. Included articles were original studies that described the use of EMDR therapy in the treatment of EDs, published in the English language in a peer‐review journal. The search was conducted using four electronic databases: PsycINFO, MedLine, Embase, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers conducted screening, selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. Of the initial search of 109 potential studies, eight met inclusion criteria, including six case studies, one quasi‐experimental study, and one randomised control trial (RCT). The RCT indicated that including an EMDR component did not have benefits over standard treatment for core ED symptoms, whereas the quasi‐experimental study demonstrated some benefits for inclusion of EMDR as a treatment adjunct for anorexia nervosa patients. Case studies indicated some promising outcomes for patients with various presentations. Despite EMDR being an available treatment for several decades now, there is limited clinical evidence regarding its efficacy in the treatment of EDs. These findings highlight a critical need for more clinical research in this area to ensure clinical practice is guided and supported by evidence‐based outcomes.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/181651