The Effect of Dual Attention in an EMDR Intervention

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

A comprehensive third-generation intervention EMDR + dual attention: This is a individual intervention with a total of 10 sessions. In the processing the traumatic event phase will be realized with double attention.

A comprehensive third-generation intervention EMDR + fixed point: This is a individual intervention with a total of 10 sessions. In the processing the traumatic event phase will be realized with fixed point.

A comprehensive third-generation intervention EMDR + exposition: This is a individual intervention with a total of 10 sessions. In the processing the traumatic event phase will be realized with exposition.

Study summary

Research to date indicates that trauma-focused treatments are safe and effective for PTSD, even when higher-risk comorbidities (e.g., psychosis or substance use) are present. In particular, there are data pointing to the efficacy of prolonged exposure therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Clinical practice guidelines specifically recommend trauma-focused treatment with exposure and/or cognitive restructuring components. Regarding EMDR interventions, there are increasing results supporting its efficacy. Some interesting clinical advantages presented by EMDR as opposed to cognitive-behavioral therapies are 1) the efficacy found despite less exposure to the traumatic memory, 2) the exclusion of homework, 3) as well as the rapid reduction in subjective disturbance produced even after a single session of EMDR therapy. However, the mechanisms producing the improvement and, in particular, the effect of bilateral stimulation are not precisely known. More research is needed in this regard since bilateral stimulation is the most controversial part and with less evidence found. In addition to this, there are very few studies that have analyzed the differential efficacy of the presence or absence of bilateral stimulation or of the different types of stimulation possible. As for the comparison between types of stimulation (bilateral with eye movements, or focusing on a fixed point), greater treatment effects have been found for EMDR with fixation on an immobile hand compared to eye movements. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a comprehensive intervention protocol for people who have experienced traumatic events and present post-traumatic symptomatology. In addition, this study will compare the efficacy of traumatic memory processing with and without dual attention.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change from posttraumatic symptoms at 10 weeks and 6 months — Change baseline, 10 weeks, and 6 months
  International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ; Cloitre et al., 2018). Higher scores mean a worse outcome.
• Change from psychopathological symptoms at 10 weeks and 6 months — Change baseline, 10 weeks, and 6 months
  Symptom Checklist 45-SCL-90R brief (Davison et al., 1997).Higher scores mean a worse outcome.
• Change from Dissociative symptoms at 10 weeks and 6 months — Change baseline, 10 weeks, and 6 months
  Dissociative Experience Scale DES II (Carlson and Putnam, 1993). Higher scores mean a worse outcome.

Trial sites (1)

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