Recent Publications

EMDR - HAP has compiled a comprehensive list of recent EMDR and related research.

Please visit their website at: EMDR - HAP Research Findings

Canadian Research will be listed here. Please check back for updates.

Gauvreau, P. & Bouchard, S. (2008). Preliminary Evidence for the Efficacy of EMDR in Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2, 26-40.

 Abstract: This preliminary study sought to evaluate the potential effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment modality for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Using a single-case design with multiple baselines across four subjects, the effectiveness of 15 EMDR sessions was evaluated. Results indicate that subsequent to targeting the experiential contributors to GAD and the current and anticipated situations that caused excessive worry, the scores of anxiety and of excessive worry dropped to levels below diagnostic threshold and in two cases to full remission of GAD symptoms. At both posttreatment and at 2 months follow-up, all four participants no longer presented with GAD diagnosis. In addition, time-series analyses (ARMA) indicate statistically significant improvement on both daily measures of worry and anxiety over the course of the EMDR treatment.

Abstract: After the death of a student during an ocean scuba training dive, the student's diving instructor was suffering from Acute Stress Disorder, a post-traumatic stress reaction. The treatment of the instructor's distress using a combination of two recognized trauma therapies: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) is described. Improvement was noted after four treatment sessions. The instructor reported further improvement at a two-month follow-up and the positive effects were maintained nineteen months later.

Wilensky, M. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a Treatment for Phantom Limb Pain. Journal of Brief Therapy. 2006; 5: 31-44.
Abstract: Five consecutive cases of phantom limb pain were treated with EMDR. The time since the amputation ranged from one week to three years. Four of the five clients completed the prescribed treatment and reported that pain was completely eliminated, or reduced to a negligible level. The one client who stopped treatment chose to do so after reducing his pain by one half. The standard EMDR treatment protocol was used to target the accident that caused the amputation, and other related events. The five cases are described in detail.  The treatment and theoretical implications are explored and recommendations are made for future research.

MacDonald, H, Karlinsky, H., Colotla, V., & Flamer, S. (2003). Finding Solutions: Research at the workers'compensation board. Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Workplace: A descriptive study of workers experiencing PTSD resulting from a work injury. Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia.