French review of EMDR efficacy: Evidences and Controversies
EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach proposed to treat a wide range of psychological disorders. This is the first French review of EMDR effectiveness. The EMDR effectiveness is initially show with uncontrolled cases studies that suffers from important methodological weaknesses. Experimental case studies provide equivocal results. Controlled studies are then reviewed as a function of the type of experimental control used and the type of disorder treated. EMDR appears as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder but cognitive-behavioral therapy remains the treatment of choice for specific phobia and panic disorder. In addition, dismantling studies repeatedly show that eye movements are not necessary for the efficacy of EMDR. An analysis of the differences and similarities between EMDR and the cognitive-behavioral approach is presented. Pseudoscience elements embedded in EMDR development and diffusion are also presented.