A randomized controlled trial comparing EMDR and CBT for obsessive–compulsive disorder
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
Published online on July 28, 2017
Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), by comparison to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based on exposure and response prevention.
Method
This was a pragmatic, feasibility randomized controlled trial in which 55 participants with OCD were randomized to EMDR (n = 29) or CBT (n = 26). The Yale‐Brown obsessive–compulsive scale was completed at baseline, after treatment and at 6 months follow‐up. Treatment completion and response rates were compared using chi‐square tests. Effect size was examined using Cohen's d and multilevel modelling.
Results
Overall, 61.8% completed treatment and 30.2% attained reliable and clinically significant improvement in OCD symptoms, with no significant differences between groups (p > .05). There were no significant differences between groups in Yale‐Brown obsessive–compulsive scale severity post‐treatment (d = −0.24, p = .38) or at 6 months follow‐up (d = −0.03, p = .90).
Conclusions
EMDR and CBT had comparable completion rates and clinical outcomes.