Comparison of efficacy of EMDR and EFT in PTSD woman Patient Who Recovered from Covid-19

Subject Areas : Woman and family

Mohammad Akbari ¹ , Alinaghi Aqhdasi ² , Amir Panahali ³ , Massoumeh Azmodeh ⁴ , Reaza Naghdi sadeh ⁵

1 - Ph.D. Student in Counseling,Department of Counseling ,Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling and Psychology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran. (Responsible author) [e-mail]
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling and Psychology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
4 - Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling and Psychology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
5 - Assistant Professor Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Seiences Tabriz University of Medical Seiences Tabriz Iran.

Received: 2022-10-01 Accepted : 2022-11-11 Published : 2023-11-22

Keywords: COVID-19, Emotional freedom technique, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, Post-traumatic stress,

Abstract :

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two treatment methods of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and emotional Freedom technique (EFT) in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in women who have recovered from the disease of Covid-19 in Tabriz. The present study was quasi-experimental based on a pretest-posttest design with a control group.The statistical population included all female patients recovered from Covid-19 aged 25 to 60 years in Tabriz in 2021. Thirty-six recovered female patients sampled using the purposeful sampling method and diagnosed with PTSD were randomly assigned to three groups, experimental group 1 (n=12), experimental group 2 (n=12) and The control group (n=12). Participants in EMDR and EFT sessions were treated individually and weekly in six 45 min sessions.The control group followed their normal daily schedule. All participants were evaluated in two pre-test and post-test stages by a post-traumatic stress disorder checklist. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using the analysis of covariance. Post-test PTSD scores were significantly reduced in two experimental groups (P <0.05). Both EMDR and EFT psychotherapies relieved the symptoms in PTSD patients. However, according to the post-test results, EMDR intervention was more effective than EFT psychotherapy in reducing PTSD symptoms. Additionally, a reduction in PTSD scores in the EMDR group was substantially more significant than in the EFT group. Results suggest greater use of EMDR for PTSD symptoms.

References:

Acarturk, C., Konuk, E., Cetinkaya, M., Senay, I., Sijbrandij, M., Cuijpers, P., & Aker, T. (2015). EMDR for Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial. European journal of psychotraumatology, 6, 27414.

Alamdar baghini, A., Mohammad Tehrani, H., Behbodi, M., & Kiamanesh, A. (2020). Comparison of effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique in reducing anxiety in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Applied Psychology, 13(4), 625-650.

Alamdarbaghini ,A., Mohammad tehrani, H., Behboodi, M&,. Kiamanesh, A. (2021).The Effectiveness of Emotional Release Technique (EFT) in Reducing Anxiety in Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, jarac,3 (2) ,14-26.

 Al-Hadethe, A., Hunt N., Al-Qaysi G., & Thomas ,S. (2015).Randomised Controlled Study Comparing Two Psychological Therapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) vs. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). J Trauma Stress Disor Treat ,4,4.

Bahramnia, M., Ramak, N.,& Sangani, A.(2020). The Role of Perceived Mental Stress in the Health of Suspected Cases of COVID-19. J Mil Med. 22 (2) ,115-121.

Boland, R., Verduin, M.A., and Ruiz, P. (2022). Kaplan and Sadok's summary of psychiatry (volume 2). Translators: Dr. Rezaei et al. Tehran: Arjamand Publications.

Bongaerts, H., van Minnen, A., & de Jongh, A. (2017). Intensive EMDR to Treat Patients With Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11, 84 - 95.

Capezzani ,L., Ostacoli ,L., Cavallo ,M., Carletto, S., Fernandez ,I., Solomon ,R., & et al.(2013). EMDR and CBT for cancer patients: Comparative study of effects on PTSD, anxiety, and depression. J EMDR Pract Res,7(3) ,134-43.

Chen, L., Zhang, G., Hu, M., & Liang, X. (2015). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing versus cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult posttraumatic stress disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of nervous and mental disease, 203(6), 443–451.

Church, D. (2014). Reductions in pain, depression, and anxiety symptoms after PTSD remediation in veterans. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 10(3), 162–169.

Church, D., & Feinstein, D. (2017). The Manual Stimulation of Acupuncture Points in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques. Medical acupuncture, 29(4), 194–205.

Church ,D., Sparks ,T.& Clond , M..(2016). EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) And Resiliency in Veterans at Risky For PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Explore,12(5) ,355-365.

Church ,D., Stapleton, P., Mollon, P., Feinstein ,D., Boath, E., Mackay, D.,& Sims, R. (2018).Guidelines for the Treatment of PTSD Using Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). Healthcare, 6(4); 146-153.

 Church, D., Yount, G., Rachlin, K., Fox, L., & Nelms, J. (2018). Epigenetic Effects of PTSD Remediation in Veterans Using Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. American journal of health promotion : AJHP, 32(1), 112–122.

Clond ,M. (2016). Emotional Freedom Techniques for Anxiety: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. The Journal of nervous and mental disease, 204(5), 388–395.

Foa, E.B., Riggs, D.S., Dancu, C.V., & et al.(1993). Reliability and validity of a brief instrument for assessing post-traumatic stress disorder. J Trauma Stress 6, 459–473 .

Ghasemzadeh, A., Ghamari, M., &Hosseinian, S.(2019). The impact of emotional freedom techniques on Students’ anxiety reduction and psychological wellbeing increase. Educ Strategy Med Sci.12 (4) :135-145.

Haagen, J. F., Smid, G. E., Knipscheer, J. W., & Kleber, R. J. (2015). The efficacy of recommended treatments for veterans with PTSD: A metaregression analysis. Clinical psychology review, 40, 184–194.

Hashemian Moghadam, A., Agha Mohammadian Sharbaf, H.,& Mashhadi, A.(2017). Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing(EMDR) to Reduce the Severity of Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Stuttering With Psychological Origin(Case Study in Child with Four Years Old). J Arak Uni Med Sci.19 (11) ,87-98.

Heshami, S., banijamali, S., kooshki, S., khalatbari, J., nasrollahi, B. (2020). Effectiveness of Eye Movement and Reprocessing Desensitization in Self-Regulation and Symptoms of Adolescents with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and 60-Day Follow-Up. Journal of Modern Psychological Researches, 15(57), 67-83.

Hour,F.,Dobbelaere,E.,&Beaurepaire,C.D.(2019).Scientific Evaluation of EMDR Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Psychological Trauma Summary: Scientific evaluation of EMDR psychotherapy. J Neurol Neuromed, 4(2),5-14.

Javadi, S M H., Marsa, R.,&Rahmani,F.(2020). PTSD Symptoms and Risk Factors During the COVID-19 Disease Pandemic in Iran. IJPCP. 26 (3) ,394-399.

Jelveh,M.(2021). The Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Reducing Anxiety in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to ICU. jarac, 2021; 3 (2) ,27-37

Jiang ,H.J., Nan, J., Lv,ZY.,&Yang,J.(2020). Psychological impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic on Chinese people: Exposure, post-traumatic stress symptom, and emotion regulation. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine,13(6) ,252-259.

Kamalmanesh, A.,& Maredpour A.(2017). Evaluation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among War Survivors . hrjbaq. 2 (2) ,87-98.

Karbasi-Amel ,A., & Karbasi-Amel, S.(2017).Effectiveness of Parent-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Overweight and Self-Esteem in 6- to 11Year-Old Obese Children with Attention DeficitHyperactivity Disorder in Isfahan City, Iran. J Res Behav Sci, 15(2) ,151-158.

Kendall, P. C., Hudson, J. L., Choudhury, M., Webb, A., & Pimentel, S. (2005). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Childhood Anxiety Disorders. In E. D. Hibbs & P. S. Jensen (Eds.), Psychosocial treatments for child and adolescent disorders: Empirically based strategies for clinical practice (pp. 47–73). American Psychological Association.

Khodabakhshi Koolaee, A., Tekehi Maroof, A.,&Navidian, A.(2016). Efficacy of Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among male veterans. MCS.3 (1) ,1-9.

Maredpour, A., & Najafi, M. (2016). The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Method Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Women Suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Arising from Non-military Events. Clinical Psychology Studies, 6(23), 41-60.

McGowan, I.W.,Fisher,N., Havens,J &Proudlock,S.(2021). An evaluation of eye movement
desensitization and reprocessing therapy delivered remotely during the Covid–19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry.21(560).1-8.

Mirzaei feizabadi ,S., Taheri, N., &Hadianfard, H.(2020). Treatment of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Iran: A Systematic Review Study. Rooyesh. 9 (9) :105-120.

Morgan ,C.( 2016).Emotional Freedom Techniques for Anxiety: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. J Nerv Ment Dis, 204(5),388-395.

Nicosia, G. J., Minewiser, L., & Freger, A. (2019). World Trade Center: A longitudinal case study for treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with Emotional Freedom Technique and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Work (Reading, Mass.), 63(2), 199–204.

Neil Weissman, Sonja V. Batten, Kathryn D. Rheem, Stephanie A. Wiebe, Rebecca M. Pasillas, Wendy Potts, Melissa Barone, Clayton H. Brown & Lisa B. Dixon .(2018) The Effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy With Veterans With PTSD: A Pilot Study, Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 17(1), 25-41

Perri, R. L., Castelli, P., La Rosa, C., Zucchi, T., & Onofri, A. (2021). COVID-19, Isolation, Quarantine: On the Efficacy of Internet-Based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Ongoing Trauma. Brain sciences, 11(5), 579.

Prochaska, J., & Norcross, J. (2018). Theories of psychotherapy (systems of psychotherapy). Translated by Yahya Seyed Mohammadi. Tehran: Nesher Ravan.

Rahnejat, A., Dabagi, P., Rabiei, M., Taghva, A., Valipoor, H., Donyavi, V. ,& et al .(2017). Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Caused by War in Veterans . Iran J War Public Health,9 (1) ,15-23.

Roziika,A.,Budiarti,Santoso,M.,&Zainuddin,M.(2020).Penanganan stres di masa pandemic covid-19 dengan metode emotional freedom technique (EFT).Jurnal Pekerjaan Sosial,3(2) ,121-130.

Sadatmadani,S.,Tavallaii Zavareh, A.,& Tavallaii, V.(2018). Effectiveness of Regular Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Therapy and Reducing the Symptoms of Anxiety . hrjbaq.3 (1) ,37-43.

Sadeghi, M., Moradi, Z., & Ershadi, F . (2021). The Clinical Trial of COVID-19 Patients: The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy on Post- Traumatic Stress and Depression. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 23(10).

Sarichello, M. (2007). Investigating the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder caused by war among veterans. Master's thesis. Tehran: University of Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Scelles, C., & Bulnes, L. C. (2021). EMDR as Treatment Option for Conditions Other Than PTSD: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 644369.

Sebastian, B., & Nelms, J. (2017). The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 13(1), 16–25.

shahyad, S., &Mohammadi M T.(2020). Psychological Impacts of Covid-19 Outbreak on Mental Health Status of Society Individuals: A Narrative Review. J Mil Med. 22 (2) ,184-192.

Shapiro, F. (2021). Desensitization and reprocessing through eye movements EMDR. Translators: Soran Rajabi and Fatemeh Jamshidi. Tehran: Roshd.

Shapiro, F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente journal, 18(1), 71–77.

Shi, W., & Hall, B. J. (2020). What can we do for people exposed to multiple traumatic events during the coronavirus pandemic? Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, Article 102065. 

St Cyr, K., McIntyre-Smith, A., Contractor, A. A., Elhai, J. D., & Richardson, J. D. (2014). Somatic symptoms and health-related quality of life among treatment-seeking Canadian Forces personnel with PTSD. Psychiatry research, 218(1-2), 148–152.

Sun, L., Sun, Z., Wu, L., Zhu, Z., Zhang, F., Shang, Z., Jia, Y., Gu, J., Zhou, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, N., & Liu, W. (2021). Prevalence and risk factors for acute posttraumatic stress disorder during the COVID-19 outbreak. Journal of affective disorders, 283, 123–129.

Weather ,F. W.,Litz, B.T.,Herman D. S., Huska, J. A., & Kean, T.M.(1993). The PTSD Cheklist (PCL): Reliability Validity ,and Diagnostic Utility. Presented at The www.Kharazmi-Statistics.ir 9 th The Annual Meeting of The International Society for Traumatic Stress Hissre Studies. October 1993. Sam Antunio, Tx.

Wilson, G., Farrell, D., Barron, I., Hutchins, J., Whybrow, D.,& Kiernan, MD.(2018). The Use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder-A Systematic Narrative Review. Front Psychol.6(9),923.

Yavari Kermani, M., Razavi, S., & Shabani, M. G. (2020). The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Technique on Anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome in Women with Spontaneous Abortion. Journal of Applied Family Therapy, 1(4), 53-71.

Zhu, Y., Chen, L., Ji, H., Xi, M., Fang, Y., & Li, Y. (2020). The Risk and Prevention of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Infections Among Inpatients in Psychiatric Hospitals. Neuroscience bulletin, 36(3), 299–302.