REVIEW OF THE VALIDATION AND DISSEMINATION OF EYE-MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING - A SCIENTIFIC AND ETHICAL DILEMMA

Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a technique that combines imaginal exposure with eye movement, recently has been propo sed by its originator, F. Shapiro, as a prescriptive treatment for tra uma-related anxiety. To date, several uncontrolled case studies have f ound EMDR to be effective. However, none employed objective or standar dized dependent measures of therapeutic improvement and all combined E MDR with other interventions. In contrast to results obtained from cas e studies, controlled experiments utilizing objective and standardized dependent measures have failed to support the efficacy of the techniq ue beyond that of its imaginal exposure component. Unfortunately, thes e experiments employed small samples with a limited range of disorders , indicating the need for further evaluation. However, unbiased replic ation is impeded by Shapiro's practice of prohibiting individuals not associated with her EMDR Institute from training others in the techniq ue. We articulate our concern that despite its lack of empirical valid ation clinical application of the technique by behavior therapists is rapidly increasing.