The current status of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) has increasing ly been proposed as an effective therapeutic procedure for post-traumatic s tress disorder and other mental health problems. However, views on EMDR in the research literature have been polarized. Reasons for this are explored as is the nature and theoretical basis of EMDR. Fifteen controlled studies thus far published on EMR and PTSD are reviewed, and it is concluded that ( i) EMDR is an effective psychotherapy, (ii) EMDR's relative efficacy in com parison to behavioural exposure therapies has yet to be established, (iii) the role of eye movements and laterality in attentional focus remains contr oversial and (iv) a direct link between the theoretical basis of the therap y and observable psychological and neurobiological changes has yet to be es tablished. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.