Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) improves symptoms of anxiety and depression, blood pressure, and heart rate variability in patients with hypertension: a randomized controlled trial

Bidirectional associations have been demonstrated between negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression, and hypertension, which can lower quality of life and increase mortality. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has been recognized as a successful intervention for individuals experiencing significant psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing intervention for patients with hypertension on improving symptoms of anxiety and depression, blood pressure, and heart rate variability (HRV). This longitudinal randomized controlled trial consecutively enrolled patients with hypertension. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: one group received the EMDR intervention (<i>n</i> = 50); the control group received routine care (<i>n</i> = 52). Data were collected at four different time points: pre-intervention (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at one-month and three-month follow-ups (T2 and T3, respectively). Data were analysed using the generalized estimating equation. At T1, when compared with the control group, patients in the intervention group showed substantial improvements in systolic blood pressure and measures of HRV such as low frequency, high frequency, and ratios of low frequency/high frequency (all <i>p</i> < .01). Symptoms of anxiety were also significantly more decreased compared with controls (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Improvements in symptoms of anxiety and hypertension following EMDR suggest this should be considered as a clinical treatment option for this at-risk group of patients.