Perceptions of Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitized and Reprocessing for those Diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a short-term psychotherapy approach first introduced in 1987 by Francine Shapiro. Currently, EMDR is only a first-line treatment to relieve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, this treatment modality could be expanded to generalized anxiety disorder if additional research was available. Further, research has demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR from a quantitative perspective; however, there has been scarce research supporting the use of EMDR as a first-line treatment approach from a qualitative perspective. This hermeneutic qualitative study aimed to explore the psychological and physiological effects of EMDR on the brain from a participant’s viewpoint. This study incorporated the biopsychosocial (BPSM) model to explore various human dimensions. Participants were recruited through social media and word of mouth, asking them to engage in a virtual or in-person interview. The data collected were transcribed and categorized to develop new themes and patterns to guide future EMDR treatment. The study enhances knowledge of the lived experience of engaging in EMDR therapy, symptom management after discontinuing EMDR, the biological effects of EMDR treatment, and practical coping skills to sustain lasting desensitization when encountering distressing triggers. The study results have implications for future social change, as they support an alternative treatment modality to address anxiety symptoms and provide clinicians with the participant’s treatment perspective.