What evidence supports EMDR's effectiveness?

EMDR has been the subject of more controlled research than all other treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) combined. A total of 17 controlled studies have been completed in University, Veterans Administration, HMO and other settings. A number of meta-analyses have evaluated these controlled studies and compared EMDR's treatment effects with those of prolonged imaginal exposure and other methods.

EMDR has been found to be more rapid, efficient or comprehensive in treating symptoms caused by trauma than behavior therapy, biofeedback, active listening or standard cognitive and analytic treatments.

As a result of the extensive research evidence, EMDR is recognized as an empirically supported method of treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, the US Department of Defense, the US Veterans Administration, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and government agencies in countries around the world.