Comparing EMDR therapy and SSRIs for PTSD recovery

Post-Traumatic Growth Following Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy Versus SSRIs in Patients With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Combined Military Hospital Nowshera · NCT06957210

This study is testing whether EMDR therapy works better than standard medication for helping people with PTSD recover and grow after their trauma.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorCombined Military Hospital Nowshera (other gov)
Locations2 sites (Nowshera, KPK and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06957210 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial compares the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy against selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in promoting post-traumatic growth in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either EMDR therapy or standard SSRI treatment. The study aims to assess the psychological growth and recovery achieved through each intervention, providing insights for future PTSD treatment strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with PTSD who are willing to participate and provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with current psychotic disorders, severe major depressive episodes with psychotic features, or active substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a more effective therapeutic option for patients with PTSD, enhancing their psychological recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for EMDR therapy in treating PTSD, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Clinical diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on DSM-5 criteria

Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Ability to comply with study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

Current diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe major depressive episode with psychotic features

Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months

Severe cognitive impairment or inability to complete study assessments

Where this trial is running

Nowshera, KPK and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Post-traumatic Growth, EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.