Culturally adapted EMDR therapy for major depression in Pakistan

Developing a Culturally and Methodologically Adapted EMDR Protocol for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Determining Its Efficacy by Testing it Through Online and Face-to-face Modes of EMDR Therapy

Not applicable Interventional Khushal Khan Khattak Univeristy, Karak, Pakistan · NCT06439043

This study is testing a new version of EMDR therapy to see if it can help people with major depression in Pakistan, using both in-person and online sessions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorKhushal Khan Khattak Univeristy, Karak, Pakistan Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kohat)
Trial IDNCT06439043 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop a culturally and methodologically adapted protocol for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in Pakistan. It will evaluate the efficacy of both in-person and online EMDR modalities through a randomized controlled trial involving 90 participants. The study seeks to address the cultural appropriateness of EMDR, which originated in the U.S., and assess its effectiveness in a non-Western context. By employing a mixed-methods approach, the research will gather qualitative and quantitative data to inform future adaptations of EMDR therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are males and females aged 20 to 50 who exhibit symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder and are treatment-naïve.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neuropsychological or cognitive disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective and culturally relevant treatment option for patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder in Pakistan.

How similar studies have performed: While adaptations of EMDR in non-Western contexts are limited, similar studies have shown promise in culturally tailoring psychotherapeutic approaches, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. The patient should exhibit symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder.
2. Male and female patients will be chosen equally.
3. Patients between the ages of 20 and 50 will be selected.
4. Patients should preferable be "treatment-naïve," meaning they have no recent history of any psychotherapy or medication.

Exclusion Criteria:

a. There must be no significant neuropsychological or cognitive disorders among the patients

Where this trial is running

Kohat

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.
Conditions Major Depressive Disorder 1Depressive Disorder, Major
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.