Evaluating EMDR Therapy for PTSD

Evaluation of Desensitization Therapy and Re-treatment of Eye Movement Information [EMDR] in Patients With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]: Neuronal Correlates and Cognitive Impact on the Attention and Memory of Emotional Stimuli.

Not applicable Interventional Centre hospitalier de Ville-Evrard, France · NCT04431765

This study is testing whether EMDR therapy can help people with PTSD feel better compared to another type of therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre hospitalier de Ville-Evrard, France Academic / other
Locations1 site (Neuilly-sur-Marne)
Trial IDNCT04431765 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to confirm the therapeutic effects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in patients with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by comparing it to a controlled therapy in a randomized, single-blind format. The study will also investigate the cognitive and neuronal changes associated with EMDR therapy, enhancing our understanding of its mechanisms of action. Participants will be aged 18 to 65 and must meet specific inclusion criteria related to their PTSD diagnosis. The study seeks to provide insights into how EMDR interacts with cognitive functions and emotional stimuli in PTSD patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with PTSD related to a single traumatic event.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological disorders or other major psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for individuals suffering from PTSD.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with EMDR therapy, indicating its potential effectiveness in treating PTSD.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient diagnosed with PTSD according to DSM 5 criteria (APA 2013) related to a single traumatic event,
* Aged 18 to 65 years,
* Signed informed consent.
* Patient with social security affiliation or State Medical Aid (AME)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurological disorders
* No other major psychiatric disorders than PTSD (DSM 5)
* Severe and/or unstable somatic pathologies,
* Patient not affiliated with social security,
* Patient hospitalized under stress in psychiatric care at the decision of the state representative or in psychiatric care at the request of a third party,
* Patient under guardianship,
* Patient participating in parallel with other biomedical research,
* Change of antidepressant during the last three months,
* Patient not fluent in French
* MR-specific criteria for not inclusion:
* women of childbearing age without effective contraception or a positive pregnancy test,
* patients carrying pacemakers or electrical or electronic devices, clips or metal prostheses,
* subjects with neurological disorders, cerebral abnormalities or suffering from claustrophobia.

Where this trial is running

Neuilly-sur-Marne

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.
Conditions Post-traumatic Stress DisorderEye Movement Information- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.