Which factors shape EMDR outcomes for depressive symptoms
Predictors and Process Moderators of EMDR Therapy for Depressive Symptoms: Protocol for a Real-world Prospective Observational Study
See if patient and therapist characteristics predict how well EMDR helps adults in Italy who have depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or dissociative symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Turin, Italy Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Turin, Turin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07033741 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a naturalistic observational study enrolling certified Italian EMDR therapists and their adult patients receiving EMDR for depressive symptoms. Researchers will collect baseline measures of psychological functioning, comorbid symptoms (anxiety, PTSD symptoms, dissociation, emotional dysregulation, sleep problems), personality features, and the quality of the therapeutic alliance, then track changes in depressive symptoms during routine EMDR treatment. Analyses will examine mediators, moderators, and predictors of treatment outcome to identify which factors are linked with better or worse response. The work is led by the University of Turin and reflects real-world clinical practice rather than a controlled treatment protocol.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with clinically significant depressive symptoms or related anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or dissociative symptoms who can give informed consent and are receiving EMDR from a certified Italian EMDR therapist are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with active psychosis or schizophrenia, dementia, severe personality disorders, unstable serious medical conditions, or acute suicidality requiring hospitalization are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help personalize EMDR so patients most likely to benefit receive the right treatment approach.
How similar studies have performed: EMDR has strong evidence for PTSD and some positive evidence for depressive symptoms, but studies specifically identifying predictors and moderators of EMDR outcomes in routine clinical settings are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Participants: Therapist * Inclusion Criteria: * certified members of the Italian Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Association * Exclusion Criteria: * inability or unwillingness to comply with study protocols or schedules Patient * Inclusion Criteria: * age 18 years or older * capacity of providing informed consent * presenting with clinically significant symptoms in at least one of the following domains: anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, or dissociative symptoms. * Exclusion Criteria: * history of psychotic symptoms or schizophrenia * dementia * severe personality disorders * a serious, unstable medical condition * acute suicidality that needs hospitalization.
Where this trial is running
Turin, Turin
- University of Turin — Turin, Turin, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Francesca Cotardo, Psychologist, PhD Student
- Email: francesca.cotardo@unito.it
- Phone: +39 3293826487
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.