Is EMDR Therapy Effective in Older Adults?

EMDR therapy is an effective treatment option for PTSD and related problems in older adults.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid psychiatric/somatic conditions are common in older adults and may be treatment-resistant. In recent years, research into the feasibility and effectiveness of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy in older adults has increased.

Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes

• EMDR therapy significantly reduces PTSD symptoms in older adults, with 80% of patients no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Remission rates range from 37% to 52% (Gielkens et al., 2022).
• EMDR reduces frailty and improves quality of life in older adults (Gielkens et al., 2022).
• Improvements in cognitive functioning (particularly memory and attention) have also been observed following EMDR (Gielkens et al., 2023).
• Reductions in anxiety, sleep problems, and somatic complaints following EMDR have also been reported in older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment (Mikhailova, 2015; Ahmed, 2018).

Personality Disorders and Comorbidities

• In older adults with PTSD and comorbid personality disorders, EMDR has led to improved personality functioning and a reduction in personality disorder diagnoses (Gielkens et al., 2023; Gielkens et al., 2024).
• Despite high levels of comorbidity, the effectiveness of EMDR is independent of treatment duration or the initial severity of psychopathology (Gielkens et al., 2022).

Safety and Feasibility

• EMDR is well tolerated in older adults, and no serious adverse effects have been reported (Gielkens et al., 2022; Mikhailova, 2015).
• Standard protocols can be adapted for older adults with cognitive or physical limitations (Ahmed, 2018; Gielkens et.al., 2018).

  Conclusion

EMDR therapy is an effective and safe treatment option for addressing PTSD, comorbid psychiatric disorders, frailty, and quality of life in older adults. With individualized adaptations, it can also be used in older adults with cognitive or physical limitations. Nevertheless, larger, controlled studies are needed.

References

Gielkens, E., Sobczak, S., Rossi, G., & Van Alphen, S. (2022). The feasibility of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for older adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid psychiatric and somatic disorders.. Psychological trauma : theory , research, practice and policy. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001402

Gielkens, E., Sobczak, S., Gerrits, N., Rosowsky, E., Stas, L., Rossi, G., & Van Alphen, S. (2023). EMDR in older adults with PTSD and comorbid personality disorders. International Psychogeriatrics. https://doi.org/10.1017/s104161022400019x

Gielkens, E., Turksma, K., Kranenburg, L., Stas, L., Sobczak, S., Van Alphen, S., & Rossi, G. (2022). Feasibility of EMDR in Older Adults with PTSD to Reduce Frailty and Improve Quality of Life. Clinical Gerontologist, 48, 37 - 47. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2022.2114397

Gielkens, E., Sobczak, S., Gerrits, N., Rosowsky, E., Stas, L., Rossi, G., & Van Alphen, S. (2024). Feasibility of EMDR toward Personality Functioning in Older Adults with PTSD. Clinical Gerontologist, 48, 48 - 59. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2024.2344793

Mikhailova, E. (2015). Application of EMDR in the Treatment of Older People with a History of Psychical Trauma. European Psychiatry, 30, 1 - 1. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0924-9338(15)30664-7

Ahmed, A. (2018). EMDR Therapy for an Elderly Woman With Depression, Traumatic Memories, and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: A Case Study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research , 12, 16 - 23. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.12.1.16

Gielkens, E., Rossi, G., Van Alphen, S., & Sobczak, S. (2023). A First Exploration: Can Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Improve Cognition in Older Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurolog y, 37, 206 - 221. https://doi.org/10.1177/08919887231207639

Gielkens, E., Vink, M., Sobczak, S., Rosowsky, E., & Van Alphen, B. (2018). EMDR in Older Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research , 12, 132 - 141. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.12.3.132