A trial of eye movement desensitization compared to image habituation training and applied muscle relaxation in post-traumatic stress disorder.
Thirty-six patients with PTSD were randomly allocated to individual treatment with imaginal exposure (image habituation training -- IHT), or applied muscle relaxation (AMR) or eye movement desensitization (EMD). Assessment by a blind independent rater and self-report instruments applied pre and posttreatment and at 3-month follow-up indicated that all groups improved significantly compared with a waiting list and that treatment benefits were maintained at follow-up. Despite a failure to demonstrate differences among groups, there was some suggestion that immediately after treatment EMD was superior for intrusive memories.
Vaughan
K
K
University of Sydney, Australia.
Armstrong
M S
MS
Gold
R
R
O'Connor
N
N
Jenneke
W
W
Tarrier
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001143:Arousal; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods*; D005133:Eye Movements; D005260:Female; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome