Psychiatric Nurse-Delivered Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Adults With Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Jordan

Here is a plain-language, registry-appropriate Brief Summary you can paste into the form. It is written for patients, families, and healthcare providers: Brief Summary This study examines whether Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can reduce the severity of symptoms in adults experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Jordan. PTSD can develop after exposure to distressing or traumatic life events and may cause symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance, sleep problems, anxiety, and emotional distress. A total of 70 adult participants with moderate to severe PTSD symptoms were enrolled. Participants were assigned to one of two groups: an EMDR therapy group or a waitlist control group. Individuals in the EMDR group received structured therapy sessions delivered by a trained mental-health professional, while those in the waitlist group did not receive therapy during the study period but were offered treatment after the study ended. PTSD symptom severity was measured before treatment, immediately after the therapy sessions, and again one month later. The goal of the study was to determine whether EMDR therapy leads to meaningful and lasting reductions in PTSD symptoms compared with no immediate treatment. The findings of this research are intended to help healthcare providers and policymakers understand the value of EMDR as a non-pharmacological, evidence-based treatment option for individuals experiencing trauma-related distress, and to support improvements in mental-health services and trauma-informed care in Jordan.

Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18 years or older Probable PTSD or moderate-to-severe post-traumatic stress symptoms based on the screening instrument used in the study Exposure to at least one traumatic or highly stressful life event within the previous six months No prior receipt of EMDR therapy Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and participate in therapy sessions and assessments Exclusion Criteria: Acute cognitive or intellectual disability that would interfere with comprehension of study procedures or questionnaires Significant visual impairment or visual pathology that would prevent full engagement with the visual components of EMDR therapy Inability to communicate effectively by phone for scheduled assessments Refusal or inability to provide informed consent