Science and pseudoscience in the development of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Implications for clinical psychology

The enormous popularity recently achieved by Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR) as a treatment for anxiety disorders appears to have greatly outstripped the evidence for its efficacy from controlled research studies. The disparity raises disturbing questions concerning EDMR's aggressive commercial promotion and its rapid acceptance among practitioners. In this article, we: (1) summarize the evidence concerning EDMR's efficacy; (2) the dissemination and promotion of EDMR; (3) delineate the features of pseudoscience and explicate their relevance to EDMR; (4) describe the pseudoscientific marketing practices used to promote EDMR; (5) analyze factors contributing to the acceptance of EDMR by professional psychologists; and (6) discuss practical considerations for professional psychologists regarding the adoption of EDMR into professional practice. We argue that EDMR provides an excellent vehicle for illustrating the differences between scientific and pseudoscientific therapeutic techniques. Such distinctions are of critical importance for clinical psychologists who intend to base their practice on best available research. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.