The effectiveness of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing with refugees experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder

The numbers of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide are record high (UNHCR, 2015) and continuously increasing. The research discussed in this theory paper illustrates that the refugee and asylum seeker groups are in greater risk of acquiring mental health disorders, in comparison to other migrant groups or the general population (e.g. Bhugra et al., 2011). Understandably, the most prevalent disorder among refugees is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (e.g. Schubert & Punamaki, 2011). Despite the refugee crisis, the research on psychological interventions with these populations is surprisingly limited. Nonetheless, several studies have been conducted to explore the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches for the treatment of PTSD, a few of which have focused on traumatised refugee groups. This paper is concerned with the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with refugee populations presenting with symptoms of PTSD and depression in the context of psychological therapy. A critical review of the literature was conducted to assess the findings of the studies conducted on the application of EMDR to traumatised refugee groups. In most studies, EMDR appears to be an efficient, promising, and cost-effective psychological intervention for the reduction of the symptoms of PTSD and depression. The small studies and randomised controlled trials that have been conducted so far seem to have some considerable methodological limitations. Consequently, further research and mindful interpretation of the currently available data are advised. This review indicates that further research should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of EMDR with depression and PTSD in refugee camps. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.