Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

NCT06955845 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: CMHNSR-REF-14
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Adult patients diagnosed with PTSD will be randomly assigned to receive either EMDR therapy or SSRIs for a period of six weeks. The primary outcome is the rate of remission as measured by validated PTSD symptom severity scales at Week 6. Secondary outcomes include changes in functional impairment and patient-reported quality of life. The study seeks to determine whether EMDR therapy is a non-pharmacological alternative to SSRIs for achieving symptom remission in PTSD.

Conditions

PTSD; PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Keywords

PTSD; EMDR; SSRIs; Trauma; Mental Health; Randomized controlled trial; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Remission rate at Week 6

  Each group's proportion of participants achieving remission from PTSD is defined as having a score below 22 on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5; range 0-80, where higher scores indicate worse PTSD symptoms), a validated PTSD scale.

  6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change in functional impairment score

  6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

EMDR Therapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy over six weeks.

Behavioral: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)Treatment

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will receive selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline over six weeks.

Drug: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Interventions

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy BEHAVIORAL

Patients in this arm will receive weekly EMDR sessions for 6 weeks

Also known as: EMDR Therapy

EMDR Therapy

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors DRUG

The patients will receive an SSRI medication daily for 6 weeks. The dose will be titrated by the clinician.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)Treatment

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Age 18-60 years
• Clinical diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Duration of illness ≥ 6 months
• Able to provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Current substance abuse or dependence
• History of psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
• Active suicidal ideation
• Concurrent psychotherapy or psychiatric medication (except study-assigned SSRI)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Asad Ullah Jan: lead

Study Sites (2)

Combined Military Hospital

Nowshera, KPK, 25770, Pakistan

Location

Department of Psychiatry, Combined Military Hospital Nowshera

Nowshera, Kpk, 25770, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Combat Disorders; Wounds and Injuries; Psychological Well-Being

Interventions

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Stress Disorders, Traumatic; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders; Mental Disorders; Personal Satisfaction; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors; Membrane Transport Modulators; Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action; Pharmacologic Actions; Chemical Actions and Uses; Neurotransmitter Agents; Serotonin Agents; Physiological Effects of Drugs

Study Officials

• Asad Ullah Jan, MBBS,FCPS

  CMH Nowshera

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Consultant Psychiatrist

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 25, 2025
• First Posted: May 2, 2025
• Study Start: May 6, 2025
• Primary Completion: November 30, 2025
• Study Completion: December 31, 2025
• Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (2)