Post-Traumatic Growth Following Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy Versus SSRIs in Patients With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

NCT06957210 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: CMHNSR-REF-15
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 130
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial investigates the comparative effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in fostering post-traumatic growth among patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will be randomized to receive either EMDR therapy or standard SSRI pharmacotherapy. The primary objective is to evaluate the extent of psychological growth and recovery achieved through each intervention, aiming to guide future therapeutic strategies for PTSD.

Conditions

PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Keywords

PTSD; Post-traumatic Stress Disorder; Post-traumatic Growth; EMDR; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) measured by Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI)

  Change in PTGI total score from baseline to 6 weeks.

  6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• PTSD symptom severity measured by PTSD Checklist

  6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

EMDR

EXPERIMENTAL

EMDR therapy

Behavioral: EMDR

SSRIs

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Acting as control group

Drug: SSRIs

Interventions

EMDR BEHAVIORAL

Participants will receive structured EMDR therapy sessions conducted by trained therapists following standard EMDR protocols. Sessions will occur weekly over a 6 week period.

EMDR

SSRIs DRUG

Participants will receive pharmacotherapy with an SSRI prescribed according to standard clinical guidelines for PTSD, monitored by a psychiatrist over a 6-week period.

SSRIs

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Clinical diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on DSM-5 criteria
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
• Ability to comply with study procedures

You may not qualify if:

• Current diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe major depressive episode with psychotic features
• Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months
• Severe cognitive impairment or inability to complete study assessments

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Asad Ullah Jan: lead
• CMH Nowshera: collaborator

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

Combat Disorders; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

Interventions

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Stress Disorders, Traumatic; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders; Mental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Desensitization, Psychologic; Behavior Therapy; Psychotherapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities; 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 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: Head Department of Psychiatry

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 26, 2025
• First Posted: May 4, 2025
• Study Start: May 6, 2025
• Primary Completion: November 30, 2025
• Study Completion: December 31, 2025
• Last Updated: July 9, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (2)