Status, and Conceptual Issues

AbstractÐThis paper considers the current empirical status of Eye Movement Desensi-tization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment method for speci®c phobias, along with some conceptual and practical issues in relation to its use. Both uncontrolled and controlled studies on the application of EMDR with speci®c phobias demonstrate that EMDR can produce signi®cant improvements within a limited number of sessions. With regard to the treatment of childhood spider phobia, EMDR has been found to be more effective than a placebo control condition, but less effective than exposure in vivo. The empirical support for EMDR with speci®c phobias is still meagre, therefore, one should remain cautious. However, given that there is insuf®cient research to validate any method for complex or trauma related phobias, that EMDR is a time-limited proce-dure, and that it can be used in cases for which an exposure in vivo approach is dif®cult Requests for reprints should be sent to A. De Jongh, Department of Social Dentistry and Denta