Interest in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has grown steadily over the past several decades, driven not by novelty, but by a substantial and expanding body of empirical research. As mental health professionals, policymakers, and the public increasingly demand evidence-based interventions, EMDR Statistics have become central to evaluating its clinical relevance, effectiveness, and long-term viability as a trauma treatment.

Originally developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, EMDR has evolved into one of the most extensively studied non-pharmacological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Beyond PTSD, EMDR has been investigated across a wide range of trauma-related and psychological conditions, with research conducted in clinical, military, disaster-response, and public health settings worldwide.

The following EMDR Statistics compile findings from controlled trials, longitudinal follow-ups, comparative studies, and global implementation data. Together, they provide a quantitative overview of treatment outcomes, durability of benefits, scope of use, and institutional recognition. These statistics are intended to offer a factual foundation for understanding where EMDR is most effective, where its limitations lie, and how it compares to other established trauma-focused therapies.

General EMDR Research Volume

• EMDR has been studied in 30+ controlled clinical trials
• EMDR research spans nearly 40 years (late 1980s to present)
• EMDR is researched across 130+ countries
• EMDR is one of the most researched non-pharmaceutical trauma treatments
• EMDR research includes:
• Randomized controlled trials
• Meta-analyses
• Longitudinal follow-up studies
• EMDR studies include civilian, military, disaster-related, and clinical populations
• EMDR trials include treatment durations ranging from 3 sessions to 12 weeks
• EMDR follow-up studies range from 3 months to 5 years
• EMDR outcomes have been measured using:
• PTSD diagnostic criteria
• Symptom severity scales
• Functional impairment measures

PTSD Treatment Outcomes – Single-Incident Trauma

• 84–90% of single-incident trauma patients no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after 3 EMDR sessions (90 minutes each) in controlled studies
• 100% remission of PTSD diagnosis reported for single-event trauma in specific controlled trials
• Single-incident trauma treatment durations ranged from 3 to 6 EMDR sessions
• Symptom reduction observed within weeks rather than months
• EMDR outcomes for single-incident trauma showed:
• Reduced re-experiencing symptoms
• Reduced avoidance behaviors
• Reduced hyperarousal symptoms
• Studies measured outcomes immediately post-treatment and at follow-up
• Follow-up assessments showed sustained symptom reduction in the majority of single-trauma cases

PTSD Treatment Outcomes – Multiple or Complex Trauma

• 77% of individuals with multiple or complex trauma no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after 6 EMDR sessions
• EMDR treatment durations for complex trauma ranged from 6 to 12 sessions
• Complex trauma populations showed lower response rates than single-incident trauma populations
• EMDR treatment outcomes for complex trauma included:
• Reduced PTSD symptom severity
• Improved emotional regulation
• Decreased physiological arousal
• Complex trauma studies included participants with:
• Childhood trauma histories
• Repeated interpersonal trauma
• Combat exposure
• Follow-up studies indicated that completion of full EMDR protocols correlated with better outcomes

Combat-Related PTSD Outcomes

• 78% reduction in PTSD symptoms observed in combat veterans after 12 EMDR sessions
• EMDR treatment durations in military populations ranged from 6 weeks to 12 weeks
• EMDR was evaluated in:
• Active-duty service members
• Veterans
• Former combatants
• Combat-related EMDR studies measured:
• Intrusive memories
• Nightmares
• Hypervigilance
• Follow-up assessments showed maintenance of treatment gains at 9 months post-treatment
• Studies noted diminished outcomes when participants did not complete full EMDR treatment courses 

Sexual Assault-Related PTSD Outcomes

• 90% of sexual assault survivors experienced PTSD symptom relief after 3 EMDR sessions (1.5 hours each)
• EMDR treatment durations ranged from 3 to 6 sessions in sexual assault studies
• Outcome measures included:
• PTSD diagnostic criteria
• Symptom severity scales
• EMDR studies included non-military participants
• EMDR showed faster symptom reduction compared to longer-duration therapies in controlled conditions

Accidents and Assault-Related PTSD Outcomes

• 67% reduction in PTSD symptoms reported after 6 EMDR sessions
• EMDR treatment durations ranged from 6 to 8 sessions
• Trauma sources included:
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Physical assault
• EMDR outcomes showed:
• Reduced intrusive memories
• Reduced physiological distress
• Follow-up assessments indicated symptom improvement was maintained when treatment was completed

Natural Disaster-Related Trauma Outcomes

• EMDR studies conducted following:
• Earthquakes
• Aftershocks
• Disaster-related EMDR research conducted in:
• Mexico
• Italy
• EMDR treatment resulted in statistically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms
• Follow-up assessments at 12 weeks showed maintained symptom relief
• EMDR treatment was delivered in both individual and group formats in disaster contexts

Tinnitus and EMDR (tEMDR) Study Statistics

• Study conducted by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (2019)
• EMDR intervention focused on tinnitus-related distress
• Clinically significant improvement observed in the majority of participants
• Statistically significant symptom reduction observed post-treatment
• Treatment effects maintained at 6-month follow-up
• Study protocol included a diverse tinnitus patient population
• EMDR protocol adapted specifically for tinnitus-related distress

Comparative Treatment Effectiveness Statistics

• EMDR demonstrated outcomes comparable to trauma-focused CBT in PTSD treatment
• EMDR showed superior outcomes compared to:
• Waitlist controls
• Placebo conditions
• Supportive listening
• Relaxation training with biofeedback
• EMDR outperformed:
• Psychodynamic therapy (non-trauma-focused)
• Behavioral therapy (non-trauma-focused)
• EMDR showed superior symptom reduction compared to fluoxetine (Prozac) in at least one NIMH-funded study
• EMDR produced faster symptom reduction in some trials compared to longer-duration therapies

Placebo and Control Comparisons

• EMDR demonstrated statistically significant benefits compared to:
• No-treatment controls
• Active listening controls
• EMDR outcomes exceeded those of:
• Relaxation-only interventions
• Supportive counseling without trauma processing
• EMDR effects exceeded placebo effects in controlled trials

Long-Term Outcome and Follow-Up Statistics

• Follow-up period s ranged from 3 months to 5 years
• 8 out of 9 civilian PTSD studies showed maintenance of treatment gains
• 1 out of 9 civilian studies showed deterioration of treatment gains
• Combat veteran follow-up studies showed maintained benefits at 9 months
• Studies with incomplete treatment showed:
• Reduced durability of outcomes
• Partial symptom return
• Full protocol completion correlated with sustained improvement

Global Adoption and Usage Statistics

• EMDR practiced in 130+ countries
• Millions of individuals have received EMDR-informed treatment worldwide
• EMDR training and practice spans:
• Public health systems
• Private practice settings
• Military and veteran healthcare systems
• EMDR has been in continuous clinical use since 1987
• EMDR has expanded beyond PTSD into additional clinical domains

Practitioner and Organizational Statistics

• EMDR is recognized as a first-line PTSD treatment by:
• American Psychiatric Association
• World Health Organization
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Department of Defense
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
• EMDR is categorized as a Category A PTSD psychotherapy by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense
• EMDR is endorsed alongside trauma-focused CBT in national treatment guidelines

Session Structure and Duration Statistics

• EMDR sessions range from 50 to 90 minutes
• Typical EMDR treatment courses range from:
• 3 sessions (single-incident trauma)
• 6–12 sessions (complex trauma)
• EMDR treatment frequency is typically:
• Weekly
• Biweekly
• Shorter treatment duration correlated with:
• Single-event trauma
• Fewer comorbid conditions

Adjunct and Combined Treatment Statistics

• EMDR is frequently used:
• As a standalone trauma treatment
• As part of a broader psychotherapeutic plan
• Studies indicate greater benefit when EMDR is:
• Integrated into comprehensive trauma care
• Completed as a full treatment course

Additional Symptom Domains Studied with EMDR

• EMDR research includes symptom reduction in:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic symptoms
• Phobias
• Performance anxiety
• Cravings
• Triggers
• Evidence strength varies by symptom domain
• PTSD remains the most extensively studied indication

Conclusion

Taken as a whole, the body of EMDR Statistics presents a consistent pattern: EMDR is a well-researched, widely implemented, and clinically effective psychotherapy for trauma-related conditions, particularly PTSD. Across multiple populations—including civilians, combat veterans, disaster survivors, and assault victims—studies repeatedly demonstrate meaningful symptom reduction, often within relatively short treatment timeframes.

Long-term follow-up data further indicate that treatment gains are frequently maintained when individuals complete a full course of EMDR, while incomplete treatment is associated with weaker or less durable outcomes. Comparative research shows that EMDR performs at least on par with other gold-standard trauma therapies and exceeds placebo or non-trauma-focused interventions in controlled conditions.

Equally important, EMDR’s recognition by major national and international health organizations underscores its legitimacy within mainstream mental health care. While EMDR is not a universal solution and is not equally effective for every condition or individual, the statistical record supports its role as a first-line, evidence-based option within trauma treatment.

In summary, EMDR Statistics do not point to a fringe or experimental method. They document a mature therapeutic approach with decades of empirical support, global adoption, and measurable clinical impact when applied appropriately and responsibly. 

Sources

[1] World Health Organization (WHO).
Guidelines for the Management of Conditions Specifically Related to Stress.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MSD-MER-17.5

[2] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs / Department of Defense (2023).
VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines for PTSD.
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/cpg_ptsd_management.asp

[3 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (NG116).
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116

[4] American Psychological Association (APA).
Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD.
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline

[5] National Library of Medicine / PubMed.
EMDR Meta-Analyses and Randomized Controlled Trials.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/