Combining EMDR with another treatment: A proof-of-concept trial combining EMDR for trauma and CBT-T for ED

Method: 

The reviews synthesised 1) trauma-ED secondary research, 2) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), 3) intervention research, and 4) lived experience (LE) research. The trial will combine two treatments into an integrated treatment protocol delivered by a single clinician in the community via Telehealth in the same episode of care. 

Results: 

The scoping review of reviews (n=199) found that individuals experiencing trauma-ED demonstrated greater emotional, behavioural, and cognitive dysregulation and experienced more complex illness and treatment course. The systematic review of primary research (n=112) identified no trauma-ED clinical practice guidance; whilst trauma CPGs did not mention EDs, ED CPGs suggested trauma-informed care. Intervention research demonstrated the efficacy of hospital-based trauma-ED treatment; such evidence in the community was lacking. LE voices highlighted the clinical need for trauma-ED treatment. The trial will examine whether combining EMDR for trauma with CBT-T for ED will reduce both trauma and ED symptomatology. 

Conclusions: 

Integrated trauma-ED evidence-base is limited to higher levels of ED care. Research in the community is urgently needed. Expert consensus and lived experience may need to be considered until trauma-ED treatment evidenced-base and clinical practice guidelines become available.