This study aims at developing an online system for the remote delivery of EMDR therapy in Pakistan. Moreover, this study will compare the efficacy of online EMDR therapy with face-to-face EMDR therapy.
Depressive and Anxiety disorders have higher global prevalence. Moreover, they are leading causes of global burden of mental diseases (i.e., 24th leading cause of global Disability-adjusted Life Years). Such increase in the global prevalence of Depression and Anxiety disorders is due to the complexities of modern life. Nowadays various evidence-based psychotherapies, like e.g., EMDR therapy are available. Therapists have been using face-to-face modes for a long time, but with the expansion of Computer Technologies, online psychotherapies have been developed. The need for online psychotherapies was further increased due to Corona Virus-19 pandemic. Scientists have developed online modes of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy, etc., but there are limited research studies on the online EMDR therapy, especially in the Asian countries. Therefore, questions arises a) Is it possible to treat Anxiety \& Depressive disorders through online EMDR therapy? b) What adaptations would be required to be made in the face-to-face protocols of EMDR therapy? c) Whether the online EMDR therapy will be: i) fit and safe for use; ii) usable; iii) operable \& practicable; and iv) efficient in delivering a timely treatment? The existing online programs of EMDR Therapy, e.g., VirtualEMDR have been built in the western-developed countries, hence may not be accessible to the local patients in Pakistan. Moreover, these programs might not be compatible with the requirements of patients in Pakistan. Keeping in view such facts, this study aims at developing an online system for the remote delivery of EMDR therapy in Pakistan. Moreover, this study will compare the efficacy of online EMDR therapy with face-to-face EMDR therapy. For this purpose, patients will be recruited through a consecutive sampling technique, with a sample size of n=30. Data on symptomology and other technical data will be collected through standard scales. Qualitative data were analyzed by qualitative techniques, while the quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive and multivariate statistics. This study will be unique in its nature since a) an online EMDR therapy will be developed for Pakistani patients, b) this online system will be scientifically validated, c) and its efficacy will be compared with face-to-face EMDR therapy. This study will provide a base for the future researchers to design and implement online psychotherapies in Pakistan. In this way, the mental healthcare system of Pakistan could be ultimately revolutionized through the online treatment facilities.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
Online EMDR Therapy System will be delivered through online computer system that will be specifically designed for delivering EMDR therapy online
The Face to Face Eye Movement Desensitization \& Reprocessing Therapy will be delivered in person inside clinician's room by following standard EMDR therapy protocol
Kushal Khan University
Lakki, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Assessing changes in symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with time (i.e., treatment course)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder by Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-IV. Score of 5.7 or above will indicate that the patient is suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Time frame: A total of 40 patients will be selected. Symptoms will be screened for 06 months in such a way that symptoms will be assessed first during base line (T1), then during mid of treatment (T2), and finally at the end of treatment (T3)
Assessing changes in symptom of Major Depressive Disorder with time (i.e., treatment course)
Major Depressive Disorder by Beck Depression Inventory-II. Score of 30 or above will indicate that the patient is suffering from major depressive disorder
Time frame: A total of 40 patients will be selected. Symptoms will be screened for 06 months in such a way that symptoms will be assessed first during base line (T1), then during mid of treatment (T2), and finally at the end of treatment (T3)
Assessing changes in symptom of Social Anxiety Disorder with time (i.e., treatment course)
Social Anxiety Disorder will be assed by Social Anxiety Scale. Score of 60 or above will indicate that the patient is suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder.
Time frame: A total of 40 patients will be selected. Symptoms will be screened for 06 months in such a way that symptoms will be assessed first during base line (T1), then during mid of treatment (T2), and finally at the end of treatment (T3)
Assessing changes in Panic symptoms with time (i.e., treatment course)
Panic Attacks by Panic Disorder Severity Scale. Score of 20 or above will indicate that the patient is suffering form panic symptoms.
Time frame: A total of 40 patients will be selected. Symptoms will be screened for 06 months in such a way that symptoms will be assessed first during base line (T1), then during mid of treatment (T2), and finally at the end of treatment (T3)
Assessing changes in Somatic symptoms
Somatic Symptoms by the Somatic Symptom Scale-8. Score of 11 or above will indicate that the patient is suffering from somatic symptoms.
Time frame: A total of 40 patients will be selected. Symptoms will be screened for 06 months in such a way that symptoms will be assessed first during base line (T1), then during mid of treatment (T2), and finally at the end of treatment (T3)
Assessing changes in Obsessive symptoms with time (i.e., treatment course)
Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms by Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. Score of 15 or above on each dimension will indicate that the patient is having Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms.
Time frame: A total of 40 patients will be selected. Symptoms will be screened for 06 months in such a way that symptoms will be assessed first during base line (T1), then during mid of treatment (T2), and finally at the end of treatment (T3)
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