Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) on Anxiety Severity Among Physicians and Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units.

Abstract

Background: Physicians and nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) are frequently exposed to emotionally demanding and high-stress situations, placing them at increased risk for anxiety. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has shown promise in reducing anxiety in various high-stress populations; however, its effectiveness among ICU staff remains underexplored.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of EMDR in reducing anxiety severity among ICU physicians and nurses.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted among 60 ICU staff members who were allocated to either an EMDR intervention group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). Anxiety severity was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) at baseline and post-intervention. The EMDR protocol consisted of eight sessions delivered twice weekly. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and ANCOVA controlling for baseline anxiety. Internal consistency of the BAI was assessed using Cronbach's alpha.

Results: All participants completed the study with no dropouts. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The EMDR group showed a significant reduction in anxiety from baseline to post-intervention (p < 0.01), whereas the control group showed no significant change. ANCOVA revealed a significant effect of EMDR on post-intervention anxiety scores (F(1,57) = 4.21, p = 0.045). Cronbach's alpha for the BAI in this sample was 0.89.

Conclusion: EMDR significantly reduced anxiety among ICU physicians and nurses. Given the high emotional burden in critical care settings, EMDR may be a valuable component of mental health support programs for healthcare professionals. Further randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are recommended.