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

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.