RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07146633

Efficacy of an EMDR App for PTSD and SUD

Efficacy and Feasibility of Autonomous Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (A-EMDR) for Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorders

Sponsor

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Enrollment

24 participants

Start Date

Jan 20, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Substance Use Disorders Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Summary

The current proposal is aimed to confirm the efficacy of this novel therapeutic method (autonomous eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; A-EMDR) in a patient group (PTSD and SUD), and to assess the feasibility of the application within this group. While there is no basis to assume lower efficacy of the treatment with this population, confirming that hypothesis is an important and helpful step before a full-performance research study can be initiated. Furthermore, this study proposal will provide additional information regarding the feasibility for this population, which will allow for a more tailored approach in future study.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a smartphone app that uses EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy to help people who have both PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and a substance use disorder. Researchers want to see if the app reduces trauma symptoms and substance use. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 years old or older - You are fluent in English - You have been diagnosed with PTSD (with a screening score above 32 on the PCL-5) - You have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (other than caffeine) in the past year - You agree not to start new treatments (like yoga, mindfulness, or biofeedback) during the study **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a severe or unstable mental illness such as active psychosis or mania - You are currently at risk of suicide Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALA-EMDR

Participants in the treatment group will receive Autonomous Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (A-EMDR) therapy delivered through an app on their device. Participants will be asked to complete 3 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks. During the treatment period, participants will also attend clinical sessions which will focus on factors such as the therapeutic alliance, assessing the participant's current state, reviewing recent alcohol and drug use, reviewing PTSD symptoms, providing a brief counseling intervention, enhancing positive expectancies, inspiring hope, and encouraging adherence to the study protocol.

OTHERTreatment as Usual (TAU)

Participants are advised to continue seeking mental health care as usual and will be added to a waitlist for A-EMDR. They will also attend two clinical sessions. Sessions may last 15 to 60 minutes and will focus on factors such as the therapeutic alliance, assessing the participant's current state, reviewing recent alcohol and drug use, reviewing PTSD symptoms, providing a brief counseling intervention, enhancing positive expectancies, inspiring hope, and encouraging adherence to the study protocol. Participants will continue to receive any usual healthcare services as per local standard of care. TAU and other medical appointments will be checked for attendance throughout the study period.