PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress DisorderExperimentalNCT07423832
Psychiatric Nurse-Delivered Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Adults With Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Jordan
A study testing EMDR in people with PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, run by Al-Quds University at 1 site in Jordan.
Trial summary
Here is a plain-language, registry-appropriate Brief Summary you can paste into the form. It is written for patients, families, and healthcare providers: Brief Summary This study examines whether Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can reduce the severity of symptoms in adults experiencing… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- What is being tested?
- EMDR
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 siteJordan
- Study dates
- 15 Mar 2023to 14 Feb 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Probable PTSD or moderate-to-severe post-traumatic stress symptoms based on the screening instrument used in the study
- Exposure to at least one traumatic or highly stressful life event within the previous six months
- No prior receipt of EMDR therapy
- Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and participate in therapy sessions and assessments
Who cannot join
- Acute cognitive or intellectual disability that would interfere with comprehension of study procedures or questionnaires
- Significant visual impairment or visual pathology that would prevent full engagement with the visual components of EMDR therapy
- Inability to communicate effectively by phone for scheduled assessments
- Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Psychiatric Nurse-Delivered Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Adults With Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Jordan: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Here is a plain-language, registry-appropriate Brief Summary you can paste into the form. It is written for patients, families, and healthcare providers:
Brief Summary
Read more
This study examines whether Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can reduce the severity of symptoms in adults experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Jordan. PTSD can develop after exposure to distressing or traumatic life events and may cause symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance, sleep problems, anxiety, and emotional distress.
A total of 70 adult participants with moderate to severe PTSD symptoms were enrolled. Participants were assigned to one of two groups: an EMDR therapy group or a waitlist control group. Individuals in the EMDR group received structured therapy sessions delivered by a trained mental-health professional, while those in the waitlist group did not receive therapy during the study period but were offered treatment after the study ended.
PTSD symptom severity was measured before treatment, immediately after the therapy sessions, and again one month later. The goal of the study was to determine whether EMDR therapy leads to meaningful and lasting reductions in PTSD symptoms compared with no immediate treatment.
The findings of this research are intended to help healthcare providers and policymakers understand the value of EMDR as a non-pharmacological, evidence-based treatment option for individuals experiencing trauma-related distress, and to support improvements in mental-health services and trauma-informed care in Jordan.
Read the detailed description
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental-health condition that may develop after exposure to traumatic or highly distressing events and is associated with significant functional, emotional, and physical consequences. Evidence-based psychological therapies are essential to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life, particularly in settings where access to specialized trauma services may be limited.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a structured, trauma-focused psychotherapeutic approach, in reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms among adults in Jordan. The investigation uses a quasi-experimental design with an intervention group receiving EMDR sessions and a waitlist control group receiving no immediate therapeutic intervention during the study period. Symptom severity is assessed at baseline, immediately after completion of the intervention, and at a one-month follow-up to examine both immediate and short-term outcomes.
EMDR therapy is delivered by a licensed mental-health professional trained in the standardized EMDR protocol. The intervention focuses on processing traumatic memories through guided recall combined with bilateral stimulation techniques (such as eye movements), with the aim of decreasing emotional distress and strengthening adaptive cognitive responses. Participants in the waitlist control group are offered the same therapeutic sessions after completion of outcome assessments to ensure equitable access to care.
The study seeks to generate empirical evidence regarding the clinical utility, feasibility, and short-term sustainability of EMDR therapy in a Middle Eastern context. Findings are intended to inform mental-health practitioners, nursing professionals, and healthcare decision-makers about the potential role of EMDR as a non-pharmacological, trauma-informed treatment option for adults experiencing moderate to severe PTSD symptoms.
- Conditions
- PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Being tested
- EMDR
- Keywords
- PTSD, EMDR, SEVERITY OF SYMPTOMS, JORDAN
- Medical subject headings
- Combat Disorders, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
EMDRBehavioural
Participants received Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a structured trauma-focused psychotherapy delivered individually by a licensed psychiatric mental-health professional trained in the standardized EMDR protocol. Sessions lasted approximately 90 minutes and were conducted three times per week over the intervention period. The protocol followed the established EMDR phases, including history taking, preparation, identification of target memories, bilateral stimulation (e.g., guided eye movements or alternating taps), installation of adaptive cognitions, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Outcomes were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| EMDR Therapy Intervention | Experimental | Participants in this arm received Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy delivered by a licensed psychiatric mental-health professional trained in the standardized EMDR protocol. The intervention consisted of structured individual sessions (approximately 90 minutes each) conducted over several weeks. Sessions followed the established EMDR phases, including history taking, preparation, desensitization with bilateral stimulation, installation of positive cognitions, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up. Receives: Behavioral: EMDR |
| Waitlist Control | No intervention | Participants in this arm did not receive active psychological intervention during the study period and continued with usual care, if any. They completed the same outcome assessments at baseline, immediately after the intervention period for the EMDR group, and at one-month follow-up. After completion of all study assessments, participants in the waitlist control arm were offered the opportunity to receive EMDR therapy. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms
Severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms measured using the Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen (PC-PTSD) questionnaire at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and one-month follow-up (T2).
Measured: Baseline, immediately after intervention, and 1-month follow-up.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Feb 2026
- Study start15 Mar 2023
- Primary completion25 Dec 2023
- Study completion14 Feb 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study used a two-arm parallel assignment design in which eligible participants were allocated to either an EMDR intervention group or a waitlist control group. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up. Participants in the control arm did not receive active treatment during the study period but were offered EMDR therapy after completion of outcome assessments. No crossover between groups occurred during the trial.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Al-Quds University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ashraf Jehad Abuejheisheh, Al-Quds University
- Investigators
- Ayman M. Hamdan-Mansour, Professor, Study director, University of Jordan
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07423832
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- JU-EMDR-PTSD-2023-2348
- Other IDs
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- Acronym
- Experimental
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 3 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be publicly shared due to privacy, confidentiality, and ethical considerations related to the sensitive mental-health information collected. Data may be made available in a de-identified and aggregated form upon reasonable request to the corresponding author and subject to institutional ethics approval and data-use agreements.
Publications
Haddad RH, Abuejheisheh AJ, Abuhashish YH, Hamdan-Mansour AM. Psychiatric nurse-delivered Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for adults with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress symptoms in Jordan: a preliminary randomized controlled trial. BMC Nurs. 2026 Jul 17. doi: 10.1186/s12912-026-05068-y. Online ahead of print.
PubMed 42469765
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Psychiatric Nurse-Delivered Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Adults With Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Jordan: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07423832
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Experimental / JU-EMDR-PTSD-2023-2348
- Conditions
- PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Keywords
- PTSD, EMDR, SEVERITY OF SYMPTOMS, JORDAN
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Al-Quds UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Mar 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 14 Feb 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Here is a plain-language, registry-appropriate Brief Summary you can paste into the form. It is written for patients, families, and healthcare providers:
Brief Summary
This study examines whether Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can reduce the severity of symptoms in adults experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Jordan. PTSD can develop after exposure to distressing or traumatic life events and may cause symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance, sleep problems, anxiety, and emotional distress.
A total of 70 adult participants with moderate to severe PTSD symptoms were enrolled. Participants were assigned to one of two groups: an EMDR therapy group or a waitlist control group. Individuals in the EMDR group received structured therapy sessions delivered by a trained mental-health professional, while those in the waitlist group did not receive therapy during the study period but were offered treatment after the study ended.
PTSD symptom severity was measured before treatment, immediately after the therapy sessions, and again one month later. The goal of the study was to determine whether EMDR therapy leads to meaningful and lasting reductions in PTSD symptoms compared with no immediate treatment.
The findings of this research are intended to help healthcare providers and policymakers understand the value of EMDR as a non-pharmacological, evidence-based treatment option for individuals experiencing trauma-related distress, and to support improvements in mental-health services and trauma-informed care in Jordan.
Detailed description
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental-health condition that may develop after exposure to traumatic or highly distressing events and is associated with significant functional, emotional, and physical consequences. Evidence-based psychological therapies are essential to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life, particularly in settings where access to specialized trauma services may be limited.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a structured, trauma-focused psychotherapeutic approach, in reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms among adults in Jordan. The investigation uses a quasi-experimental design with an intervention group receiving EMDR sessions and a waitlist control group receiving no immediate therapeutic intervention during the study period. Symptom severity is assessed at baseline, immediately after completion of the intervention, and at a one-month follow-up to examine both immediate and short-term outcomes.
EMDR therapy is delivered by a licensed mental-health professional trained in the standardized EMDR protocol. The intervention focuses on processing traumatic memories through guided recall combined with bilateral stimulation techniques (such as eye movements), with the aim of decreasing emotional distress and strengthening adaptive cognitive responses. Participants in the waitlist control group are offered the same therapeutic sessions after completion of outcome assessments to ensure equitable access to care.
The study seeks to generate empirical evidence regarding the clinical utility, feasibility, and short-term sustainability of EMDR therapy in a Middle Eastern context. Findings are intended to inform mental-health practitioners, nursing professionals, and healthcare decision-makers about the potential role of EMDR as a non-pharmacological, trauma-informed treatment option for adults experiencing moderate to severe PTSD symptoms.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study used a two-arm parallel assignment design in which eligible participants were allocated to either an EMDR intervention group or a waitlist control group. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up. Participants in the control arm did not receive active treatment during the study period but were offered EMDR therapy after completion of outcome assessments. No crossover between groups occurred during the trial.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| EMDR Therapy Intervention | Experimental | Behavioral: EMDRParticipants in this arm received Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy delivered by a licensed psychiatric mental-health professional trained in the standardized EMDR protocol. The intervention consisted of structured individual sessions (approximately 90 minutes each) conducted over several weeks. Sessions followed the established EMDR phases, including history taking, preparation, desensitization with bilateral stimulation, installation of positive cognitions, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up. |
| Waitlist Control | No intervention | –Participants in this arm did not receive active psychological intervention during the study period and continued with usual care, if any. They completed the same outcome assessments at baseline, immediately after the intervention period for the EMDR group, and at one-month follow-up. After completion of all study assessments, participants in the waitlist control arm were offered the opportunity to receive EMDR therapy. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Probable PTSD or moderate-to-severe post-traumatic stress symptoms based on the screening instrument used in the study
- Exposure to at least one traumatic or highly stressful life event within the previous six months
- No prior receipt of EMDR therapy
- Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and participate in therapy sessions and assessments
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Acute cognitive or intellectual disability that would interfere with comprehension of study procedures or questionnaires
- Significant visual impairment or visual pathology that would prevent full engagement with the visual components of EMDR therapy
- Inability to communicate effectively by phone for scheduled assessments
- Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| EMDRParticipants received Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a structured trauma-focused psychotherapy delivered individually by a licensed psychiatric mental-health professional trained in the standardized EMDR protocol. Sessions lasted approximately 90 minutes and were conducted three times per week over the intervention period. The protocol followed the established EMDR phases, including history taking, preparation, identification of target memories, bilateral stimulation (e.g., guided eye movements or alternating taps), installation of adaptive cognitions, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Outcomes were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up. | Behavioural | EMDR Therapy Intervention |
Primary outcome
Severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after intervention, and 1-month follow-up.
Severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms measured using the Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen (PC-PTSD) questionnaire at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and one-month follow-up (T2).
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Jun 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42469765Haddad RH, Abuejheisheh AJ, Abuhashish YH, Hamdan-Mansour AM. Psychiatric nurse-delivered Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for adults with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress symptoms in Jordan: a preliminary randomized controlled trial. BMC Nurs. 2026 Jul 17. doi: 10.1186/s12912-026-05068-y. Online ahead of print.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) will not be publicly shared due to privacy, confidentiality, and ethical considerations related to the sensitive mental-health information collected. Data may be made available in a de-identified and aggregated form upon reasonable request to the corresponding author and subject to institutional ethics approval and data-use agreements.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Ayman M. Hamdan-Mansour, Professor study director
University of Jordan
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing EMDR in people with PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, run by Al-Quds University at 1 site in Jordan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Jordan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms (time frame: Baseline, immediately after intervention, and 1-month follow-up.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07423832, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Jun 2026.