Clinical Assessment of the Flash Version of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Memory Distress: A Double Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

This double-blinded, RCT compares the efficacy of 2 online interventions (Flash Version - EMDR; EMDR alone) designed to reduce memory disturbance.Inclusion Criteria: (1) approved for engagement assessment by the CloudResearch platform; (2) 25-60 years; 3) US-Canada residence; (4) a recalled disturbing memory of an event that has not repeated and was moderately upsetting, or greater when event occurred; (5) memory remains moderately upsetting or greater on recall. The disturbance of upsetting memories at post-intervention, and 1-month follow up will be assessed with self-report outcomes. We will assess 45 / group, adequate for the detection of a medium effect size. linked to an earlier memory (that is equally or more disturbing). Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of: (1) bipolar disorder; (2) borderline personality disorder; (3) obsessive compulsive disorder; (4) schizophrenia; (5) substance abuse/addiction in the past 3 months; (6) any suicidal ideation; (7) suicide attempt in the past 6 months. Interventions: Experimental participants observe video instructions of full FT, while controls receive an online intervention that follows traditional EMDR. Measures: Primary outcome: State Anxiety subscale of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at baseline, post-intervention, and after 1-month follow up; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms (PTSD) measured by PCL-5 (1 month follow up).

Secondary outcomes: the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUDs) assessing change in immediately reported disturbance of recalled memories (baseline and post-intervention); depression measured by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) and Positive-Negative Affect measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS).