RecruitingInterventional

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy for depression

This study is exploring a new way to treat depression called Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Depression is common, and not everyone gets better with standard treatments like medicines or talking therapies. EMDR is often used for trauma, but researchers are now looking at whether it can help with depression by focusing on difficult past memories that might be contributing to it. Participants will either receive up to 18 EMDR sessions or continue with their usual GP care. The study wants to find out if EMDR is effective for depression, how it works, and if people find it acceptable. It also aims to understand how much it would cost the NHS. If you're over 18, have depression, and are willing to explore past stressful experiences, you might be able to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Bristol

Enrolment target

380

Start

11 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2027

Mood [affective] disorders

What is this study about?

Depression is a really common problem in the UK, affecting many people's daily lives and their ability to work. Right now, about half of the people treated with common methods like antidepressants or talking therapies (like CBT) don't get the relief they need. This means we constantly need to look for new and better treatments.

This study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, is investigating a specific therapy called Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is already a recommended treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but researchers believe it might also help with depression, especially by addressing difficult memories from the past. These memories, whether from big traumatic events or challenging life changes like losing a job, can sometimes get 'stuck' and make depression worse. The idea is that EMDR could help people process these memories differently, which might then help to reduce their depression.

The main goal is to see if EMDR, when added to the usual care from your GP, is more helpful for people with depression than just receiving usual GP care alone. The study will also look closely at how EMDR works and why it might help some people more than others. They also want to understand if this therapy would be a practical and affordable option for the NHS to offer more widely in the future.

Key takeaways

This study investigates EMDR therapy for depression, comparing it to usual GP care.
It aims to see if EMDR, which processes past stressful memories, can help reduce depression.
Participants will receive either weekly EMDR sessions or continue with their GP's usual care.
Questionnaires will track progress for about a year, and some may be interviewed.
The study runs from March 2025 to December 2028 and is funded by UK research bodies.
It could offer a new treatment option for the many people affected by depression.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over who are currently experiencing depression. To take part, you shouldn't already be receiving another type of talking therapy for your depression. It's also important that you're open to talking about and working through stressful memories from your past that might be linked to your depression. The study needs people who can fill out questionnaires in English.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain other mental health conditions like PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a severe personality disorder. You also can't have had problems with substance use (including alcohol dependence) in the last year, or be currently receiving specialist mental health care (like from a secondary care team) for your depression. If you're currently in another research study for a mental health treatment, you also won't be able to participate in this one.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you currently feel depressed?
Are you willing to talk about past stressful experiences related to your depression?
Are you not currently having other talking therapy for your depression?
Do you not have certain other specific mental health conditions (like PTSD, bipolar disorder, or severe personality disorder)?
Are you able to complete questionnaires in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. You won't get to choose which group you're in. One group will be offered up to 18 sessions of EMDR therapy with a trained therapist. Each session will last up to 90 minutes and will usually happen once a week. These sessions will take place in person, either at your GP surgery, another NHS building, or a local university site. The other group will continue to receive the usual care from their GP, which might include things like medication reviews or general advice.

No matter which group you're in, all participants will be asked to complete several short questionnaires at 2, 8, 16, and 39 weeks after starting the study. There will also be slightly longer questionnaires to fill out at 26 and 52 weeks. These can be done by video call, phone, post, online, or sometimes in person. Some people might also be asked if they'd like to take part in an interview to share their thoughts on EMDR or their overall experience of the study. The total time you'll be involved in the study, including follow-up, is about a year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers you the chance to help medical research and potentially evaluate a new way to treat depression, which some participants find interesting and rewarding. While the study hopes to help you find better ways to manage your depression, there's no guarantee that participating in either group will cure your depression. Like most talking therapies, EMDR sessions can sometimes bring up difficult or upsetting emotions as you discuss your past experiences. However, the therapists are experienced and will provide support during these times. You'll also be asked about difficult past events in questionnaires, which some people might find challenging. The research team will handle these conversations with care and support. In rare cases, if the team has serious concerns about your safety or the safety of others, they might need to inform your GP, though they would always try to talk with you about this first.

Locations (3)

University of Exeter
Unverified
Exeter NO COUNTRY SPECIFIED, assuming England, England
University College London
Unverified
London NO COUNTRY SPECIFIED, assuming England, England
University of Bristol
Approximate
Bristol, England

Common questions

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It's a type of therapy that helps people process distressing memories by using guided eye movements or other rhythmic stimulation, which can help reduce their emotional impact.

Is EMDR therapy available on the NHS for depression?

EMDR is currently recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for PTSD. This study is testing if it's also effective for depression, which could lead to it being more widely available for depression in the future.

How long will the study last and when will it start?

The study will run from March 2025 to December 2028. If you participate, you'll be involved for about a year, including therapy sessions (if in that group) and follow-up questionnaires.

Who is funding this research?

This important research is being funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research in the UK.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the study?

You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your medical care. Experienced therapists and the research team are also there to support you if you find sessions or questionnaires challenging.

How to find out more

Leonora Cotton

eye-d-take-part@bristol.ac.uk +44 (0)117 45 50797 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.