Actively Recruiting
EMDR Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Cardiac Events
Led by University of Zurich · Updated on 2026-05-07
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Zurich
Lead Sponsor
E
EMDR Europe
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by cardiac events such as heart attacks. This study focuses on cardiac-induced PTSD, which has unique symptoms related to ongoing internal physical threats and is linked to negative health and emotional outcomes. The study aims to test whether EMDR can reduce PTSD symptoms in these patients, as this condition has not yet been addressed in randomized controlled trials. The trial includes two groups: one receiving eight weekly individual EMDR therapy sessions, each lasting one hour and following a specialized protocol adapted for cardiac patients, and a waitlist control group that receives no intervention during the 36-week study period but will be offered EMDR therapy afterward. The therapy is delivered by licensed EMDR therapists and is designed to address body sensations linked to trauma, potentially reducing anxiety and cardiovascular stress. Participants will be screened and assessed through interviews, questionnaires, and biomarker tests related to stress and cardiovascular health. These evaluations occur before treatment, after the 12-week intervention period, and again at a 6-month follow-up to measure lasting effects. The main outcome measured is the level of PTSD symptoms, assessed by clinical interviews, along with secondary outcomes including physiological stress responses and stress hormone levels. The study also monitors medication use, cardiac risk factors, and other health-related data throughout the trial.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
EMDR Treatment in PTSD Following Cardiac Events
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 70 years
- Men or women
- Diagnosis of STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) or non-STEMI (troponin positive) verified by a cardiologist at the time of the cardiac event
- Diagnosis of PTSD caused by the cardiac event
You will not qualify if you...
- Psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I)
- Acute suicidal ideation as assessed by the M.I.N.I
- Use of non-selective beta blockers (e.g., propranolol) during the study period
- Ongoing psychological or psychiatric treatment outside of this trial during the study period
- Vision problems such as strabismus that prevent adequate eye movements
- Insufficient knowledge of the German language
- Expected inability or unwillingness to follow the study protocol
- Regular use of benzodiazepines
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Screening conducted by phone and/or e-mail
Duration - Up to 1 week
Participants attend two baseline appointments to confirm PTSD diagnosis, collect cardiovascular biomarkers, stress hormone samples, and complete questionnaires.
2 visits (in-person) within 7 days
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants in the intervention group receive eight individual EMDR therapy sessions, each lasting 1 hour, over 8 weeks. The waitlist control group does not receive intervention during this period.
8 weekly sessions (in-person) for intervention group; no visits for waitlist control during this period
Duration - At week 12
Participants undergo assessments to measure PTSD symptoms, psychophysiological reactivity, and biomarker levels after completing the treatment period.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 months after treatment
Participants complete follow-up assessments to evaluate long-term effects of treatment on PTSD symptoms and physiological measures.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Hospital Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Christoph Mueller-Pfeiffer, PD Dr. med.
M
Mary Princip, PD Dr. phil.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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