Research on EFT for Depression

Abstract 

Objectives: Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of depression. Depression may negatively affect the quality of life of women. Emotional freedom techniques (EFT) is an evidence-based therapy combining cognitive and exposure components with acupressure. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EFT on depression in postmenopausal women.

Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial in which 88 women with mild to moderate depression recruited from a menopausal clinic in Ahvaz, Iran, and randomly assigned into two groups of EFT (n=44) and control for sham therapy (n=44). Women in the EFT group received two sessions of training and asked to continue EFT for eight weeks, one time per day. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI2) was completed by women before and after the intervention. The control group received training on sham acupressure points similar to the intervention group. Data were collected using a demographic and BDI2. The independent t-test, chi-square, and ANCOVA were used to analyze data.

Results: The mean depression score in the intervention group reduced from 20.93 ± 4.6 to 10.96 ± 4.38 in comparison to the control group that reduced from 19.18 ± 2.79 to 17.01 ± 6.05 after intervention (p=0.001). After the eight-week intervention, the frequency of moderate depression decreased from 56.8 to 9.35% in the intervention and from 50 to 29.5% in the control group. In total, 63.4 and 34.15% in the intervention and control groups were free of depression respectively after the intervention (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The results of this study showed that using EFT for eight weeks could significantly reduce the mean score of depression in postmenopausal women. Using this method in public health centers for postmenopausal women is recommended.

Citation (APA style): Mehdipour, A., Abedi, P., Ansari, S., & Dastoorpoor, M. (2021). The effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) on depression of postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, May 19 (online ahead of print). doi:10.1515/jcim-2020-0245

Direct Link: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jcim-2020-0245/html

Abstract

WHO places Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), or depression, as the fourth leading cause of mental disability world-wide. According to a survey done by WHO in February 2017, found 7.5% of Indians suffer from major or minor mental disorders requiring expert intervention. National Mental Health Survey of India in 2015-2016 reports that one in 20 Indians suffer from Depression especially women in the age-group of 40-49 years suffers more. Earlier research indicated that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) represents a superior approach in treating mild to severe depression symptoms. Whereas Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) has received increased attention. The present study is in line with a study conducted in Australia in 2016 by Hannah Chatwin et al. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of CBT and EFT in the treatment of anxiety and depression in Indian adults. Random subjects (n = 10) were selected from Ahmedabad (a metro city) in India who were screened positive for anxiety disorder and depression using Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS21) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI2). These subjects were randomly assigned to an 8 week CBT or EFT treatment program with 1 session per week. All participants were screened after 3 sessions, 5 sessions, 8 sessions and after 1 month of follow up using DASS21 and BDI2. Findings of the study depict that both intervention approaches produce significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms. The EFT treatment produced marked improvement in depression after 3 sessions. After 8 weeks of intervention, the CBT group reported significant improvement in depression while EFT intervention therapy showed significant results after 1 month of follow up. Examination of individual cases showed clinically significant improvement in anxiety and depression across both interventions. The results are consistent with the previous studies by Hannah Chatwin et al. (2016). Present findings suggest that EFT is of paramount importance as pivotal tool in managing anxiety and depression in Indian population.

Citation (APA Style): Jasubhai, S., & Mukundan, C. R. (2018). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotional Freedom Techniques in reducing anxiety and depression in Indian adults. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 20(2), 403-410. DOI: 10.4172/1522-4821.1000403

Direct Link: https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-and-emotional-freedom-technique-in-reducing-anxiety-and-depression-in-indian-adults-1522-4821-1000403-102268.html

Abstract

Background: Among a group of therapies collectively known as Energy Psychology (EP), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is the most widely practiced. Clinical EFT is an evidence- based practice combining elements of cognitive and exposure therapies with the manual stimulation of acupuncture points (acupoints). Lacking is a recent quantitative meta-analysis that enhances understanding of the variability and clinical significance of depression reduction outcomes after Clinical EFT treatment.

Methods: All studies (2005—2015) evaluating EFT for sufferers of depression were identified by electronic search; these included both outcome studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our focus was depressive symptoms as measured by a variety of psychometric questionnaires and scales. We used meta-analysis to calculate effect sizes at three time points including posttest, follow-ups less than 90 days, and follow-ups greater than 90 days.

Results: Twenty studies qualified for inclusion, 12 RCTs and 8 outcome studies. The number of participants treated with EFT included N = 461 in outcome studies and N = 398 in RCTs. Clinical EFT showed a large effect size in the treatment of depression in RCTs. At posttest Cohen’s d for RCTs was 1.85 and for outcome studies was 0.70. Effect sizes for follow-ups less than 90 days was 1.21, and for >= 90 days was 1.11. EFT was more efficacious than DB (Diaphragmatic Breathing) and SI (Supportive Interview) in posttest measurements (p = 0.06 vs DB; p < 0.001 vs SI), and SHE (Sleep Hygiene Education) at follow-up (p = 0.036). No significant treatment effect difference between EFT and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was found. EFT was superior to TAU (treatment as usual), and efficacious in treatment time frames ranging from one to 10 sessions. The mean of symptom reductions across all studies was -41%.

Conclusion: The results show that Clinical EFT is highly effective in reducing depressive symptoms in a variety of populations and settings. EFT was equal or superior to TAU and other active treatment controls. The posttest effect size for EFT (d =1.31) was larger than that measured in meta-analyses of antidepressant drug trials and psychotherapy studies. EFT produced large treatment effects whether delivered in group or individual format, and participants maintained their gains over time. This meta-analysis extends the existing literature through facilitation of a better understanding of the variability and clinical significance of depression improvement subsequent to EFT treatment.

Citation (APA Style): Nelms, J. & Castel, D. (2016). A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized trials of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for the treatment of depression. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 13(6), 416-426. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2016.08.001

Direct link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830716301069?via%3Dihub

Abstract

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) has been the subject of much research over the past decade, with many studies of conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression showing significant treatment effects. In addition to elements drawn from established cognitive and exposure therapies, EFT uses the manual stimulation of acupuncture points (acupressure) through fingertip tapping. This study investigated the utility of EFT to address professional burnout in a population of school teachers. Participants were K—12 full time, public school teachers. They were assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which has three scales: Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment. EFT was compared to a control condition that used sham tapping on a location on the forearm that does not include any acupuncture points. To reduce the possibility of cross-contamination between the two conditions, the study did not randomize participants within a single population. Instead, to minimize contact between experimental and control participants, the two samples were drawn from different school districts with similar demographic profiles in the same county. One hundred teachers were randomly selected from each district, of which 126 completed all assessments. Data analysis revealed that on all three indicators of burnout measured, EFT was significantly superior to the sham tapping control (p > .05). The results are consistent with earlier dismantling studies and indicate that acupoint tapping is an active ingredient in the therapeutic results obtained from EFT and not a placebo. EFT is inexpensive, easy to administer, and could be added to teacher mentor and retention programs to improve resiliency. A positive impact on teachers whose level of burnout is either negatively affecting the educational environment or has caused them to consider leaving the profession will help nurture and retain valuable assets for student learning.

Citation (APA Style): Reynolds, A. E. (2015). Is acupoint stimulation an active ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)? A controlled trial of teacher burnout. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 7(1), 14-21. doi:10.9769/EPJ.2015.07.01.AR

Direct link: https://energypsychologyjournal.org/is-acupoint-stimulation-an-active-ingredient-in-eft-a-controlled-trial-of-teacher-burnout/

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to treat Major Depressive Disorder in an adult population by way of a therapeutic group setting. Adults were assigned to EFT group treatment for a period of eight weeks. Diagnostic assessment was completed immediately pre and post treatment using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. In addition to this, self-report assessments measuring symptomatic evidence of depression were completed by the participants before the treatment, after the treatment and at three month follow-up. Comparisons with a community group were made at pre and post intervention and three month follow-up. The results indicated a change in diagnosis in each of the participants, with data indicating an overall improvement for the treatment group for depressive symptoms. Study implications and limitations are discussed.

Citation (APA Style): Stapleton, P., Devine, S., Chatwin, H., Porter, B., & Sheldon, T. (2014). A feasibility study: Emotional freedom techniques for depression in Australian adults. Current Research in Psychology, 5(1), 19-33.

Direct Link: https://thescipub.com/abstract/10.3844/crpsp.2014.19.33

Abstract

Objectives: A service evaluation was carried out to establish the feasibility and effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in the NHS.

Setting: A dedicated EFT service, within the NHS in the district of Sandwell, West Midlands. Referrals were accepted for any emotional condition (including physical pain), provided that clients were over 18 and not “vulnerable adults”. Ethical approval was secured.

Method: Over a 13 month period, clients accessing the EFT service for a range of emotional conditions were invited to participate. Those who gave consent were included in the service evaluation. At the start and end of their treatment, clients were asked to complete the CORE10 (main outcome variable), WEMWBS, Rosenberg Self Esteem and HADS measurement scales. Clients completing their therapy were invited for a 3-month follow-up.

Results: Thirty-nine clients gave consent, and 31 completed therapy. A total of 77% werefemale, and 80% were White British. The mean age was 45 years (range 18-76),and mean number of sessions attended was 5 (median 4; range 2-17). The main presenting conditions were anxiety, depression and anger and clients revealed up to 4 additional issues. CORE10, Rosenberg Self-Esteem, HADS Anxiety and HADS Depression scores showed both statistically and clinically significant improvements, with statistically significant improvement for WEMWBS (all p<0.01). Mean CORE10 scores improved from 20.16 (moderate severe) at start to 8.71 (normal) at end (SD difference=6.81, p<0.001). Improvements were seen in all but one client.

Conclusion: Despite the limited sample size and other limitations, significant improvements were shown. The results support the potential of EFT as a cost-effective treatment to reduce the burden of a range of physical and psychological disorders. Further larger studies are called for, with protocols to minimize drop-outs.

Citation (APA Style): Stewart, A., Boath, E., Carryer, A., Walton, I., & Hill, L. (2013). Can Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) be effective in the treatment of emotional conditions? Results of a service evaluation in Sandwell. Journal of Psychological Therapies in Primary Care, 2, 71-84.

Direct link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382014001073?via%3Dihub

Abstract

Ninety-six overweight or obese adults were randomly allocated to a four-week EFT treatment or waitlist condition. Waitlist participants crossed over to the EFT group upon completion of wait period. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities and psychological symptoms were assessed at pre-, post- and 12-month follow-up for combined EFT groups. Significant improvements in weight, body mass index, food cravings, subjective power of food, craving restraint and psychological coping for EFT participants from pre- to 12-months (p<0.05) were reported. The current paper isolates the depression symptom levels of participants, as well as levels of eight other psychological conditions. Significant decreases from pre- to post-treatment were found for Depression, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Obsessive-Compulsivity, Paranoid Ideation, and Somatisation (p<0.05). Significant decreases from pre- to 12-months follow-up were found for Depression, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Psychoticism, and Hostility. The results point to the role depression and other mental health conditions may play in the successful maintenance of weight loss.

Citation (APA Style): Stapleton, P., Church, D., Sheldon, T., Porter, B., & Carlopio, C. (2013). Depression symptoms improve after successful weight loss with Emotional Freedom Techniques: A randomized controlled trial. ISRN Psychiatry, 2013, 1-7. doi:10.1155/2013/573532.

Direct Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2013/573532

Abstract

Two hundred thirty-eight first-year college students were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Thirty students meeting the BDI criteria for moderate to severe depression were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group. The treatment group received four 90-minute group sessions of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), a novel treatment that combines exposure, cognitive reprocessing, and somatic stimulation. The control group received no treatment. Posttests were conducted 3 weeks later on those that completed all requirements (N = 18). The EFT group (n = 9) had significantly more depression at baseline than the control group (n = 9) (EFT BDI Mean = 23.44, SD = 2.1 vs. control BDI Mean = 20.33, SD = 2.1). After controlling for baseline BDI score, the EFT group had significantly less depression than the control group at posttest, with a mean score in the “non-depressed” range (p = .001; EFT BDI Mean = 6.08, SE = 1.8 vs. control BDI Mean = 18.04, SE = 1.8). Cohen’s d was 2.28, indicating a very strong effect size. These results are consistent with those noted in other studies of EFT that included an assessment for depression, and indicate the clinical usefulness of EFT as a brief, cost-effective, and efficacious treatment.

Citation (APA Style): Church, D., De Asis, M., & Brooks, A. J. (2012). Brief group intervention using EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) for depression in college students: A randomized controlled trial. Depression Research and Treatment, 2012, 1-7. doi:10.1155/2012/257172.

Direct link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2012/257172

Abstract

A study by J. E. Rowe (2005) examined the effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. The sample (N = 102) consisted of participants at a weekend workshop taught by the originator of EFT. Rowe found significant improvements in psychological symptoms from pre- to post-workshop assessments, with significant participant gains maintained on follow-up.

The current study examined whether the improvements were attributable to the founder of EFT alone or whether similar effects are noted when EFT is delivered by others. This study examined samples of participants at 4 different conferences, in which EFT was taught by others (N = 102).

In all 4 conferences, there were significant improvements in the severity and breadth of symptoms pre- and post-workshop (p < .001), and following 3 of the 4 conferences there were significant long-term gains (p < .001).

The results indicate that EFT may be effective at reducing psychological symptoms when delivered by individuals other than the method’s founder and that EFT may reliably improve long-term mental health when delivered in brief group treatments.

Citation (APA Style): Palmer-Hoffman, J., & Brooks, A. J. (2011). Psychological symptom change after group application of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 2(1), 57-72. doi:10.9769.EPJ.2011.3.1.JPH

Direct link: https://energypsychologyjournal.org/julie-palmer-hoffman-audrey-j-brooks/

Abstract

Protocols to treat veterans with brief courses of therapy are required, in light of the large numbers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with depression, anxiety, PTSD and other psychological problems. This observational study examined the effects of six sessions of EFT on seven veterans, using a within-subjects, time-series, repeated measures design. Participants were assessed using a well-validated instrument, the SA-45, which has general scales measuring the depth and severity of psychological symptoms. It also contains subscales for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, phobic anxiety, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoia, psychosis, and somatization. Participants were assessed before and after treatment, and again after 90 days. Interventions were done by two different practitioners using a standardized form of EFT to address traumatic combat memories. Symptom severity decreased significantly by 40% (p<.001), anxiety decreased 46% (p<.001), depression 49% (p<.001), and PTSD 50% (p<.016). These gains were maintained at the 90-day follow-up.

Citation (APA Style): Church, D., Geronilla, L., & Dinter, I. (2009). Psychological symptom change in veterans after six sessions of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): An observational study. International Journal of Healing and Caring, 9(1).

Direct link: https://eft-academic-articles.s3.amazonaws.com/marshall.pdf

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine if self-administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) leads to reduced pain perception, increased acceptance, coping ability and health-related quality of life in individuals with fibromyalgia. 86 women, diagnosed with fibromyalgia and on sick leave for at least 3 months, were randomly assigned to a treatment group or a waiting list group. An eight-week EFT treatment program was administered via the Internet.

Upon completion of the program, statistically significant improvements were observed in the intervention group (n=26) in comparison with the waiting list group (n=36) for variables such as pain, anxiety, depression, vitality, social function, mental health, performance problems involving work or other activities due to physical as well as emotional reasons, and stress symptoms. Pain catastrophizing measures, such as rumination, magnification and helplessness, were significantly reduced, and the activity level was significantly increased. The number needed to treat (NNT) regarding recovering from anxiety was 3. NNT for depression was 4.

Self-administered EFT seems to be a good complement to other treatments and rehabilitation programs. The sample size was small and the dropout rate was high. Therefore the surprisingly good results have to be interpreted with caution. However, it would be of interest to further study this simple and easily accessible self-administered treatment method, which can even be taught over the Internet.

Citation (APA Style): Brattberg, G. (2008). Self-administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) in individuals with fibromyalgia: A randomized trial. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 7(4), 30-35.

Direct link: https://varkstaden.se/pdf_filer/EFT_article.pdf

Abstract

Previous research (Salas, 2000; Wells, et al., 2003), theoretical writings (Arenson, 2001, Callahan, 1985, Durlacher, 1994, Flint, 1999, Gallo, 2002, Hover-Kramer, 2002, Lake & Wells, 2003, Lambrou & Pratt, 2000, and Rowe, 2003), and many case reports have suggested that energy psychology is an effective psychotherapy treatment that improves psychological functioning. The purpose of the present study was to measure any changes in psychological functioning that might result from participation in an experiential Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) workshop and to examine the long-term effects. Using a time-series, within-subjects repeated measures design, 102 participants were tested with a short-form of the SCL-90-R (SA-45) 1 month before, at the beginning of the workshop, at the end of the workshop, 1 month after the workshop, and 6 months after the workshop. There was a statistically significant decrease (p < .0005) in all measures of psychological distress as measured by the SA-45 from pre-workshop to post-workshop which held up at the 6 month follow-up.

Citation (APA Style): Rowe, J. (2005). The effects of EFT on long-term psychological symptoms. Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 2(3), 104-110.

Direct link: https://www.lifescriptcounseling.com/research/eft_groupoutcomes1.pdf

Abstract

Background: Since the turn of the century, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) has come into widespread use in medical and psychological treatment settings. It is also used as self-help by tens of millions of people each year. Clinical EFT, the manualized form of the method, has been validated as an “evidence-based” practice using criteria published by the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Its three essential ingredients are exposure, cognitive framing, and acupressure.

Objectives: In 2013 we published a paper defining Clinical EFT and reviewing published research. It has been viewed or downloaded over 36,000 times, indicating widespread interest in this treatment modality. Here we update our findings based on subsequently published literature and propose directions for future research.

Method: We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. Retrieval of 4,167 results resulted in the identification of 56 RCTs (n = 2,013), 41 of which were published subsequent to our earlier review, as well as eight meta-analyses.

Results: RCTs have found EFT treatment to be effective for (a) psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); (b) physiological issues such as pain, insomnia, and autoimmune conditions; (c) professional and sports performance; and (d) biological markers of stress. Meta-analyses evaluating the effect of EFT treatment have found it to be “moderate” to “large.” Successful independent replication studies have been carried out for anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, sports performance, and cortisol levels. We outline the next steps in EFT research. These include determining its impact on cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment; analysis of the large-scale datasets made possible by mobile apps; and delivery through channels such as virtual practitioner sessions, artificial intelligence agents, online courses, apps, virtual reality platforms, and standardized group therapy.

Conclusions: Subsequent research has confirmed the conclusions of earlier studies. These find Clinical EFT to be efficacious for a range of psychological and physiological conditions. Comparatively few treatment sessions are required, treatment is effective whether delivered in person or virtually, and symptom improvements persist over time. Treatment is associated with measurable biological effects in the dimensions of gene expression, brain synchrony, hormonal synthesis, and a wide range of biomarkers. Clinical EFT is a stable and mature method with an extensive evidence base. Its use in primary care settings as a safe, rapid, reliable, and effective treatment for both psychological and medical diagnoses continues to grow.

Citation (APA Style): Church, D., Stapleton, P. B., Vasudevan, A., & O'Keefe, T. (2022). Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 951451. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451

Direct link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451/full

Abstract

Objective: Bioassays are used to investigate the effect of mechanisms of action, such as human intention and mood, on living organisms. This study examined the effect of depression using a seed bioassay as an objective biomarker.

Design: Sixty Clemson spineless okra seeds were randomly assigned to three equal groups. Group one provided an untreated control. Group two was attached to a clipboard held for 15 minutes by a 42-year-old female patient with major depressive disorder while completing the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Group three was held while the BDI was readministered following a 2-hour treatment session using an evidence-based modality, Emotional Freedom Techniques (Clinical EFT). BDI scores improved, going from a pre value of 20 (the clinical cutoff for “moderate” depression) to 3 (“minimal” depression). The three groups of seeds (n = 20 each) were germinated blind. The number of seeds to germinate and produce visible root hairs was assessed by an independent observer at 12-hour intervals across 72 hours.

Results: In the control group, 18 seeds germinated, and of those, four developed visible root hairs. In the pretreatment group, 15 germinated and four evidenced hairs. In the posttreatment group, all but one germinated and 14 developed hairs. Seed germination was greatest in the seeds exposed to the client following EFT treatment and a significant pre/post difference was observed (p = .042). Root hair growth in the posttreatment group was significantly higher than the control (p < .000) and pretreatment group (p < .000).

Conclusion: Seed viability appears sensitive to human mood. Consistent with the published literature, the results suggested that human emotions affect seeds through proximity. Possible mechanisms of action to explain the observed effects may include electromagnetic field fluctuations associated with mood and conventionally measured with fMRI. The findings support the use of simple seed bioassays as objective biomarkers to examine the treatment effects of healing therapies.

Citation (APA Style): Church, D. (2023). Measuring the effect of clinical emotional freedom techniques (EFT) treatment for depression using a seed bioassay: A randomized controlled trial. Psychology, 14(11), 1687–1697. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2023.1411098

Direct link: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=129160&

Abstract

Citation (APA Style): Church, D., & House, D. (2018). Borrowing benefits: Group treatment with clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques is associated with simultaneous reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 23, 215658721875651. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587218756510

Direct link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156587218756510