Comparison of False Memory among Patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) based on the Received Psychological Treatment

Background & Aims: False memory is more prevalent among PTSD patients. This memory can be affected by group and intensifies the symptoms of the disorder. Psychological Debriefing (PD) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are widely used for the treatment of PTSD patients. The efficacy of these treatments is controversial. Method: A total of 219 PTSD patients were randomly selected and divided into three groups based on the received treatment type (EMDR, PD, control group). All groups were evaluated and compared by using Rodiger & McDremott False Memory Scale. Results: The EMDR group in comparison to the PD and control groups and the control group in comparison to the PD group showed lower rates of false memory (P<0.01). η square showed that 21 percent of the variance of false memory could be explained by the type of received treatment. Conclusion: Considering lower level of false memory in EMDR group compared with other groups and the negative effects of false memory in identification of PTSD, EMDR is better than PD in the treatment of PTSD patients.