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Tapping away trauma? brain study hints EMDR technique may calm emotional reactivity

NCT ID NCT07550556

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Rome Foro Italico Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a single 15-minute session of Butterfly Tapping, a self-administered EMDR technique, could change brain activity in 46 young adults with PTSD. Participants either did the tapping or sat still while their brain waves were recorded. The tapping group showed a reduction in a brain signal linked to emotional processing, suggesting the technique might help dampen reactivity to negative images. However, this was a small, early-stage study focused on brain signals, not symptoms, so more research is needed.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Butterfly Tapping (a self-administered alternating bilateral stimulation technique)
What this could lead to
If confirmed, this could point toward a simple, drug-free technique to help people with PTSD manage emotional distress.
What could go wrong
This was a very small, single-session study with only 46 participants. It measured brain signals, not real-world symptoms, so it is far from proving any lasting benefit.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

combat disorder Emotional Regulation post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PTSD - POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Rome Foro Italico

    Rome, RM, 00135, Italy

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