Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy could support people recovering from post-traumatic stress, according to new research led by University Hospital Southampton. Each year in the UK, around 200,000 people survive an intensive care stay, with one in four experiencing significant PTSD symptoms which can persist for years if untreated. Dr Andrew Bates, chief investigator of the EMERALD study and a research fellow at University Hospital Southampton, said: "Many people survive critical illness but continue to live with the psychological impact of what they experienced in intensive care. The EMERALD study, delivered through the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in Southampton, evaluated EMDR therapy at three NHS hospitals. READ MORE: Southampton to share in £156m boost for new mental health emergency departmentDr Andrew Bates (Image: University Hospital Southampton)After receiving EMDR therapy privately, she said: "It made a huge difference.