The studies were mostly done with PTSD problems so far but there are some studies being done for other problems. As far as the current litterature goes, I'd say that most of the studies come to the conclusion that in 80 to 100% of the cases, there is a significant improvement and most of the time, EMDR is more effective than any other therapy in treating PTSD.
The supposed mecanism of EMDR is that it helps the person resolve the emotional problem that makes it impossible for him to incorporate the traumatic experience as part of his experience, as if the trauma was "stuck" in and felt like it was always in the present. So it's a short-term solution that has impacts on the long term. In fact, most of the time, there is improvement after the treatment but when they test the person 6 months, a year later, they noticed that there was MORE improvement without having to work with a therapist.
Every long term reaction can vary from person to person though, but in general, the results are just incredible for such a short-term approach. It's a new approach though, more research is needed so that it becomes widely accepted but it already is accepted as the best treatment for PTSD.
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