Effectiveness Of Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Research Articles

Duration of effect in treatment of methotrexate intolerance in juvenile idiopathic arthritis using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be improved by Bi-lateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile (BLAST) wristbands

BackgroundMethotrexate (MTX) intolerance in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) frequently leads to discontinuation due to anticipatory and associative gastrointestinal symptoms. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has successfully been used in MTX intolerance, with lasting effects but frequently diminishing efficacy over time. BLAST (bi-lateral alternating stimulation tactile) wristbands utilize a similar process to EMDR. The aim of this study was to determine if utilization of BLAST wristbands could improve and prolong the effect of EMDR on patients with MTX intolerance.MethodsConsecutive patients admitted to the German Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology with JIA and signs of MTX intolerance from October 2016 until March 2024 were included in this study. Treatment was performed using an adapted 8 phase EMDR protocol implementing BAST wristbands. Initial patients were treated with EMDR, subsequent patients additionally with BLAST wristbands. Health-related quality of live was determined using the PedsQL. Measurements of MISS (Methotrexate Intolerance Severity Score) and PedsQL were taken at 4 time points: directly before and after (MISS only) treatment, as well as 4 and 12 months after treatment. Changes in MISS and PedsQL were compared using descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA.Results87 patients with MTX intolerance were included, 53 in group 1 without BLAST wristbands and 34 in group 2 which were concurrently treated with BLAST wristbands. All patients reported marked improvement of MTX intolerance symptoms (mean MISS score group 1: 15.0 ± 5.5 before treatment, 1.3 ± 1.5 after treatment, group 2: 16.8 ± 5.6 and 2.5 ± 2.5, respectively). After 4 and 12 months, MISS in group 1 was 8.1 ± 7.1 and 8.7 ± 8.4, and in group 2: 7.1 ± 6.3 and 6.5 ± 5.7. A repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference between the MISS results over time (F(3,114) = 64.6, p < 0.001), and also demonstrated a significant difference of the PedsQL results between the two groups over time (F(2,64) = 8.9, p < 0.001).ConclusionTreatment with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) could present an effective treatment of MTX intolerance, and using BLAST wristbands, further potential improvement is possible.

EMDR therapy and treatment of child victims of violence in peace and war

The paper deals with the analysis of experiences in the application of EMDR therapy in working with children who were victims of trauma and violence in war and peace. The effectiveness of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) lies in the effect of bilateral stimulation on brain neurophysiological mechanisms of traumatized children. EMDR treatments, as well as CBT therapy, have shown success in working with children with PTSD based on several criteria. However, analyzes show that positive effects are achieved with the application of EMDR in a shorter time, and the results are more permanent and stable. Based on the results published in numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses, in 2013 the WHO (World Health Organization) recommended EMDR therapy for the treatment of PTSD in children, adolescents and adults. Exposure to war stress in all wars, in all areas, leaves severe consequences, especially for children. The increase in traumatic events in recent years creates a great need for preventive action and the application of EMDR to eliminate the consequences of children's exposure to trauma in war and peacetime conditions. The national EMDR associations of Russia and Serbia (https://www.emdrse-europe.org/) are increasingly focusing their activities on working with children who are victims of violence in war and peace. The mentioned advantages and facts were one of the reasons for the organized inclusion of EMDR therapy in work with trauma victims of mass murders that happened in May 2023 in Serbia. The treatment is very responsible and complex, but it shows significant effects. The evaluation is ongoing and will provide valuable experience in this area.

The Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Treatment for Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained attention for its potential effectiveness in treating depression beyond its initial use for PTSD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of EMDR in treating depression and to identify the variables influencing its effectiveness. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, covering studies up to January 2023. A total of 521 studies were screened, and 25 studies with 1042 participants (522 EMDR, 520 control) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The inclusion criteria involved randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EMDR to control conditions such as usual care or waitlist groups, with outcomes focused on changes in depression symptoms. Results: The results show that EMDR had a significant effect on reducing depression symptoms (Hedges' g = 0.75), with moderate heterogeneity being observed. The meta-regression indicated that the severity of depression was a significant predictor of EMDR's effectiveness, with greater effects in severe cases. Additionally, the systematic review analyzed and evaluated various theoretical models and related studies that explain how EMDR works for the treatment of depression, reporting on neurobiological models proposed in previous research. Conclusions: This study confirms that EMDR is effective in treating depression, particularly in severe cases, and highlights its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention. However, this study highlights the need for more standardized research and long-term evaluations to assess EMDR's lasting impact. Integrating EMDR into multimodal treatment plans and primary care, especially for treatment-resistant depression, could significantly improve patient outcomes.

An EMDR-based intervention for the ‘Golfers’ Yips’: A case series

Abstract: Introduction: The yips in golfers is a task-specific movement disorder. Anxiety might play a role in its emergence and persistence. The objective was to report on the effect of an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) based intervention on the yips by reducing anxiety. Methods: We present a case-series with seven golfers with observed right-handed yips. The participants were treated with EMDR in one or two sessions and were followed for one year. A bespoke Yips Rating Scale (YRS) was determined and golfing skills were assessed at baseline and after one year. Results: All participants completed treatment without complications. Follow-up data from six golfers after the intervention showed a positive effect of the EMDR based intervention on their yips symptoms. YRS scores improved after the intervention in 6 golfers (p=0.04) and golfers’ performance appeared to improve by an average of 20%. Conclusion: Anxiety might play a crucial role in the emergence and cultivation of the yips in golfers. The reduction of accompanying and anticipatory anxiety by means of EMDR in golfers seems safe and could be beneficial in diminishing the yips. Larger and better studies are needed to further evaluate the effect of EMDR in the golfer’s yips and other sport-related task-specific movement disorders.

Visual EMDR stimulation mitigates acute varied stress effects on morphology of hippocampal neurons in male Wistar rats.

Stress is a pervasive health concern known to induce physiological changes, particularly impacting the vulnerable hippocampus and the morphological integrity of its main residing cells, the hippocampal neurons. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), initially developed to alleviate emotional distress, has emerged as a potential therapeutic/preventive intervention for other stress-related disorders. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Acute Variable Stress (AVS) on hippocampal neurons and the potential protective effects of EMDR. Rats were exposed to diverse stressors for 7 days, followed by dendritic morphology assessment of hippocampal neurons using Golgi-Cox staining. AVS resulted in significant dendritic atrophy, evidenced by reduced dendritic branches and length. In contrast, rats receiving EMDR treatment alongside stress exposure exhibited preserved dendritic morphology comparable to controls, suggesting EMDR's protective role against stressinduced dendritic remodeling. These findings highlight the potential of EMDR as a neuroprotective intervention in mitigating stress-related hippocampal alterations.

Revisiting Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Discussion of the American Psychological Association's 2017 Recommendations.

This literature review evaluates the efficacy and clinical applications of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The review highlights the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms and explores variations in treatment protocols, populations studied, and outcome measures. We conducted systematic searches of multiple databases, supplemented with manual searches and reference list exploration. The inclusion criteria focused on English-language studies published between January 2000 and June 2023, with a specific emphasis on adult psychiatric patients with PTSD receiving EMDR treatment. The review utilized Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for narrative literature reviews. Out of 867 identified studies, 16 met the eligibility criteria. Most studies found that EMDR was superior in relieving PTSD when compared to controls. Eleven of the 16 selected studies demonstrated improvement in PTSD symptoms. An additional three studies noted an improvement in PTSD symptoms when compared to their waitlist control counterparts. One study found EMDR superior in combating depressive symptoms when compared to rapid eye movement desensitization. EMDR therapy is an appropriate treatment for PTSD. Although some studies compared to waitlist controls, and others have a small number of participants, the data supports the use of EMDR for PTSD. Future studies are needed to continue to better understand the mechanism and application in different populations.

The Potential for Computerized Eye Tracking Technology to Improve Bilateral Stimulation Methodology and Assessment

Bilateral stimulation is also called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is a psychotherapeutic technique for treating PTSD and other mental health issues. Trauma affects brain activity, and EMDR may help rewire that activity through use of bilateral stimulation (BLS) during memory processing. BLS typically involves eye movements; tracking a stimulus back and forth. However, the effectiveness of EMDR is debated due to limited research on its neurological mechanisms and methodological inconsistencies in the literature. Inconsistencies include lack of concrete methodology and inconclusive meta-analyses. The traditional EMDR eight-phase protocol involves history, assessment, desensitization, and more. A major appeal of EMDR for clients includes the low requirement for verbalizing traumatic memories in session, but effectiveness assessment relies on self-report. Eye tracking technology could address the standardization issues with EMDR while also enhancing protocols and research. Standardized EMDR, online or in-person, could improve outcomes and expand its applications.

Towards international collaboration of clinical research networks for EMDR: the EMDR Pain Network Germany.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment, primarily established for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While it is increasingly being applied to chronic pain, its efficacy in this area is not yet supported by the same level of evidence as that which exists for PTSD. Studies in this area often show heterogeneous results with small case numbers, and the potential side effects of EMDR in the treatment of chronic pain are not well understood. Systematic documentation of treatment effects, potential predictors of treatment response and non-response, and side effects is crucial for progress in this field. The primary aim is to establish a research framework to systematically investigate the delivery of EMDR therapies by outpatient clinicians in the field of pain. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of treatment outcomes, side effects and determinants of treatment effectiveness, whether positive response or non-response. This framework will oversee the documentation and evaluation of EMDR interventions delivered in outpatient settings using an Embedded Continuous Cumulative Evaluation Design (ECCED). It will focus on detailed characterisation of positive and negative therapeutic effects. It will also identify and analyse prognostic factors that influence individual variability in response to treatment. Treatment materials, standardised assessments and an intervision platform for regular exchange will be provided. The establishment of the EMDR Pain Network Germany and an interdisciplinary scientific-clinical platform is essential to promote clinical exchange and understanding of the effects of EMDR in pain therapy. This platform offers standardised treatment protocols, an online data collection system with anonymised data, comprehensive baseline assessments and an intervision platform for regular exchange. The knowledge gained is intended to personalise future therapies and serve as a basis for large randomised clinical trials.

The Effectiveness of Online EMDR 2.0 Group Protocol on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Individuals Who Have Experienced a Traffic Accident: A Preliminary Study

Introduction:As an innovative procedure, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 2.0, which is based on standard EMDR, draws attention with its promising results. The adaptation of EMDR 2.0 to groups will be a significant contribution to the psychology literature. Considering the effectiveness of EMDR 2.0 on individual applications, this is a preliminary study that aims to explore the role of EMDR 2.0 on groups by developing the EMDR 2.0 group protocol (EMDR 2.0 GP).Methods:In this pilot study, EMDR 2.0 GP is applied to a group of seven participants who had been exposed to a traffic incident. The role of EMDR 2.0 GP (three sessions; 3.5 hours in total) on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, anxiety, and stress was measured. The Impact of Event Scale—Revised and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were used to assess these symptoms at pretreatment, one-week posttreatment, and one-month posttreatment.Results:The participants (mean age = 47.14 ± 9.65) with a traffic accident experience (mean of the time elapsed = 88.57 ± 38.24 months) received EMDR 2.0 GP. Results showed that the EMDR 2.0 group had significantly lower depression (χ² [2,n= 7] = 9.364,p= .009, Kendall’sW= .668) and stress (χ² [2,n= 7] = 8.667,p= .013, Kendall’sW= .619) on the subscales of DASS-21 and lower intrusions (χ² [2,n= 7] = 6.333,p= .042, Kendall’sW= .452), avoidance (χ² [2,n= 7] = 7.280,p= .026, Kendall’sW= .520), and hyperarousal (χ² [2,n= 7]) = 10.800,p= .005, Kendall’sW= .771) at posttreatment.Conclusion:The pilot study of EMDR 2.0 GP indicated that this newly developed protocol that was first applied to the group may be effective in reducing depression, stress, and PTSD symptoms among a nonclinical sample. This pilot study supports future randomized controlled EMDR GP applications.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy in Adolescents With Panic Disorder: A Twelve-Week Follow-Up Study.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in adolescents with panic disorder (PD). This follow-up study consists of 30 adolescents with PD without agoraphobia, aged 14-17 (15.53 ± .97). They were evaluated with Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Present, also the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered at baseline, at the end of the 4th and 12th weeks of treatment. EMDR therapy which is an eight-phase treatment approach composed of standardized protocols and procedures was applied for 12weeks, one session per week. The baseline mean of the total PAS score decreased from 40.06 to 13.13 at fourth week and 1.2 at the end of 12th week of treatment. In addition, BAI score decreased significantly from 33.67 to 13.83 at 4weeks and 5.31 at the end of 12th week of treatment. Overall, our results underscore the effectiveness of EMDR in adolescents with PD. Moreover, the current study suggests that EMDR may represent an effective intervention technique for PD in adolescents to protect against relapses and to overcome a fear of future attacks.

Efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors: a randomized single-case experimental design

ABSTRACT Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the greatest problems with which cancer survivors have to deal. High levels of FCR are characterized by intrusive thoughts about cancer-related events and re-experiencing these events, avoidance of reminders of cancer, and hypervigilance, similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy focuses on these images and memories. It is effective in reducing PTSD and may be effective in reducing high levels of FCR. Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of EMDR for severe FCR in breast and colorectal cancer survivors. Method: A multiple-baseline single-case experimental design (n = 8) was used. Daily repeated measurements for FCR were taken during the baseline phase and treatment phase, post-treatment, and at the 3 month follow-up. Participants answered the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS) and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, Dutch version (FCRI-NL) five times, i.e. at the start and at the end of each phase (baseline, treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up). The study was prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NL8223). Results: Visual analysis and effect size calculation by Tau-U were executed for the daily questionnaire on FCR. The weighted average Tau-U score was .63 (p < .01) for baseline versus post-treatment, indicating large change, and .53 (p < .01) between baseline and follow-up, indicating moderate change. The scores on the CWS and FCRI-NL-SF decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up. Conclusion: The results seem promising for EMDR therapy as a potentially effective treatment for FCR. Further research is recommended.

EFFECT OF EMDR THERAPY ON POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS SYMPTOMS, SYMPTOM SEVERITY AND ANXIETY LEVEL IN PSYCHOTIC PATIENTS WITH AT LEAST ONE TRAUMATIC EVENTS

IntroductionEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful psychotherapy approach developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 when she realized that rhythmic eye movements reduce disturbing thoughts. The effectiveness of the therapy has been proven by many studies after its discovery. EMDR, which was initially used only in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, has become a treatment option used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders of more than 2 million people today. EMDR, which is used today, contains elements from many therapy schools andconsists of a phased protocol (Shapiro, 2018). Increasing evidence acknowledging the relationship between trauma and psychosis indicates that EMDR can be a vital addition to the treatment of psychosis (Sin &amp; Spain, 2017; Valiente-Gomez et al., 2017). However, the effect of EMDR on psychosis has not yet been sufficiently clarified. There is alsoIt has not yet been clarified whether the curative effect on the psychotic symptoms or on the anxiety symptoms.For this reason, in our study, the effect of EMDR on these symptoms will be investigated by comparing the case and control groups.ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the effect of EMDR therapy on post-traumatic stress symptoms, schizophrenia symptom severity and anxiety level in psychotic patients with at least one traumatic event.MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled, prospective follow-up study aiming to evaluate the effect of EMDR therapy on post-traumatic stress symptoms, schizophrenia symptom severity and anxiety level in psychotic patients with at least one traumatic event.Written informed consent to participate in the intervention study will be requested from all patients who meet the inclusion criteria. Consent participants receive pre-treatment (T0) measurements. After T0, participants will be randomized to EMDR or waiting list Participants will be randomly assigned to 26 people in each group. These groups will be made by the independent randomization bureau of the Parnassia Institute of Psychiatry using the scientific randomization program on the Internet (www.randomizer.org).ResultsThe effects of EMDR therapy on posttraumatic stress symptoms, schizophrenia symptom severity and anxiety level in psychotic patients were obtained from pretest and posttest measurements.ConclusionsMore studies are needed on the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Testing an attachment- and trauma-informed intervention approach for parents and young children after interparental violence: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInterparental violence has persistent adverse effects on victimized parents and children. Young children, including infants and toddlers, are at particular risk to develop long-lasting negative outcomes, and yet specific evidence on effective intervention approaches for this vulnerable group is still lacking. This study will test the effectiveness of an attachment- and trauma-informed intervention approach in a sample of parent-child dyads who have experienced severe interparental violence. We test the individual and combined effects of two interventions: (1) “Nederlandse Interventie Kortdurend op Atypisch oudergedrag” (NIKA; Dutch, short-term intervention focused on atypical parenting behavior) aimed at improving the attachment relationship and (2) eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy aimed at reducing parental post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.MethodsThis study uses a multicenter randomized controlled design across multiple domestic violence shelters in the Netherlands. We aim to recruit 150 parent-child dyads with children aged between 0.5 and 6 years old. The study design consists of two phases. During the first phase for testing the effect of NIKA only, eligible dyads are randomly allocated to either NIKA or a waitlist usual care group. A pre-test is conducted prior to the treatment period and a post-test takes place directly afterwards (6 weeks after the pre-test). Phase 2 follows directly for testing the effects of EMDR and the combination of NIKA and EMDR. Parents who report clinical PTSD symptoms are randomly allocated to either EMDR therapy or a waitlist usual care group. Parents who do not report clinical PTSD symptoms only receive care as usual. Six weeks later, a post-test of phase 2 is conducted for all participating dyads. Primary study outcomes are disrupted parenting behavior, sensitive parenting behavior, and parental PTSD symptoms. Secondary study outcomes include PTSD symptoms and behavioral and emotional problems of the child.DiscussionThis study will inform and enhance the clinical field by providing new insights regarding effective treatment combinations for traumatized parents and their young children after interparental violence.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register (NTR) NL9179. Registered 7 January 2021

Investigating the impact of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing birth trauma symptoms

Background: Childbirth-related traumatic experiences are an overlooked area of psychological suffering, often leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and difficulties in bonding between mother and baby. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as a brief psychological intervention in reducing Birth Trauma symptoms.&#x0D; Methodology: Using a prospective experimental longitudinal design, 12 women residing in Singapore with Birth Trauma symptoms received three 90-minute eye-movement and desensitization (EMDR) sessions over two weeks on average. Participants were assessed through two trauma self-report questionnaires and underwent a brief Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) assessment.&#x0D; Results: Post-treatment assessment showed significant differences in mean trauma scores with a 76% reduction on the Modified Perinatal PTSD Questionnaire (z = -3.061, p = .002) and 70% reduction on the Impact of Event Scale Revised (z = -3.061, p = 0.002). Skin conductance response changes from baseline to stressor reduced by 4% but were not statistically significant (z = -.863, p = 0.39).&#x0D; Conclusion: Brief EMDR has shown promise as an effective treatment for Birth Trauma. Larger controlled randomized studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of EMDR when compared to a placebo control group.

“When I am breathless now, I don’t have the fear that’s linked to it”: a case series on the potential of EMDR to break the dyspnea-anxiety cycle in COPD

BackgroundExpectations can enhance the intensity and the neural processing of breathlessness. Previous breathlessness episodes may influence the perception of subsequent episodes because of psycho-traumatic consequences. In post-traumatic stress disorder, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is the therapy of choice.Aims and objectivesWe explored the hypothesis that EMDR in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and previous severe breathlessness episodes, improves breathlessness mastery by decreasing the anxiety component.MethodsAs we found no literature on previous research on this subject, we undertook a qualitative case series on four patients with COPD GOLD 4/D and refractory breathlessness who wished to undergo EMDR for psychotraumatic breathlessness episodes. Amongst others, we used the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) before and after EMDR, and semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews.ResultsAll patients had between three and five EMDR sessions. On CRQ, subset mastery, three patients had a large improvement and one patient a moderate improvement. On subset emotional functioning, three patients showed a large improvement and one showed no change. All patients made a distinction between ‘regular’ breathlessness and breathlessness intertwined with anxiety. They all stated that the anxiety component of their breathlessness diminished or disappeared. All four would recommend EMDR for other COPD patients.ConclusionThere is ground for a randomized controlled clinical trial to test the effects of EMDR on breathlessness mastery in a subset of COPD patients with previous severe breathlessness episodes and high levels of anxiety.

Post-traumatic stress disorder among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: Effectiveness of an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing intervention protocol.

AimThe Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents one of the most catastrophic events of recent times. Due to the hospitals’ emergency situation, the population of healthcare workers was the most affected. Healthcare workers who were exposed to COVID-19 patients are most likely to develop psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study aimed at investigating PTSD in a sample of Italian healthcare workers during this outbreak and to evaluate the effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy with this population.MethodsA total of 744 healthcare workers were included. 587 healthcare workers were treated with EMDR, while the other 157 were not treated. Participants were asked to provide sociodemographic information; the post-traumatic symptomatology was evaluated through Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and to investigate the level of intensity of emotional activation was used The Emotion Thermometer (THERMO) at two time points (pre-post treatment).ResultsThe results obtained between EMDR treatment and non-EMDR treatment were evaluated on only 2 hospitals. Treatment group n = 68 vs. waitlist non-treatment group n = 157. All scores pre- and post-EMDR decreased significantly (p < 0.001) showing an evident effect of EMDR. The differences between pre- and post-treatment of the IES-R scores of subjects in which EMDR was performed as compared to the scores pre- and post-12 weeks of waiting list subjects in which it was not performed were significantly different (p < 0.001).LimitationThe emergency situation did not provide an opportunity to explore further aspects that would have been important for research. One limitation is the use and analysis of only two standardized tests. In addition, other psychopathologies were not investigated as outcome measures. A limitation is the comparison of subjects treated online and de visu. Although the protocol used was the same, the mode of intervention may have influenced the results. In addition, the effectiveness of EMDR treatment was only evaluated at two time points (pre-post) with no possibility of follow-up and the lack of a control group.Discussion/conclusionThe findings of the present study suggest that healthcare workers were at high risk of developing PTSD when confronted with COVID-19 outbreak and suggest the importance of psychological support during this humanitarian emergency.

Psychological treatment of traumatic memories in COVID-19 survivors.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected a significant number of individuals worldwide, is generating serious mental health issues. Recovered COVID-19 patients have experienced traumatic events related to their symptoms, isolation, possible hospitalization, bereavement, fear of infecting loved ones and the physical consequences of COVID-19. One effective psychological treatment for these patients is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The aim of this paper is to describe the therapeutic intervention and effects of EMDR in a pool of COVID-19 survivors referred to an integrated psychological/psychiatric outpatient service. Twelve patients, comprising of nine males and three females, underwent EMDR psychotherapy from October 2020 to February 2022. Each patient received 8-16 weekly treatment sessions. The standard EMDR protocol of eight stages was administered to enable desensitization and reprocessing of four main targets: first positive swab, hospitalization, isolation and fear for relatives' health. Efficacy of EMDR was demonstrated by the significant improvement at clinical scale for subjective distress caused by traumatic events. For the therapists, carrying out these treatments was an intense and challenging experience. In fact, the perceived distance between therapist and patient was less defined than in other hospital settings because the pandemic affects everyone equally. However, with the widespread availability of vaccines and although the pandemic is still ongoing with the emergence of new variants, a window of improvement in the mental health landscape is starting to open up.

Early Successful Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for Verbal Memory Impairment in an Adjustment Disorder: A Case Report in a Newly-Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis Patient

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system affecting the central nervous system. Several phenotypes are possible, and cases usually present with a relapsing-remitting (RR) course with disease onset at a young age. MS diagnosis can represent a traumatic event for the patient, possibly evolving into adjustment disorder (AD). AD is defined by the presence of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to identifiable stress occurring within the prior three months and similarly to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly affect quality of life. Usually, neuropsychological disorders are not associated with AD. Several treatments are available for AD, and among them, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most effective in relieving depression and anxiety. However, little is known about AD and PTSD in the MS population and no data are available on the effectiveness of EMDR for cognitive impairment associated with AD. We describe a 25-year-old patient with RR MS developing an AD with a verbal memory deficit after being diagnosed. Both the psychological and cognitive deficits were diagnosed using an extensive neuropsychological battery. Considering the high impact of the verbal memory deficit, on the patient’s quality of life, an EMDR intervention was planned. After a six-month EMDR intervention performed by two trained neuropsychologists, the patient was retested. There was an improvement in verbal memory tests and depression anxiety scales and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. It is recognized that emotional changes and psychiatric disorders, frequently affect MS patients at diagnosis. It is imperative to recognize this and promptly set a neuropsychological treatment. Moreover, we suggest checking cognition along with depression and anxiety. Finally, to our knowledge, this is the first report of AD with an isolated neuropsychological deficit (verbal memory) developed after the MS diagnosis and treated beneficially with e EMDR. More studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of EMDR in treating cognitive impairment associated with AD in MS patients.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and mediative behavioral therapy for the treatment of suffocation related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A case report.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an established treatment for post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Some patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience PTSD following choking or suffocation in the course of progressive loss of the ability to breathe. Although a loss of breathing functions in ALS is relatively common, there are currently no studies available on treatment for the fear of choking following advanced ALS. In this case study, we describe the positive effects of EMDR, an evidence-based form of trauma therapy, in a 48-year-old female, suffering from advanced ALS. As the consequence of ALS, she was not able to speak or breath independently, but could communicate through a speech-generating device. She experienced panic attacks, flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety after her tracheostomy jammed, and she almost suffocated. Mediative treatment was started by instructing the care staff to respond neutrally with step-by-step instructions following tracheostomy jam, resulting in significantly less panic attacks and flashbacks. EMDR was initiated two weeks later, and resulted in full remittance of the trauma symptomatology. The present case study suggests that symptoms of PTSD, namely the strong fear of suffocation, can be successfully treated by means of mediative behavioral therapy combined with EMDR.

Trauma-focused treatments for refugee children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of KIDNET versus EMDR therapy versus a waitlist control group (KIEM)

BackgroundPrevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees is reportedly higher in comparison to the general population. Refugee children specifically are often coping with trauma and loss and are at risk for mental health difficulties. With staggering numbers of people seeking refuge around the world and 50% being 18 years or younger, research examining the effects of trauma-focused therapies for refugee children with PTSD is highly needed. Both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and the child version of Narrative Exposure Therapy (KIDNET) have been used for refugees, although these treatment methods have not been systematically compared. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effectiveness of EMDR and KIDNET, compared to a waitlist control group and with each other, offered to refugee children.MethodsA randomized controlled three-arm trial has been designed. The primary outcome is PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children DSM5 (CAPS-CA-5) at baseline (T1), 1 month post-treatment, or after 8 weeks of waiting (T2) and 3 months follow-up (T3). Additionally, instruments to assess posttraumatic stress symptoms, behavioral and emotional problems, and quality of life perception in children aged 8–18 are conducted at T1, T2, and T3.DiscussionThis is the first RCT that examines the effectiveness of EMDR and KIDNET in refugee children aged 8–18 years specifically, compared to a waitlist control group intended to reduce PTSD diagnosis and severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms and comorbid complaints in a growing and challenging population.Trial registrationDutch Trial Register NL40769. Retrospectively registered on June 16, 2021.