Francine Shapiro Library - EMDR Bibliography Links
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1. Whisman, M., Bruzzesi, D., Ogren, D., Korn, D., Moore, P., Murphy, J., Hoffman, S., & Rouanzoin, C. (2001, June). "Once upon a trauma in Austin". Skit presented at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Austin, Texas.
Language: English
Format: Other
Abstract:
Cerebella, a gifted facilitators, is teaching a level I training in Austin when fire alarms in the hotel lobby suddenly create fear and panic in our heroine.
Unable to overcome her trauma on her own, she seeks the help of a renknown EMDR therapist, Dr. Bilatera, a senior associate in the Clinical and Research Mental Health Institute of Dewey, Treat Em and Howe.
Narrator - Marcia Whisman,
Amy Glia - Donna Bruzzesi,
Hipo Campia - David Ogren,
Video Cortexa - Debbie Korn,
Anterior Cingulata - Peggy Moore,
Broca Aria - Jerry Murphy,
Prefrona Lobia - Sue Hoffman,
Dr. Bilatera - Curt Rouanzoin, and
Imprimatur - His excellency, the most cerebral Mens Sana
Keywords: Skit
Accuracy Verified: Yes
2. Amano, T., Selyama, A., & Toichi M. (2012, June). The activity of the brain cortex measured by NIRS during EMDR session of phantom limb pain [La actividad del cortex cerebral medida por espectroscopía casi infrarroja (NIRS) durante una sesión de EMDR en Dolor de Miembro Fantasma]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
We are reporting the case of
a
female
patient
with
severe
chronic
pain,
which
was
successfully
treated
applying
a
phantom
limb
pain
(PLP)
protocol
of
the
Eye
Movement
Desensitization
and
Reprocessing
(EMDR).
The
patient
is
a
seventy-‐
year-‐old
female,
who
suffered
from
paralysis
in
the
left
lower
limb
due
to
an
accident
during
an
orthopedic
operation
for
herniated
disc.
After
the
operation,
she
began
to
experience
sharp
pain
in
the
paralyzed
limb,
and
neither
nerve
blocks
nor
trials
of
medicine
were
effective
for
this
pain.
It
continued
for
8
years
until
a
PLP
protocol
was
applied.
During
the
sessions
of
the
protocol,
her
sharp
pain
gradually
diminished
and
virtually
disappeared
at
the
end
of
the
EMDR
sessions.
A
follow-‐up
interview,
held
three
years
after
the
sessions,
confirmed
no
recurrence.
The
study
was
designed
to
examine
the
changes
of
frontal
and
temporal
cortices
in
the
blood
flow
in
brain
by
NIRS
during
sessions
of
EMDR.
During
the
recall
of
her
trauma-‐related
events,
her
heart
rate
and
the
blood
flow
increased
in
the
area
of
the
right
superior
temporal
sulcus.
Eye
movement
with
the
recall
of
traumatic
events
leads
to
a
generalized
decrease
in
brain
blood
flow.
The
results
suggest
that
a
PLP
protocol
may
be
an
effective
option
for
the
treatment
of
chronic
pain.
It
is
probably
because
the
technique,
which
is
effective
for
post-‐traumatic
stress
disorder,
can
potentially
dissolve
traumatic
pain
memory.
The
findings
on
blood
flow
seem
to
suggest
that
EMDR
is
effective
in
treating
PTSD
by
normalizing
excessive
cerebral
activation,
particularly
in
the
right
hemisphere,
which
is
related
to
the
memory
of
trauma.
Presentamos
el
caso
de
una
mujer
con
dolor
crónico
severo
tratado
con
éxito
mediante
un
protocolo
de
desensibilización
y
reprocesamiento
con
movimientos
oculares
(EMDR)
para
dolor
de
miembro
fantasma
(DMF).
Se
trata
de
una
mujer
de
setenta
y
dos
años
de
edad
que
sufría
una
parálisis
en
la
extremidad
inferior
izquierda
debido
a
un
accidente
durante
una
intervención
quirúrgica
ortopédica
por
una
hernia
discal.
Tras
la
operación,
empezó
a
experimentar
un
dolor
agudo
en
el
miembro
paralizado;
ni
los
bloqueos
nerviosos
regionales
ni
las
pruebas
con
fármacos
fueron
eficaces
para
tratar
su
dolor.
Así
siguió
durante
8
años
hasta
la
aplicación
de
un
protocolo
para
el
tratamiento
del
DMF.
Durante
las
sesiones
en
las
que
se
seguía
el
protocolo,
el
dolor
agudo
que
sufría
disminuía
progresivamente
y
desaparición
por
completo
al
finalizar
las
sesiones
de
EMDR.
Durante
una
entrevista
de
seguimiento
a
los
tres
años
se
confirmó
la
ausencia
de
una
recurrencia
del
dolor.
Se
diseñó
el
estudio
para
examinar
los
cambios
del
flujo
sanguíneo
cerebral
en
las
cortezas
frontal
y
temporal
mediante
NIRS
en
las
sesiones
de
EMDR.
Durante
el
recuerdo
de
los
eventos
relacionados
con
el
trauma,
se
aumentó
la
frecuencia
cardiaca
y
el
flujo
sanguíneo
en
el
área
del
sulco
temporal
superior
derecho.
Los
movimientos
oculares
que
se
producen
con
el
recuerdo
de
los
eventos
traumáticos
conlleva
una
disminución
generalizada
del
flujo
sanguíneo
al
cerebro.
Los
resultados
sugieren
que
un
protocolo
específico
para
DMF
puede
representar
una
alternativa
efectiva
para
el
tratamiento
del
dolor
crónico.
Probablemente
se
debe
a
que
esta
técnica
que
es
efectiva
en
el
trastorno
por
estrés
post-‐traumático,
tiene
el
potencial
de
disolver
el
recuerdo
del
dolor
traumático.
Los
hallazgos
sobre
el
flujo
sanguíneo
parecen
sugerir
que
EMDR
es
efectivo
en
el
tratamiento
del
TEPT
al
normalizar
la
activación
cerebral
excesiva,
sobre
todo
en
el
hemisferio
derecho,
que
guarda
relación
con
el
recuerdo
del
trauma.
Keywords: Brain Cortex NIRS Phantom Limb Pain
Accuracy Verified: Yes
3. O’Malley, A. (2012, October). BART: A new protocol to enhance EMDR therapy. Presentation at the at the 4th Autumn EMDR Workshop Conference, Sheffield, UK .
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Bilateral Affective Reprocessing of thoughts or BART is a dynamic new model of trauma therapy designed to complement traditional EMDR therapy. Often with early touchstone memories the client has no verbal recall. It is impossible to access negative cognitions. In BART gut feelings are activated and connected to feelings and sensations elsewhere in the body. Ultimately heartfelt sensations link to the cerebral hemispheres and eventually the prefrontal cortex. Examples will illustrate combining BART psychotherapy combined with traditional EMDR.
Keywords: BART Bilateral Affective Reprocessing of Thoughts
Accuracy Verified: Yes
4. Keller, B., Stevens, L. C., Boyce, K., Lui, C., & Murray, J. (2011). Bilateral eye movements and EEG coherence during positive memories: Implications for PTSD and EMDR. Presentation at the American Psychological Association Conference, Washington, DC.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of bilateral eye movements in the processing of long-term emotional memories, especially as it pertains to the treatment method for PTSD known as EMDR. EMDR utilizes methods similar to cognitive therapy and exposure but also employs saccadic eye movements to facilitate the treatment. The saccadic eye movements are theorized by Shapiro and others to decrease emotional valence and vividness of episodic memories allowing for easier reprocessing. There remains some disagreement as to the actual role and importance of the saccadic eye movements as well as to the neurological effects of EMDR.
This study used EEG power-spectral analysis and measures of interhemispheric coherence on 30 individuals who underwent one of three conditions while recalling positive episodic memories. The 3 conditions were (1) a solid black dot with no eye movement (control), (2) a low frequency color changing dot with no eye movement, and (3) a bilateral eye movement condition simulating EMDR. After a 5’ eyes-open baseline, participants experienced one of the three conditions while recalling a positive memory for five 1’ episodes. After each episode, each participant had 19-channel EEGs recorded while they stared ahead eyes opened. EEG data were noise artifacted, power spectral analyzed, and statistically analyzed for interhemispheric coherence differences between conditions for clusters of frontal pole (Fp), frontal (F), central (C), parietal (P), and occipital (O) electrodes.
ANCOVA analysis of post-treatment coherence values, with baseline values as the covariate, across conditions showed significantly increased Low Beta (12-20Hz) activity in the Frontal region of the brain during the saccadic eye movements condition compared to the low frequency dot condition (p=.012). Also found were significantly increased Low Theta (4-6Hz) coherence values in the Parietal region of the brain in the low frequency dot condition compared to both the eye fixation (p=.017) and saccadic eye movement (p=.022) conditions. Self reports of memory clarity and vividness indicated significantly increased measures across all conditions. LORETA cortical localization analyses revealed Low Beta (12-20Hz) activation during the saccadic eye movements condition occurring primarily in Brodmanns Area 11 (BA11) and Brodmann Area 25 (BA25) and Low Theta (4-6Hz) activation during the low frequency dot condition focused in BA35 and BA36. LORETA neuroimages are presented.
Cortical localizations of increased Low Beta interhemispheric coherence in BA11 (VentroMedial Frontal Cortex) and BA25 (Subgenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex) following bilateral eye movements during the recall of positive memories suggest a synchronization of information processing activities in parts of the frontal cortex involved in planning, reasoning, and decision making (11) and in verbal episodic memory retrieval (25). These functions are consistent with the assigned tasks of review of positive episodic memories in this study. Coincident with this pattern of cortical activation was an obtained increase in memory clarity and vividness during episodic memory retrieval. It is possible that the obtained effects on beta activity were an artifact of eye movements; however, the lack of significantly increased signal coherence at the Fp region and the removal of eye movement artifacts prior to data analysis reduce this possibility. These results provide support for an Interhemispheric Coherence Model as an explanation for the positive effects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing of retrieved memories. Additionally, these outcomes suggest that it is the saccadic eye movements, not a repetition of a rhythmic stimulus, that elicits the changes in interhemispheric coherence, and possibly in emotional valence and vividness, highlighting the importance of saccadic eye movements in EMDR.
Keywords: Bilateral Stimulation EEG Coherence Eye Movements: Positive Memories Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: No
5. Korman, S. (2007, June). Body-based interventions for self-reguation and resourcing in the treatment of complex trauma. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Paris, France.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
In the clinical treatment of complex trauma, it is important to evaluate a patient’s readiness for trauma processing. This includes recognizing a clinical presentation of complex trauma and an understanding of it etiology. Additionally, it is imperative to understand the effects of trauma on the body system. Pre-mature trauma processing can serve to symptomatically worsen a pervasive pattern of systemic dysregulation. Prior to successful trauma processing, a patient must be able to maintain dual attention, regulate their affect, and tolerate the experience of affective state change. Body-based resourcing and regulatory skills can be utilized by the clinician to increase a patient’s ability to tolerate and more fully integrate pre-frontal lobe cognitive activity with the emotional and sensory experiences resultant of trauma. Strategies from many modalities, such as Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Practices and EMDR Resourcing can be taught to and practiced by the client in preparation for successful regulated integration of traumatic memory.
Keywords: Complex PSTD Creativity Mind/Body Resourcing Self Regulation
Accuracy Verified: Yes
6. Pagani, M., Salmaso, D., Looi, J., & Hogberg, G. (2008, June). Brain functional and volumetric analyses post traumatic stress disorder treated by EMDR. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Neuro-imaging investigations in PTSD have reported findings for either functional or structural modifications.
Only two studies have investigated the changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) following EMDR therapy and one
single-patient study recently reported EMDR-related structural changes. The aim of this study was to analyse the
structural and functional changes occurring in brain regions implicated in the patho-physiology of PTSD along
with the impact on CBF and volumetric data after EMDR treatment. Thirty six train drivers having being exposed
to traumatic experiences at work were assigned to different two groups: symptomatic (S, n=17) or nonsymptomatic
(NS, n=19), according to PTSD diagnosis. SPECT, following administration of an individualised
35
trauma script, and MRI were performed and EMDR therapy was administered to S. According to EMDR outcome S
were further subdivided in responders (R, n=11) and non-responders (NS, n=5). One patient was not treated. CBF
and volumetric analyses were performed on temporal lobes, hippocampi and nuclei caudati. ANOVA showed a
significantly higher CBF distribution in the left temporal lobe of S as compared to NS and the right nc.caudatus
was significantly larger in S. The R group had larger hippocampi and nc.caudati as compared to NR and the size of
hippocampi correctly identified 81% of R and NR. The increased left temporal lobe CBF distribution among
symptomatic PTSD subjects may reflect the affective significance of higher effort in emotional episodic memory
stimulation among symptomatic individuals. Hippocampi volume as measured before EMDR was shown to
predict with high accuracy the therapy outcome.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PSTD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
7. Oh, D., & Choi, J. (2004). Changes in the regional cerebral perfusion after EMDR: A SPECT study of two cases. Journal of the Korean Society of Biological Psychiatry, 11(2), 173-180.
Language: Korean
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Over the last decade, EMDR(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has emerged as a promising new treatment for trauma and other anxiety-based disorders. However, neurobiological mechanism of EMDR has not been well understood. Authors report SPECT findings of two patients of PTSD before and after EMDR.Brain 99mTc-ECD-SPECT was performed before and after EMDR treatment. To evaluate the significance of changes in the regional cerebral perfusion, t-test was conducted on the resulting images using SPM99 . In addition, clinical scales(CAPS, CGI, STAI) were employed to asses the changes in the clinical symptoms of the patients. After EMDR treatment, each showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms. The cerebral perfusion increased in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and decreased in the temporal association cortex. The differences in the cerebral perfusion between patients after treatment and normal controls decreased. These changes appeared mainly in the limbic area the and the prefrontal cortex.These results suggest that EMDR may show the therapeutic effect through 1) improvement in the emotional control by increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, 2) inhibited hyperstimuli on amygdala by deactivation of the association cortex, 3) inhibition on past trauma related memory, and 4) keeping the functional balance between the limbic area and the prefrontal cortex. This case report needs further replication from studies with larger sample. [Author Abstract]
Keywords: Brain Imagining Adults Females Koreans Motor Vehicle Accidents Neurophysiology Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Psychiatric Inpatients PTSD: Rape SPECT Survivors Treatment Effectiveness
Accuracy Verified: Yes
8. Oh, D. H., & Choi, J. (2007). Changes in the regional cerebral perfusion after eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: A SPECT study of two cases. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 1(1), 24-30. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.1.1.24.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has emerged as a promising new treatment for trauma and other anxiety-based disorders. However, the neurobiological mechanism of EMDR has not been well understood. This study reports changes in the resting regional cerebral blood flow after successful EMDR treatment in 2 patients with PTSD. Brain 99mTc-ECD-SPECT (Technetium 99m-ethyl cysteinate dimmer-single photon emission computerized tomography) was performed before and after EMDR, and, in addition, a pre- and posttreatment comparison was made with 10 non-PTSD participants as a control group. After EMDR, cerebral perfusion increased in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and decreased in the temporal association cortex. The differences between participants and normal controls also decreased. Changes appeared mainly in the limbic area and the prefrontal cortex. These results are in line with current understanding of neurobiology of PTSD. EMDR treatment appears to reverse the functional imbalance between the limbic area and the prefrontal cortex. [Author Abstract]
Keywords: Adults Brain Imaging Females Koreans Motor Traffic Accidents Neuroimaging Neurophysiology Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Psychiatric Inpatients PTSD Rape RCBF Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography Survivors Treatment Effectiveness
Accuracy Verified: Yes
9. Oh, D. H., & Choi, J. (2004, October). Changes in the regional cerebral perfusion assessed with 99mTc-ECD-SPECT after eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment. Poster spresented at the annual meeting Korean Neuropsychiatric Association, Seoul, Korea.
Language: Korean
Format: Conference
Keywords: Poster Regional Cerebral Perfusion SPECT
Accuracy Verified: Yes
10. Williams, K. (2006, August). A comparative experimental treatment outcome study: Female survivors of sexual assault suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and trauma-related guilt – self-report and psychophysiological measures. Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia, CAN.
Language: English
Format: Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract:
Diverse psychotherapeutic approaches for treating trauma-related sequelae have emerged over the last several decades in response to the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and resultant posttraumatic stress disorder among women (PTSD). In a recent formal study (Grace, 2003), a newer treatment called one eye integration (OEI) has been shown to be effective for traumatized individuals. The purpose of this study was to build upon those findings by comparing the effectiveness of two treatments for reducing PTSD symptoms with a breathing, relaxation, autogenics, imagery, and grounding (BRAIN) control condition. Twenty-seven female rape or sexual assault survivors who met the criteria for PTSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Text-Revision, (DSM-IV-TR; APA, 2000) were randomly assigned to three groups: (a) a neurologically-based therapy called OEI, (b) an information processing model referred to as cognitive processing therapy-revised (CPT-R), or (c) a control condition (BRAIN), PTSD, depression, and trauma-related guilt symptoms were assessed pretreatment, posttreatment and at 3-month follow up, and qualitative electroencephalography (qEEG) brainwave patterns of two regions of the scalp (frontal and parietal) were measured pre and posttreatment. The following dependent measures were used: Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), and t he Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory (TRGI). Though there were no significant differences in PTSD symptoms between groups from pretreatment to post treatment assessments, a significant difference occurred between pretreatment and 3-month follow up, with OEI manifesting greater reductions than CPT-R or BRAIN. There were no significant differences between groups in depression, but there was a reduction in BDI-II scores over time. Reduction in guilt-related symptoms occurred on several scales and subscales for all three groups over time from pretreatment of posttreatment assessments, though not significantly by group. A significant difference was found for the Global Guilt subscale at 3-month follow up, with greater improvement for the OEI group. Preliminary results from cortical brain activity assessments indicate typical qEEG asymmetry patterns for PTSD and depression, though there were no significant group differences apart from minor post hoc analyses. Implications of these findings for clinical work and directions for future research were discussed.
Keywords: Depression Female Guilt Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Sexual Assault Survivors
Accuracy Verified: Yes
11. Pagani, M., Högberg, G., Fernandez, I., & Siracusano, A. (2013). Correlates of EMDR therapy in functional and structural neuroimaging: A critical summary of recent findings. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 7(1), 29-38. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.7.1.29.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Neuroimaging investigations of the effects of psychotherapies treating posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), have reported findings
consistent
with modifications in cerebral blood flow (CBF; single photon emission computed tomography
[SPECT]), in neuronal volume and density (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), and more recently in
brain electric signal (electroencephalography [EEG]). Additionally in the recent past, EMDR-
related neurobiological
changes were monitored by EEG during therapy itself and showed a shift of the maximal
activation from emotional limbic to cortical cognitive brain regions. This was the first time in which
neurobiological changes occurring during any psychotherapy session have been reported,
making
EMDR
the first psychotherapy with a proven neurobiological effect. The purpose of this article was to review the
results of functional and structural changes taking place at PTSD treatment and presented during the
period of 1999–2012 by various research groups. The reported pathophysiological changes are presented
by neuropsychological technique and implemented methodology
and critically analyzed.
Keywords: EEG Limbic System MRI Neurobiology SPECT
Accuracy Verified: Yes
12. Propper, R. E., Pierce, J., Geisler, M. W., Christman, S. D., & Bellorado, N. (2007, September). Effect of bilateral eye movements on frontal interhemispheric gamma EEG coherence: Implications for EMDR therapy. Journal of Nervous Mental Disorders, 195(9), 785-788. doi:10.1097/NMD.0b013e318142cf73.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
The use of bilateral eye movements (EMs) is an important component of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for PTSD. The neural mechanisms underlying EMDR remain unclear. However, prior behavioral work looking at the effects of bilateral EMs on the retrieval of episodic memories suggests that the EMs enhance interhemispheric interaction. The present study examined the effects of the EMs used in EMDR on interhemispheric electroencephalogram coherence. Relative to noneye-movement controls, engaging in bilateral EMs led to decreased interhemispheric gamma electroencephalogram coherence. Implications for future work on EMDR and episodic memory are discussed. [Author Abstract]
Keywords: Adults Americans Brain Imaging Bilateral Eye Movements College Students Empirical Study Neurophysiology Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Quantitative Study
Accuracy Verified: Yes
13. Khalfa, S. (2012, June). Effects of EMDR on cognition, psychophysiology and cerebral mechanisms in PTSD [Efectos del EMDR en cognición, psicofisiología y mecanismos cerebrales en TEPT]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Despite
the
emergence
of
many
theories
on
biological
EMDR
mechanisms,
research
is
still
needed
to
understand
the
healing
processes
of
EMDR.
We
conducted
four
experiments
to
explore
the
effects
of
EMDR
on
PTSD
with
17
to
22
patients
suffering
from
one
unique
trauma.
The
first
experiment
evidenced
attentional
bias
in
PTSD
towards
negative
words
that
disappeared
after
successful
EMDR
Therapy.
The
second
experiment
has
shown
a
less
efficient
control
of
emotion
in
PTSD
as
compared
to
healthy
controls.
This
altered
emotional
suppressing
measured
through
psychophysiological
responses
was
restored
after
symptoms
disappearance
following
EMDR.
The
third
experiment
also
using
psychophysiological
measures
confirmed
the
increased
fear
sensitization
and
delayed
fear
extinction
in
PTSD
and
again
the
restoration
of
a
normal
fear
conditioning
and
extinction
processes
after
EMDR.
The
last
experiment
explored
the
negative
emotional
cerebral
mechanisms
using
functional
magnetic
resonance
imagery
in
PTSD.
Activities
in
prefrontal
structures
were
modified
in
PTSD
as
compared
to
healthy
controls.
After
the
EMDR
treatment
accompanied
by
symptoms
removal,
the
prefrontal
responses
were
not
different
between
PTSD
patients
and
their
controls.
Theoretical
issues
of
these
results
will
be
discussed
in
order
to
integrate
cognitive,
psychophysiological
and
cerebral
mechanisms
observations.
A
pesar
del
emerger
de
muchas
teorías
sobre
los
mecanismos
biológicos
del
EMDR,
la
investigación
aún
necesita
entender
el
proceso
de
curación
que
se
produce
en
EMDR.
Hemos
realizado
4
experimentos
para
explorar
los
efectos
del
EMDR
en
TEPT
de
17
a
22
pacientes
que
sufrieron
un
único
trauma.
El
primer
experimento
evidencia
un
sesgo
atencional
del
TEPT
ante
las
palabras
negativas
que
desaparecen
después
de
una
terapia
exitosa
de
EMDR.
El
Segundo
experimento
mostró
una
baja
eficiencia
del
control
de
las
emociones
en
los
TEPT
comparados
con
el
control
de
individuos
sanos.
Esta
alterada
supresión
emocional
medida
a
través
de
respuestas
psicofisiológicas
fue
restaurada
después
de
una
desaparición
de
los
síntomas
realizando
EMDR.
El
tercer
experimento
también
confirma
mediante
medidas
psicofisiológicas
el
aumento
de
la
sensación
de
miedo
y
un
retraso
en
la
extinción
del
mismo
en
el
TEPT.
De
nuevo
tras
administrar
una
terapia
EMDR
se
produjo
una
restauración
a
una
condición
normal
de
miedo
y
un
proceso
de
extinción.
El
último
experimento
explica
los
mecanismos
negativos
emocionales
cerebrales
usando
resonancia
funcional
magnética
en
TEPT.
La
actividad
en
las
estructuras
prefrontales
fue
modificada
en
el
TEPT
comparado
con
el
control.
Después
del
tratamiento
de
EMDR
acompañado
de
una
remisión
de
los
síntomas,
las
respuestas
prefrontales
no
fueron
diferentes
entre
los
pacientes
con
TEPT
y
los
controles.
Cuestiones
teoréticas
sobre
estos
resultados
serán
discutidas
con
el
fin
de
integrar
cognitivamente,
psicofisiológicamente
y
observar
los
mecanismos
cerebrales
del
EMDR.
Keywords: Cognition, Psychophysiology and Cerebral Mechanisms Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
14. Pagani, M., Hogberg, G., Salmaso, D, Tarnell, B., Nardo, D., Sundin, Ö., Jonsson, C., Soares, J., Aberg-Wistedt, A., Jacobsson, H., Larsson, S.A., Hällström, T. (2007, October). Effects of EMDR psychotherapy on 99mTc-HMPAO distribution in occupation-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Nuclear Medicine Communications, 28(10), 757-765. doi:10.1097/MNM.0b013e3282742035.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a derangement of mood control with involuntary, emotionally fraught recollections that may follow deep psychological trauma in susceptible individuals. This condition is treated with pharmacological and/or cognitive therapies as well as psychotherapy with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). However, only a very limited number of studies have been published dealing with work-related PTSD, and investigations on the effect of treatment on cerebral blood flow represent an even smaller number. Aim: To investigate the short-term outcome of occupation-related PTSD after EMDR therapy by 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT. Method: Fifteen patients, either train drivers suffering from PTSD after having been unintentionally responsible for a person-under-train accident or employees assaulted in the course of duty, were recruited for the study. 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT was performed on these patients both before and after EMDR therapy while they listened to a script portraying the traumatic event. Tracer distribution analysis was then carried out at volume of interest (VOI) level using a three-dimensional standardized brain atlas, and at voxel level by SPM. The CBF data of the 15 patients were compared before and after treatment as well as with those of a group of 27 controls who had been exposed to the same psychological traumas without developing PTSD. Results: At VOI analysis significant CBF distribution differences were found between controls and patients before and after treatment (P=0.023 and P=0.0039, respectively). Eleven of the 15 patients responded to treatment, i.e., following EMDR they no longer fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. When comparing only the eleven responders with the controls, the significant group difference found before EMDR (P=0.019) disappeared after treatment. Responders and non-responders showed after therapy significant regional differences in frontal, parieto-occipital and visual cortex and in hippocampus. SPM analysis showed significant uptake differences between patients and controls in the orbitofrontal cortex (Brodmann 11) and the temporal pole (Brodmann 38) both before and after treatment. A significant tracer distribution difference present before treatment in the uncus (Brodmann 36) disappeared after treatment, while a significant difference appeared in the lateral temporal lobe (Brodmann 21). Conclusion: Significant 99mTc-HMPAO uptake regional differences were found, mainly in the peri-limbic cortex, between PTSD patients and controls exposed to trauma but not developing PTSD. Tracer uptake differences between responders and patients not responding to EMDR were found after treatment suggesting a trend towards normalization of tracer distribution after successful therapy. These findings in occupational related PTSD are consistent with previously described effects of psychotherapy on anxiety disorders. [PubMed]
Keywords: 99mTc-HMPAO Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
15. Pagani, M., Hogberg, G., Salmaso, D., Nardo, D., Jonsson, C., Danielsson, A.M., Engelin, L., Jacobsson, H., Larsson, S. A., Hallstrom, T., & Sundin, Ö. (2006, September). Effects of EMDR therapy on 99mTc-HMPAO distribution in Post-traumatic stress disorder. Presentation at the European Assocation of Nuclear Medicine Congress, Athens, Greece. European Journal of Nuclear Medical and Molecular Imaging, 33, S169.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a derangement of mood control with emotional trauma recollections that may follow psychological trauma. It is treated with pharmacological and cognitive therapies as well as with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). However, a limited number of studies have been published dealing with job related PTSD, and an even smaller number have assessed the effects of treatment on CBF. The aim of this study was to investigate the short term outcome of occupation based PTSD after EMDR therapy by 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT.
Methods Fifteen patients suffering PTSD after having experienced a person under train accident or having been assaulted at work were included into the study. 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT was performed before and after EMDR therapy while listening to a script portraying the traumatic event. Tracer distribution analysis was performed at VOI level using a 3D standardised brain atlas and at cluster of voxel level by SPM and was subjected to an analysis of treatment as well as contrasted to a group of 27 subjects exposed to the same psychological trauma and not developing PTSD.
Results Eleven of 15 patients responded to treatment, i.e. they did no longer fulfil the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD after EMDR. Overall VOI analysis showed significant differences between, both before and after treatment conditions and controls (p<0.05) but no effect of period, i.e. treatment. However, when contrasting responders to controls the significant group difference present after treatment disappeared, indicating a normalization effect due to successful EMDR treatment.
SPM analysis showed significant uptake differences in orbitofrontal cortex (Brodmann 11) and temporal pole (Brodmann 38) before as well as after treatment as compared to controls. A significant tracer uptake group difference present before treatment in uncus (Brodmann 36) disappeared after treatment while a significant difference appeared in lateral temporal lobe (Brodmann 21). No tracer uptake differences were found by SPM as an effect of treatment, nor between the 11 responders and controls.
Conclusion Significant 99mTc-HMPAO uptake differences, mainly in peri-limbic cortex, between PTSD patients investigated before and after EMDR and subject exposed to trauma not developing PTSD were found. Differences between the tracer distribution in patients before and after therapy were not significant neither at SPM nor at VOI analyses but the latter showed at group level an effect of symptom remission on tracer distribution. The findings underscore the validity of psychotherapy in anxiety disorders and confirm the efficacy of SPECT in psychiatry.
[EANM]
Keywords: 99mTc-HMPAO Distribution Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
16. Pagani, M., Hogberg, G., Salmaso, D., Nardo, D., Jonsson, C., Danielsson, A. M., Engelin, L., Jacobsson, H., Larsson, S. A., Hallstrom, T., & Sundin, Ö. (2006, September-October). Effects of EMDR therapy on 99mTc-HMPAO distribution in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Presentation at the European Assocation of Nuclear Medicine Congress, Athens, Greece.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a derangement of mood control with emotional trauma recollections that may follow psychological trauma. It is treated with pharmacological and cognitive therapies as well as with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). However, a limited number of studies have been published dealing with job related PTSD, and an even smaller number have assessed the effects of treatment on CBF. The aim of this study was to investigate the short term outcome of occupation based PTSD after EMDR therapy by 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT. Methods Fifteen patients suffering PTSD after having experienced a person under train accident or having been assaulted at work were included into the study. 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT was performed before and after EMDR therapy while listening to a script portraying the traumatic event. Tracer distribution analysis was performed at VOI level using a 3D standardised brain atlas and at cluster of voxel level by SPM and was subjected to an analysis of treatment as well as contrasted to a group of 27 subjects exposed to the same psychological trauma and not developing PTSD. Results Eleven of 15 patients responded to treatment, i.e. they did no longer fulfil the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD after EMDR. Overall VOI analysis showed significant differences between, both before and after treatment conditions and controls (p<0.05) but no effect of period, i.e. treatment. However, when contrasting responders to controls the significant group difference present after treatment disappeared, indicating a normalization effect due to successful EMDR treatment. SPM analysis showed significant uptake differences in orbitofrontal cortex (Brodmann 11) and temporal pole (Brodmann 38) before as well as after treatment as compared to controls. A significant tracer uptake group difference present before treatment in uncus (Brodmann 36) disappeared after treatment while a significant difference appeared in lateral temporal lobe (Brodmann 21). No tracer uptake differences were found by SPM as an effect of treatment, nor between the 11 responders and controls. Conclusion Significant 99mTc-HMPAO uptake differences, mainly in peri-limbic cortex, between PTSD patients investigated before and after EMDR and subject exposed to trauma not developing PTSD were found. Differences between the tracer distribution in patients before and after therapy were not significant neither at SPM nor at VOI analyses but the latter showed at group level an effect of symptom remission on tracer distribution. The findings underscore the validity of psychotherapy in anxiety disorders and confirm the efficacy of SPECT in psychiatry. [EANM]
Keywords: 99mTc-HMPAO Distribution Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
17. Hase, M. (2011, June). EMDR and trauma: Somatic disease and medical treatment. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Vienna, Austria.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Severe somatic disorders and the subsequent medical treatment often signify serious threat and feelings of being helplessly exposed to them. This gets obvious as one regards the phenomenon of intraoperative awareness. About 8000 - 16000 of these incidents per year are to be expected for the Federal German Republic according to recent investigations. But even less dramatic incidents within the natural course of the disease or incidents evoked by the therapeutic approach may leave their marks. However, posttraumatic stress disorder is not always easy to be diagnosed and treated. A remarkable amount of patients in psychosomatic rehabilitation is afflicted with mental consequences of somatic disorders such as cerebral infarction, coronary heart disease or, respectively, the necessary somatic treatment of these disorders. The prevalence of PTSD and the effects on the course of the disease as well as on everyday functioning are not to be underestimated here. This workshop is supposed to demonstrate the specifics of the EMDR-treatment for this population of interest. Treatment of patients with underlying cardiological and neurological diseases is further illustrated by video documentation. Considerations about the selection of target memory lead to a treatment algorithm. The contact with body memory is going to be explored by the use of case studies.
Accuracy Verified: Yes
18. Gonzalez, A., Mosquera, D., & Moskowitz, A. (2012, June). EMDR in psychosis and severe mental disorders [EMDR en psicosis y trastorno mental severo]. Presentation at the annual meeting of EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Interactions between trauma and biology, dissociation and psychosis are
complex. Some cases could be more biologically based, and traumatic events may
trigger a psychotic episode or contribute to the low-response to usual
interventions. But traumatic experiences could also influence neurodevelopment
and brain structure. In some cases past adverse events may be a main factor in the
development of psychotic psychopathology. The treatment of psychotic disorders
with a specifically trauma-oriented therapy as EMDR, can help us to evaluate the
relative contribution of these different factors from clinical results. The empirical
research about the application of EMDR will be also reviewed.
A relevant point for EMDR therapy in psychotic disorders is the complex
relationship between dissociation and psychosis. Patients presenting with the
belief of being controlled by an external force, intrusive thoughts and hallucinatory
voices that comment on one's thoughts or actions or that have a conversation with
other hallucinated voices, are easily diagnosed as schizophrenic or psychotic but
can often be best understood and approached as dissociative symptoms. These
patients can be treated with EMDR, but the procedures present relevant
modifications in relation with the standard EMDR procedure for PTSD.
In this workshop we will briefly describe how EMDR can be applied in different
examples of psychotic patients, and based on these clinical examples (presented a case-descriptions or videos, we will reflect on the previously described aspects.
Las
interacciones
entre
trauma
y
biología,
disociación
y
psicosis
son
complejas.
Algunos
casos
pueden
estar
más
basados
en
el
ámbito
biológico,
y
los
eventos
traumáticos
pueden
ser
disparadores
de
un
episodio
psicótico
o
contribuir
a
la
baja
respuesta
ante
las
intervenciones
usuales.
Pero
las
experiencias
traumáticas
pueden
también
influenciar
el
neurodesarrollo
y
la
estructura
cerebral.
En
Algunos
casos
eventos
adversos
del
pasado
pueden
ser
el
principal
factor
para
desarrollar
psicosis
o
una
psicopatología.
El
tratamiento
de
los
trastornos
psicóticos
con
un
terapia
orientada
al
trauma
como
el
EMDR
nos
ayudan
a
evaluar
la
contribución
relativa
de
distintos
factores
a
los
resultados
clínicos.
La
investigación
empírica
acerca
de
la
aplicación
del
EMDR
también
será
revisada.
Un
punto
relevante
de
la
Terapia
EMDR
en
trastornos
psicóticos
es
el
resultado
complejo
de
la
relación
entre
disociación
y
psicosis.
Los
pacientes
que
presentan
creencias
de
control
por
fuerzas
externas,
pensamientos
intrusivos
y
voces
alucinatorias
que
comentan
las
acciones
o
pensamientos
o
tienen
una
conversación
con
otras
voces
alucinatorias,
normalmente
son
diagnosticadas
como
esquizofrenia
y
psicosis
pero
en
algunas
ocasiones
estarían
mejor
entendidas
desde
un
enfoque
que
las
considerara
síntomas
disociativos.
Estos
pacientes
pueden
ser
tratados
con
EMDR,
pero
los
procedimientos
presentan
modificaciones
referentes
al
procedimiento
estándar
de
EMDR
para
el
TEPT.
Keywords: Psychosis Severe Mental Disorders
Accuracy Verified: Yes
19. Saêta, L. B. (2012, Novembro). EMDR no tratamento da dor e das sensações fantasmas [EMDR in the treatment of pain and phantom sensations]. In EMDR e dor crônica. Apresentação no II Congresso Brasileiro de EMDR, Brasília, Brasil.
Language: Portuguese
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Sujeitos vítimas de amputação podem apresentar, imeditamente após a mesma, algum tipo de desconforto no membro ausente, descrito como formigamento, dormência, posição do membro, temperatura, latejamento, choque e apertamento que podem manifestar-se com a presença ou não de dor, tendo sua qualidade de vida reduzida. Observa-se que atualmente, as abordagens terapêuticas usadas no manejo da dor e das sensações fantasmas podem ser organizadas em três modalidades: medicamentosa, de apoio e cirúrgica, feitas em conjunto ou separadamente. Os tratamentos de apoio mais conhecidos incluem estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea, terapia vibratória, acupuntura, hipnose e biofeedback. A proposta desse estudo foi verificar a eficiência do EMDR na redução e/ou eliminação das sensações e da dor fantasmas aplicado a seis sujeitos com amputação de membro inferior, num período de um a três meses de duração (de 4 a 12 sessões de 60 a 90 minutos de duração), utilizando o protocolo EMDR padrão e o protocolo EMDR para a dor, e também exercícios corporais de respiração consciente, aliados, em casos de resistência dos sujeitos ao EMDR, à ativação da visão macular dos dois olhos e a exercícios rítmicos de espernear. Tais procedimentos proporcionaram uma melhor comunicação entre os hemisférios cerebrais, numa reorganização cortical que facilitou o aumento da consciência e aceitação da perda do membro amputado, sendo possível presenciar efeitos terapêuticos positivos e rápidos. Constatou-se que as sensações e as dores fantasmas diminuíram significativamente em três participantes e desapareceram por completo nos outros três, comprovando a eficácia e eficiência do EMDR no processo de inclusão e readaptação social em sujeitos vítimas de amputação.
Subjected victims of amputation may have, immediately after it, some kind of discomfort absent member, described as tingling, numbness, limb position, temperature, throbbing, clenching and shock that may occur with the presence or absence of pain, having a reduced quality of life. It is observed that currently, the therapeutic approaches used in the management of pain and phantom sensations can be organized into three types: medication, and surgical support, made jointly or separately. The most popular treatments include support transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, vibratory therapy, acupuncture, hypnosis and biofeedback. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of EMDR in the reduction and / or elimination of phantom sensations and pain applied to six subjects with lower limb amputation in a period of one to three months duration (4 to 12 sessions of 60 to 90 minutes), using the standard EMDR protocol and the protocol EMDR for pain, and also body conscious breathing exercises, combined, in cases of resistance to the subject of EMDR, the activation of macular vision in both eyes and rhythmic exercises kicking . These procedures allow for a better communication between the cerebral hemispheres, cortical reorganization in which facilitated the increased awareness and acceptance of the loss of the amputated limb, and you can witness the positive therapeutic effects and fast. It was found that the sensations and phantom pain significantly decreased in three participants and disappeared completely in the other three, proving the efficiency and effectiveness of EMDR in the process of inclusion and social rehabilitation of victims subject to amputation.
Keywords: Amputation Phantom Pain Phantom Sensation
Accuracy Verified: Yes
20. Landin-Romero, R., Novo, P., Vicens, V., McKenna, P. J., Santed, A., Pomarol-Clotet, E., Salgado-Pineda, P., Shapiro. F., & Amann, B. L. (2013, March). EMDR therapy modulates the default mode network in a subsyndromal, traumatized bipolar patient. Neuropsychobiology, 67(3), 181-184. doi:10.1159/000346654.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Background: Some functional imaging abnormalities found in bipolar disorder are state related, whereas others persist into euthymia. It is uncertain to what extent these latter changes may reflect continuing subsyndromal affective fluctuations and whether those can be modulated by therapeutic interventions. Method: We report functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) findings during performance of the n-back working memory task in a bipolar patient who showed a marked improvement in subsyndromal affective symptoms after receiving eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the context of a clinical trial. Results: The patient's clinical improvement was accompanied by marked changes in functional imaging, as compared to 30 healthy subjects. fMRI changes were noted particularly in deactivation, with failure of deactivation in the medial frontal cortex partially normalizing after treatment. Conclusions: This case supports the potential therapeutic overall benefit of EMDR in traumatized bipolar patients and suggests a possible neurobiological mechanism of action: normalization of default mode network dysfunction.
Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Keywords: Bipolar Disorder Subsyndromal Affective Symptoms
Accuracy Verified: Yes
21. Landin-Romero, R., Novo, P., Vicens, V., McKenna, P. J., Santed, A., Pomarol-Clotet, E., Salgado-Pineda, P., Shapiro. F., & Amann, B. L. (2013, March). EMDR therapy modulates the default mode network in a subsyndromal, traumatized bipolar patient. Neuropsychobiology, 67(3), 181-184. doi:10.1159/000346654.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Background: Some functional imaging abnormalities found in bipolar disorder are state related, whereas others persist into euthymia. It is uncertain to what extent these latter changes may reflect continuing subsyndromal affective fluctuations and whether those can be modulated by therapeutic interventions. Method: We report functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) findings during performance of the n-back working memory task in a bipolar patient who showed a marked improvement in subsyndromal affective symptoms after receiving eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the context of a clinical trial. Results: The patient's clinical improvement was accompanied by marked changes in functional imaging, as compared to 30 healthy subjects. fMRI changes were noted particularly in deactivation, with failure of deactivation in the medial frontal cortex partially normalizing after treatment. Conclusions: This case supports the potential therapeutic overall benefit of EMDR in traumatized bipolar patients and suggests a possible neurobiological mechanism of action: normalization of default mode network dysfunction.
Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Keywords: Bipolar Disorder Subsyndromal Affective Symptoms
Accuracy Verified: Yes
22. Landin-Romero, R., Novo, P., Vicens, V., McKenna, P. J., Santed, A., Pomarol-Clotet, E., Salgado-Pineda, P., Shapiro. F., & Amann, B. L. (2013, March). EMDR therapy modulates the default mode network in a subsyndromal, traumatized bipolar patient. Neuropsychobiology, 67(3), 181-184. doi:10.1159/000346654.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Background: Some functional imaging abnormalities found in bipolar disorder are state related, whereas others persist into euthymia. It is uncertain to what extent these latter changes may reflect continuing subsyndromal affective fluctuations and whether those can be modulated by therapeutic interventions. Method: We report functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) findings during performance of the n-back working memory task in a bipolar patient who showed a marked improvement in subsyndromal affective symptoms after receiving eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the context of a clinical trial. Results: The patient's clinical improvement was accompanied by marked changes in functional imaging, as compared to 30 healthy subjects. fMRI changes were noted particularly in deactivation, with failure of deactivation in the medial frontal cortex partially normalizing after treatment. Conclusions: This case supports the potential therapeutic overall benefit of EMDR in traumatized bipolar patients and suggests a possible neurobiological mechanism of action: normalization of default mode network dysfunction.
Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Keywords: Bipolar Disorder Subsyndromal Affective Symptoms
Accuracy Verified: Yes
23. D‘Hooghe, D. (2010, June). EMDR‘s application in the treatment of children with selective mutism. In Experimental use of EMDR. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Hamburg, Germany.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
This case concerns a 4,5 year old girl with Selective Mutism.
In this particular case. I considered Selective Mutism a symptom
of an attachment trauma. Since the trauma wasn't accessible seeing her age and the complexity of the trauma, I used the symptom
as a target. I applied EMDR within a phase model: the preparation
phase, confrontation phase and integration phase. During
these three phases I continuously worked with bilateral stimulation
It is my hypothesis that in this case the bilateral stimulation:
1. stimulated and strengthened positive links in the adaptive
network.
2 synchronized the activity of both cerebral hemispheres, resulting
in a connection between the primary emotions of traumatic
experiences and rational insights and language.
3. unblocked the traumatic information and reactivated the natural
healing process of the brain. I used several forms of bilateral
stimulation as visual stimulation, tactile stimulation and the butterfly
hug. Because of her lack of words, she wasn't able to tell me
anything. So through storytelling I offered her different themes to
which she could respond by making drawings, figures in clay, etc.
During the preparation phase, I focused on safety, ego strengthening
and affect management to reduce the fear to speak.
1. Working with safety : the eye movements were first accomplished
using a safe Image which brought up her own sense
of security. Then, after imagining this safe place, the child was
willing to play tapping games to strengthen feelings of safety.
2. Ego strengthening : to feel as strong as possible by installing
resources and positive cognitions, and guiding the child towards
acceptance and development of its unique being. Bilateral stimulation
was used to strengthen the positive experiences.
3. Affect management: in the process of strengthening affect
management, the child was given access to her anxiety by storytelling
linked to visualization, the use of images and bodywork.
Again, bilateral stimulation was used to strengthen the
positive experiences/skills. After a few sessions. I introduced
the use of language and stimulated her to make sounds, followed
by pronouncing places of words and finally the pronunciation
of complete words and sentences. Through this whole
process, 1 combined the specific exercises to learn how to speak
with bilateral stimulations. During the twelfth session, the child
started talking spontaneously Given the fact that there wasn't
any direct confrontation work during the sessions, we are left
to wonder whether there has or hasn't occurred any trauma
processing. The symptom came to a halt, together with the disappearance
of other symptoms that were Inked to the trauma.
The question is whether it is necessary to confront young children
with their trauma in order to heal. Nevertheless, it seems
like the combination of bilateral stimulation with storytelling,
art therapy, play therapy and visualization speeded up the elimination of the child's trauma symptoms considerably.
Keywords: Experimental Use Selective Mutism
Accuracy Verified: Yes
24. Bergmann, U. (2001, June). Exploring the role of the cerebellum in EMDR accelerated information processing: Recent insights and speculations. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Austin, TX.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Participants will: 1) gain understanding as to the formation and consolidation of emotions and memory; 2) understand the pathways of trauma in the brain and their respective psychological symptoms; 3) become more knowledgeable about accelerated information processing; and 4) gain an understanding of various possible mechanisms of EMDR treatment effects, with an emphasis on cerebellar mechanisms and their direct relation to information processing and frontal lobe activation.
Keywords: Cerebellum Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
25. Bergmann, U. (2000, September). Exploring the role of the cerebellum in EMDR processing. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Toronto, Ontario Canada.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Participants will: 1) gain an understanding as to the formulation and consolidation of emotions and memory; 2) understand the pathways of trauma in the brain and their respective psychological symptoms; 3) become more knowledgeable about the neurobiological research which appears to support the hypoetheses of the accelerated information processing system; and 4) gain an understanding of various possible mechanisms of EMDR's treatment effects, with an emphasis on cerebellar mechanisms, and their direct relation to information processing and frontal lobe activation.
Keywords: Cerebellum Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
26. Morris-Smith, J. (2012, June). Footsteps into the future: EMDR for children and families using a neurodevelopmental perspective [Pasos hacia el futuro: EMDR para niños y familias desde una perspectiva del neurodesarrollo]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
The
acquisition
of
clinical
skills
in
developing
successful
EMDR
therapeutic
practices
is
in
itself
a
journey
of
discovery.
Each
step
forward
brings
new
clinical
puzzles,
challenges
and
insights:
why
are
some
individuals
able
to
use
the
EMDR
therapy
more
smoothly
that
others;
what
is
the
role
of
attachment;
how
are
preverbal
memories
made
and
how
do
they
become
accessible
to
verbal
recall
with
EMDR
therapy;
what
is
the
developmental
role
of
dissociation
and
why
do
some
evolve
into
coherent,
integrated
individuals
whilst
others
develop
pathological
dissociation?
This
paper
presents
a
neurodevelopmental
approach
to
inform
our
clinical
practice
of
EMDR
therapy
with
children,
adolescents
and
adults.
Brain
development
is
affected
by
both
genetic
and
environmental
factors
and
included
in
the
latter
are:
the
family
milieu,
physical
illness,
toxins
and
developmental
opportunities.
During
development
the
brain
organizes
from
the
bottom
to
the
top
with
the
lower
parts
of
the
brain
developing
earliest.
The
majority
of
the
brain
organization
takes
place
during
the
first
4
years
of
life.
Development
of
the
brain
in
childhood
unfolds
in
a
series
of
stages
with
higher
cortical
areas
entering
final
developmental
processes
much
later
in
childhood
and
into
early
adulthood.
How
to
integrate
neurodevelopmental
aspects
with
our
EMDR
clinical
practice
to
develop
healthier
positive
future
trajectories
for
children,
adolescents
and
their
families
is
discussed.
This
paper
will
be
illustrated
by
the
use
of
video
clips
and
case
material.
La
propia
adquisición
de
las
habilidades
clínicas
para
desarrollar
prácticas
terapéuticas
de
EMDR
de
éxito
es
de
por
sí,
un
viaje
de
descubrimiento.
Cada
paso
hacia
delante
nos
plantea
nuevos
rompecabezas,
retos,
y
conocimientos
clínicos:
¿Por
qué
algunos
individuos
encuentran
menos
obstáculos
en
la
aplicación
de
terapia
con
EMDR
que
otros?;
¿Cuál
es
la
función
del
apego?;
¿Cómo
se
forman
los
recuerdos
preverbales
y
cómo
se
accede
a
ellos
mediante
el
recuerdo
verbal
con
la
terapia
con
EMDR?;
¿Qué
papel
desempeña
la
disociación
en
el
desarrollo
y
por
qué
algunas
personas
se
convierten
en
individuos
coherentes
e
integrados
mientras
que
otros
desarrollan
una
disociación
patológica?
Esta
ponencia
pretende
presentar
un
planteamiento
desde
el
neurodesarrollo
para
instruir
nuestra
práctica
clínica
de
terapia
con
EMDR
con
niños,
adolescentes
y
adultos.
El
desarrollo
cerebral
se
ve
afectado
por
factores
tanto
genéticos
como
ambientales;
entre
éstos
últimos
se
incluyen:
el
entorno
familiar,
las
enfermedades
físicas,
las
toxinas
y
las
oportunidades
de
desarrollo.
Durante
el
período
de
desarrollo,
el
cerebro
organiza
desde
abajo
hacia
arriba,
siendo
las
áreas
inferiores
del
cerebros
las
que
primero
se
desarrollan.
La
mayor
parte
del
desarrollo
cerebral
ocurre
durante
los
cuatro
primeros
años
de
vida.
El
desarrollo
del
cerebro
durante
la
infancia
sucede
en
una
serie
de
etapas,
entrando
las
áreas
corticales
superiores
en
los
últimos
procesos
de
desarrollo,
mucho
más
tarde
en
la
infancia
y
al
principio
de
la
vida
adulta.
Se
abordan
las
cuestiones
de
cómo
integrar
aspectos
de
neurodesarrollo
en
nuestro
trabajo
clínico
con
EMDR
para
poder
desarrollar
trayectorias
más
sanas
y
positivas
para
el
futuro
para
los
niños,
adolescentes
y
sus
familias.
Se
emplearán
grabaciones
en
vídeo
y
notas
clínicas
para
ilustrar
esta
ponencia.
Keywords: Children Families Neurodevelopment
Accuracy Verified: Yes
27. Pagani, M. (2013, June). Functional and structural neuroimaging and EEG monitoring related to EMDR and CBT treatments for PTSD. Presentation at the 13th annual conference for the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ESTSS), Bologna, Italy.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
In the recent past several neuroimaging studies aimed at evaluating the neural correlates of PTSD-related psychotherapies revealing their neurobiological effects on brain function. Functional studies by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and electroencephalography (EEG) detected changes in cerebral blood flow and neuronal activation patterns, identifying the brain areas implicated in the various components of emotional processing and/or affected by the disorder. Investigations by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have also revealed PTSD-related structural changes.
The first part of the workshop will review the neuroimaging methodologies and findings in PTSD treatment-related research with an extensive review of previous literature on the neurobiological effects of the various psychotherapies. The second part will deal with the description and implementation in research and clinic of neuropsychological testing with brief comments and discussion about their use in recent studies published by our group. In the third part the EEG monitoring of a complete set of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapies in 30 patients suffering of major trauma as compared to 20 healthy controls will be presented. These findings will also be compared to the neurobiological effects of trauma-focussed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in a second group of psychologically traumatized clients. The results are the first report ever on the neurobiological changes occurring before, during and after PTSD-related psychotherapies shedding light on the neuronal processes underlying their clinical efficacy.
The description and the discussion about the contents of the workshop will provide the audience (1) the necessary information to understand the methodological principles behind neuroimaging techniques (SPECT, EEG and MRI) and their possible applications in research and clinic; (2) the up-dated critical knowledge of the published papers in the field of PTSD-related psychotherapies functional and anatomical studies; (3) the basic research principles and examples to be motivated to start, take part and/or collaborate to functional studies in order to better understand the neural basis of psychotherapeutic techniques. The presented material will represent the state-of-the-art of the current neuroscience PTSD-related research and of the neuroimaging methodologies available at the moment.
Accuracy Verified: Yes
28. Langwig, K. E. (2008, December). A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of the effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder car accident patients: A pilot study. Union College, Schenectady, N.Y.
Language: English
Format: Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a novel therapy that has been effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have explored the neurological underpinnings of EMDR effectiveness. Utilizing a symptom provocation study design, this study assessed non-PTSD car accident patients. These pilot participants were scanned for comparison to PTSD patients and to explore the task design effectiveness for the future study of PTSD patients. One pilot participant exhibited activation in the left precuneus, and left medial temporal gyrus, and also in the left medial frontal gyrus. In PTSD patients the medial prefrontal cortex is often hypoactive, and inversely correlated with a hyperactive amygdala. The robust activation of medial frontal gyrus in the pilot subject with a corresponding inactivation of the amygdala indicates the participant's normal processing of the car accident trauma tic memories, and that task design and study parameters are being effectively implemented.
Keywords: Automobile Accidents Car Accidents fMRI Pilot Study Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
29. Pagani, M. (2010, June). Gray matter density is associated with EMDR outcome in PTSD patients. In Research. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Hamburg, Germany.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
There is converging evidence of gray matter (GM) structural alterations in different limbic structures in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder patients. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is currently used to treat PTSD but its neurobiological implications are still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate GM density in PTSD relation to trauma load, and to assess the GM differences between responders (R) and non-responders (NR) to EMDR therapy.
Structured clinical interviews for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders were carried out before and after EMDR treatment. Those who no longer fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD were classified as R and those who still met the diagnostic criteria of PTSD after treatment were classified as NR. Two scales 0f self-related Trauma Antecedent Questionnaire (‘trauma and neglect’ TAQ-, and ‘resilience factors’ TAQ+), were administered to assess lifelong trauma load and resilience. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans 10 R and of 5 NR were compared before therapy by means of an optimized Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) analysis as implemented in SPM. For group analysis, a threshold of p<0.05 corrected for multiple comparisons at cluster level and an uncorrected threshold of p <0.001 at voxel-level were used.
NR subjects showed no significant differences nor in TAQ- scores neither in TAQ+ as compared to R(t=0.140, p+0.891). The contract R>NR exhibited a significant GM lower density in NR as compared to R in three different cluster: the first bilaterally located over posterior cingulate (Brodmann Areas, Bas 23 and 31); the second centered over the left precentral (BA 4), middle and medial frontal gyri (BA 6); the third including anterior insula (BA 13), and the complex anterior parahippocampal gyrus/amygdala, over the right hemisphere.
To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating GM alterations with a VBM approach in a sample of PTSD patients respond and non responding to EMDR therapy. Posterior cingulate, parahippocampal and insular lower GM concentrations have been found to relate to responsiveness to EMDR therapy suggesting a high vulnerability of these structures to the effects of stress and trauma. These regions are well known to be implicated in processes such as: integration, encoding and retrieval of autobiographical and episodic memories; emotional processing, interoceptive awareness and sefl-referential conscious experience. Thus, our study supports lower GM densities in limbic and paralimbic cortices as a potential structural basis for memory and dissociative dysfunction in PTSD. Using such methodological approach can contribute to better understand the neurostructural basis for traumatic responses and their treatment.
The goals for the audience are: 1. To understand the methodological research principles; 2. To be updated on neurobiological research in EMDR; 3. to be informed on the neural basis of EMDR.
Keywords: Gray Matter Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Research Symposium
Accuracy Verified: Yes
30. Roques, J. (2007). Guérir avec l 'EMDR: Traitement, théorie, témoignages [Healing with EMDR: Treatment, theory, evidence]. Paris: Seuil.
Language: French
Format: Book
Abstract:
Oui, on peut guérir définitivement, et dans certains cas très rapidement, d'un problème psychologique grave. Beaucoup de gens ont eu leur vie transformée grâce à cette thérapie inventée en 1987 aux Etats-Unis par Francine Shapiro. L'EMDR n'est pas un effet de mode passager, mais l'expression d'une découverte majeure : notre cerveau est naturellement équipé pour guérir de ses blessures psychiques. Il peut cicatriser. L'EMDR n'est que le moyen qui permet de remettre en route le processus de retraitement de l'information bloquée au jour de l'événement traumatique. Jacques Roques veut éclairer ce mécanisme. Il donne de nombreux exemples de pathologies : traumatismes simples, traumatismes complexes et aussi empoisonnements psychiques, quand le traumatisme, distillé à petite dose comme un venin, ne se révèle qu'au cours de la thérapie. S'appuyant sur la clinique et sur ce qu'on sait aujourd'hui du fonctionnement cérébral, Jacques Roques développe des hypothèses nouvelles permettant de comprendre ces pathologies, ainsi que le fonctionnement de l'EMDR, pour améliorer la prise en charge des malades et leur permettre de recouvrer encore plus vite la santé. Ecrit dans un langage simple, donnant la parole à ses patients aussi bien qu'à ses collègues, Jacques Roques cherche surtout à diffuser un savoir utile. Comment accepter qu'aujourd'hui tant de gens continuent à souffrir alors qu'ils pourraient être définitivement guéris?
Yes, you can be cured permanently, and in some cases very rapidly, a serious psychological problem. Many people have had their lives transformed thanks to this therapy was invented in 1987 in the United States by Francine Shapiro. EMDR is not a fashion effect, but the expression of a major discovery: Our brains are naturally equipped to heal his psychological wounds. He can heal. EMDR is the means by which to reactivate the process of reprocessing the information secure on the day of the traumatic event. Jacques Roques wants to clarify this mechanism. It gives many examples of pathologies: trauma simple, complex trauma and poisoning as psychological trauma when, distilled in small doses as a poison, is revealed that during therapy. Based on clinical and what is known about the brain function, Jacques Roques develops new hypotheses for understanding these diseases, and the operation of EMDR, to improve care for patients and enable them to recover faster health. Written in simple language, giving voice to his patients as well as his colleagues, especially Jacques Roques seeks to disseminate useful knowledge. How can we accept that today many people continue to suffer while they could be permanently cured?
Accuracy Verified: Yes
31. Ichii, M., Amano, T., & Yoshikawa, H. (2012, June). Hemodynamic responses during EMDR treatment of traumatic memory [Respuestas hemodinámicas durante el tratamiento de memorias traumáticas con EMDR]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
In order to investigate brain activity during EMDR, 52-channel
NIRS（near –infrared spectroscopy) and heart rate were measured in treating a
traumatic memory of non-clinical twenty five year old woman. A target memory
was sexually molestation by a stranger when she was ten years old, and forced to
touch penis of perpetrator. And IES-R score was as low as 11. A well-experienced
EMDR therapist (=M.I.) applied estandarized EMDR protocol. Negative cognition
was “I am shameful person”, and positive cognition was ”I deserve to live.” The
body location is both arms and hands. By thirty-seven sets of EM, 7.5 level of SUDs
decreased to 0, and VOC went up from 3.5 to 7. The [oxy-Hb] change in right
orbitofrontal cortex increased as the negative emotion went up, and decreased
rapidly after processing. The [oxy-Hb] change in left orbitofrontal cortex
decreased just after cognitive interweave of responsibility was done. The [oxy-Hb]
variation in right temporal lobe increased rapidly, and the [oxy-Hb] change in left
temporal lobe decreased when direction of EM was changed from horizontal to
diagonal movement when negative imagery disappeared. Heart rate data show
gradual decreasing tendency throughout the session. Within each set, heart rate
also decreased by EM. By monitoring NIRS, various techniques or pivotal
processes in EMDR may be supposed to influence brain. In order to confirm the
relationship, we should collect data from more subjects.
Para
poder
investigar
la
actividad
cerebral
durante
EMDR,
se
midieron
la
NIRS
(espectroscopia
cercana
al
infrarrojo)
de
52
canales
y
el
ritmo
cardíaco
para
tratar
los
recuerdos
traumático
de
una
mujer
no
clínica
de
veinticinco
años.
Un
recuerdo
diana
fue
un
abuso
sexual
de
un
extraño
cuando
tenía
10
años
y
el
agresor
la
obligó
a
tocarle
el
pene.
La
puntuación
del
IES-‐R
fue
de
11.
Un
terapeuta
EMDR
con
experiencia
(=M.I.)
aplicó
el
protocolo
estándar
de
EMDR.
La
cognición
negativa
fue
“Soy
una
persona
vergonzosa”,
y
la
cognición
positiva
fue
”Merezco
vivir.”
La
localización
corporal
fue
en
ambos
brazos
y
manos.
Después
de
37
sets
de
movimientos
oculares,
el
SUD
de
7,5
bajó
a
0,
y
el
VOC
subió
de
un
3,5
a
un
7.
El
cambio
[oxy-‐Hb]
en
el
córtex
órbitofrontal
derecho
aumentó
a
medida
que
aumentaba
la
emoción
negativa,
y
disminuyó
rápidamente
después
del
procesamiento.
El
cambio
[oxy-‐Hb]
en
el
córtex
órbitofrontal
izquierdo
disminuyó
justo
después
de
hacerse
un
entrelazado
cognitivo
de
responsabilidad.
La
variación
[oxy-‐Hb]
en
el
lóbulo
temporal
derecho
aumentó
rápidamente,
y
el
cambio
[oxy-‐Hb]
en
el
lóbulo
temporal
izquierdo
disminuyó
al
cambiar
la
dirección
de
los
movimientos
oculares
de
horizontal
a
diagonal
cuando
desapareció
la
imagen
negativa.
Los
datos
del
ritmo
cardíaco
muestran
una
tendencia
decreciente
gradual
a
lo
largo
de
la
sesión.
En
cada
una
de
las
tandas,
el
ritmo
cardíaco
también
disminuyó
por
los
movimientos
oculares.
A
través
de
monitorear
el
NIRS,
se
supone
que
diversas
técnicas
o
procesos
centrales
en
EMDR
influyen
en
el
cerebro.
Para
poder
confirmar
esta
relación,
deberíamos
recolectar
datos
de
más
sujetos.
Keywords: Hemodynamic Responses
Accuracy Verified: Yes
32. Lansing, K., Amen, D. G., Hanks, C., & Rudy, L. (2005, Fall). High-resolution brain SPECT imaging and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in police officers with PTSD. Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 17(4), 526-532. doi:10.1176/appi.neuropsych.17.4.526.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD. In this study, the authors evaluated the effectiveness and physiological effects of EMDR in police officers involved with on-duty shootings and who had PTSD. 6 police officers involved with on-duty shootings and subsequent delayed-onset PTSD were evaluated with standard measures, the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS), and high-resolution brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging before and after treatment. All police officers showed clinical improvement and marked reductions in the PDS score. In addition, there were decreases in the left and right occipital lobe, left parietal lobe, and right precentral frontal lobe as well as significant increased perfusion in the left inferior frontal gyrus. In our study EMDR was an effective treatment for PTSD in this police officer group, showing both clinical and brain imaging changes. [Author Abstract]
Keywords: Empirical Study Off-Duty Shootings Police Officers Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Quantitative Study SPECT
Accuracy Verified: Yes
33. Catherall, D. R. (2003, June). How fear differs from anxiety. Traumatology, 9(2), 76-92. doi:10.1177/153476560300900202.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Animal models conceptualize anxiety as a response to potential danger while fear is a response to present danger. The way humans experience anxiety involves our capacity for higher thinking while the human experience of fear appears to be much the same as the animal model. This article examines these differences at both a phenomenological and neurological level and highlights implications for the treatment of conditioned fear in PTSD. The stimuli for human fear are sensory-perceptual, while the stimuli for most forms of anxiety are conceptual-linguistic. Individuals in a state of fear/terror undergo a radical shift from top-down to bottom-up processing in which access to conceptual-linguistic thought processes is severely restricted and the frontal regions of the cortex are no longer able to override impulses from brain stem and midbrain regions. Conditioned fear involves actual neurological changes in the limbic system. To overcome a traumatic memory, the individual must (1) gain some level of access to the bottom-up state in order to habituate or extinguish the conditioned fear response, and (2) also achieve access to the top-down state in order to process the fear. ]Sage Journals]
Keywords: Anxiety Fear Cognitive Neuroscience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
34. Lansing, K. (2004, November). Images of healing: SPECT images of PTSD and recovery in police officers. Preconference presentation at the 20th annual meeting of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, New Orleans, LA.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
The effects of “lethal contact” (i.e., close range firefights) in both the military
and law enforcement populations can render long-standing psychological
impairment. In this study we evaluated the effectiveness and physiological
effects of EMDR in police officers involved with on-duty shootings who
had delayed PTSD. Method: Six police officers involved with on-duty shootings
and subsequent delayed-onset PTSD were evaluated with standard
measures, the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale and high-resolution
brain SPECT imaging, before and after treatment. Results: All police officers
showed clinical improvement and marked reductions in the PDS (mean
reduction from scores of 43.2 pre EMDR to 5.2 post EMDR). In addition,
there were decreases in the left and right occipital lobe, left parietal lobe
and right precentral frontal lobe, as well as significant increased perfusion
(>0.001) in the left inferior frontal gyrus. Conclusions: In our study EMDR
was an effective treatment for PTSD in this police officer group, showing
both clinical and brain imaging changes. This multimedia presentation integrates
selected case reviews including the dispatch recordings of the officer’s
actual shooting incident/s, follow-up “check-in” messages documenting
the officer’s reactions upon return to duty as well as pre- and post-treatment
brain images. Brief selections of video also are used to further illustrate
key principals. Clinical methodologies that were used with this group
of subjects also will be discussed.
Participant Alert: EMDR is a stepwise protocol designed to facilitate the reexperiencing
of “trauma based” memories in order to assist the client in
reformatting them into a non-disturbing / more “normalized” memory.
During this protocol highly charged/upsetting images, feelings or experiences
can arise for the client.
Keywords: Police Officers SPECT
Accuracy Verified: Yes
35. Flumeri, F., Salmaso, D., & Pagani, M. (2008, 26-28 Settembre). Impatto dell'EMDR sulle fuzioni e sulla neurobiologia cerebrali [Impact on EMDR and neurobiological brain functions]. In T. Farma (Chair), Simposio, Il modello psicotraumatologico: Un ponte tra indicatori neurobiologici e Psicoterapia. VII Congresso SPR Italia, Modena.
Language: Italian
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Introduzione:negli ultimi anni il numero di studi condotti nell’ambito dei disturbi causati da eventi traumatici ha subito una forte accelerazione rilevando l’esistenza di alterazioni fisiologiche e morfologiche in specifiche aree cerebrali associate sia alla risposta emotiva al trauma che alla insorgenza dei sintomi della sindrome da stress post-traumatico (PTSD).
L’impiego delle tecniche di neuroimmagine ha consentito di fare luce sui correlati neurali della psicoterapia, rivelando i suoi effetti neurobiologici sulla funzione cerebrale. Nell’ambito dei diversi approcci psicoterapeutici, l’EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy) è emerso come promettente risorsa per il trattamento del trauma e di altri disturbi d’ansia, sebbene ancora non sia stata completamente chiarita la sua modalità di azione sui circuiti neurali. Molte ricerche sono state effettuate per valutare l’efficacia dell’EMDR, ma solo un numero esiguo di esse ha indagato il substrato neurobiologico di questa psicoterapia.
Le metodiche di neuroimmagini utilizzate finora per studi sull’EMDR sono la Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) e la Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). La prima raccoglie dati sull’attivita’ cellulare cerebrale mentre la seconda riporta dati anatomici strutturali.
Gli studi funzionali condotti con SPECT consentono di identificare le variazioni del metabolismo e del flusso ematico cerebrale, suggerendo un ruolo specifico per ciascuna area cerebrale coinvolta nel complesso meccanismo che sottende il processamento delle emozioni; la MRI consente invece di rilevare la presenza di variazioni morfologiche e volumetriche di specifiche strutture cerebrali. Negli ultimi anni, studi SPECT e MRI, volti ad esaminare gli effetti dell’EMDR sulla fisiopatologia cerebrale in pazienti affetti da disturbi d’ansia, hanno riscontrato sostanziali variazioni del flusso ematico ed alterazioni strutturali di alcune regioni cerebrali in seguito a terapia.
L’efficacia dell’EMDR nel trattamento del PTSD è stata confermata da uno studio SPECT su sei soggetti ( Lansing et al.) (1) che ha evidenziato dopo terapia una diminuzione del flusso ematico nel lobo occipitale bilateralmente e nel lobo parietale sinistro e un aumento di flusso nel giro frontale inferiore sinistro. Sempre utilizzando la SPECT Oh e Choi (2) hanno riportato una significativa modificazione del flusso cerebrale in seguito ad EMDR, prevalentemente riscontrabile nell’area limbica e nella corteccia prefrontale. Un recente studio con utilizzo di MRI (3) ha inoltre messo in evidenza un aumento di volume dell’ippocampo in seguito a trattamento con EMDR, aumento invece non riportato in un lavoro di Lindauer et al. su 9 soggetti con PTSD, nonostante il successo clinico della psicoterapia eclettica eseguita (4).
Obiettivi: il nostro gruppo ha studiato gli effetti a breve e lungo termine dell’EMDR (5, 6) dimostrando la sua efficacia nel trattamento di soggetti traumatizzati sul lavoro, e una stabilità del miglioramento clinico ottenuto in risposta alla terapia, ancora presente a distanza di tre anni. Nell’ambito dello stesso progetto sono state anche studiate le variazioni del flusso ematico cerebrale e della volumetria di alcune strutture cerebrali in relazione alla terapia con EMDR. Un primo studio SPECT ha analizzato la variazione della distribuzione di flusso in 11 soggetti guariti clinicamente da PTSD in seguito a EMDR messi a confronto con 5 soggetti nei quali la terapia non ha avuto effetto (7). Risultati: è stato evidenziato nei soggetti con remissione sintomatologica significative differenze di flusso in 4 aree corticali, alla disfunzione delle quali sono ascrivibili alcuni sintomi presenti in corso di PTSD. Diminuzioni di flusso post-terapia sono state registrate nell’ippocampo, nella corteccia parieto-occipitale e nella corteccia visiva primaria. L’ippocampo e’ sede della memoria a breve termine; la corteccia parieto-occipitale processa il riconoscimento di volti, dei corpi e delle parole; la corteccia visiva primaria custodisce la memoria visiva degli eventi. La mancata inibizione e/o l’iperattivita’ di queste regioni nel PTSD sono responsabili della rivisitazione patologica dell’evento traumatico e della presenza di flashback ed immagini allucinatorie. Inoltre la corteccia frontale dorsolaterale ha dimostrato un aumento di flusso nei soggetti che hanno risposto positivamente alla terapia. Questa regione chiave oltre ad essere deputata ad inibire la risposta patologica a stimoli che ricordano l’evento traumatico e’ essenziale per i processi di attenzione e di autostima, diminuiti in corso di PTSD e recuperati in seguito alla remissione della malattia. In ulteriori studi che combinano indagini funzionali e strutturali utilizzando SPECT e MRI abbiamo messo in evidenza il valore predittivo delle dimensioni dell’ippocampo riguardo all’efficacia della terapia con EMDR (Pagani et al. sottomesso).
Conclusioni: gli effetti della terapia con EMDR sono risultati, unitamente ad un consistente miglioramento della sintomatologia e ad una riduzione della iperreattività a stimoli di carattere emotivo, in una normalizzazione funzionale di alcune aree specifiche e in un aumento del volume ippocampale probabilmente ascrivibile a neo-neurogenesi. Questi risultati sono in linea con la pregressa letteratura e con le attuali conoscenze sul PTSD e suggeriscono basi neurobiologiche dell’effetto terapeutico dell’EMDR confermandone l’impatto funzionale su strutture cerebrali coinvolte in patologie ansiogene.
Bibliografia:
1. Lansing et al. (2005). J Neuropsych Clin Neurosci;17(4):526-532.
2. Ho DH and Choi J. (2007). J EMDR Pract Res;1(1):24-30.
3. Bossini et al. (2007). J Neuropsych Clin Neurosci; 19(4):475-476.
4. Lindauer et al. (2005). Psychol Med ; 35 :1-11.
5. Hogberg et al. (2007). Nord J Psych; 61(1):54-61.
6. Hogberg et al. (2008). Psych Res; doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2007.10.019.
7. Pagani et al. (2007). Nuc Med Comm; 28(10):757-65. [Pagani abstract]
Introduction In recent years the number of studies in disorders caused by traumatic events has been greatly accelerated by detecting the existence of morphological and physiological changes in specific brain areas associated with both the emotional response to trauma to the onset of symptoms Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).
The use of neuroimaging techniques has allowed to shed light on the neural correlates of psychotherapy, revealing the neurobiological effects on brain function. Under the different psychotherapeutic approaches, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy) has emerged as a promising resource for the treatment of trauma and other anxiety disorders, although still not been fully elucidated its mode of action on neural circuits. Many studies have been carried out to assess the effectiveness EMDR, but only a small number of them have investigated the neurobiological substrate of this psychotherapy.
The methods used so far for neuroimaging studies on EMDR are Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The first collects data on 'brain cells while the second contains structural anatomical data.
The functional studies performed with SPECT to identify changes in metabolism and cerebral blood flow, suggesting a specific role for each brain area involved in the complex mechanism underlying the processing of emotions, instead of MRI allows detection of morphological changes and volume of specific brain structures. In recent years, MRI and SPECT studies, aimed to examine the effects of EMDR on brain pathophysiology in patients with anxiety disorders, have found substantial variations in blood flow and structural alterations of some brain regions after treatment.
The effectiveness of EMDR in the treatment of PTSD was confirmed by a SPECT study in six subjects (Lansing et al.) (1) showed that after treatment reduced blood flow in the occipital lobe bilaterally and in left parietal lobe and a increase of flow in left inferior frontal gyrus. Always using SPECT Oh and Choi (2) reported a significant change of cerebral blood flow after EMDR, mainly found in limbic and prefrontal cortex. A recent study using MRI (3) has also highlighted an increase in volume of the hippocampus after treatment with EMDR, but no increase in reported work of Lindauer et al. on 9 subjects with PTSD, despite the clinical success of eclectic psychotherapy performed (4).
Objectives: Our group has studied the effects of short and long term EMDR (5, 6) demonstrating its effectiveness in treating traumatized individuals at work, and stability of clinical improvement obtained in response to therapy, yet this distance three years. Within the same project were also studied changes in cerebral blood flow and volume of certain brain structures in relation to treatment with EMDR. A first SPECT study analyzed the change in flow distribution in 11 subjects clinically recovered from PTSD after EMDR compared with 5 subjects in whom treatment had no effect (7). Results: It was shown in patients with symptomatic remission, significant differences in flow in 4 cortical areas, which are attributable to dysfunction of some symptoms of PTSD being present. Flow decreases post-treatment were recorded in the hippocampus, cortex parietal-occipital and primary visual cortex. The hippocampus and 'seat of short-term memory, the parietal-occipital cortex processes the recognition of faces, bodies and words, the primary visual cortex preserves the visual memory of events. The lack of inhibition and / or 'hyperactivity' of PTSD in these regions are responsible for the pathological review of the traumatic event and the presence of flashbacks and hallucinatory images. Moreover, the dorsolateral frontal cortex showed an increase in flow in subjects who responded positively to therapy. This key region in addition to being appointed to inhibit the pathological response to stimuli that recall the traumatic event and 'essential for the processes of attention and self-esteem, decreased in the course of PTSD and recovered following the remission of the disease. In further studies that combine functional and structural investigations using SPECT and MRI have shown the predictive value of the size of the hippocampus on the effectiveness of EMDR therapy (Pagani et al. Submitted).
Conclusion: the effects of EMDR therapy were coupled with a significant improvement in symptoms and a reduction of hyperreactivity to stimuli, emotional, functional in a normalization of some specific areas and an increase in hippocampal volume probably due to neo- neurogenesis. These results are consistent with previous literature and with current knowledge about PTSD and suggest a neurobiological basis of therapeutic EMDR confirming the functional impact on brain structures involved in anxiety-disorders.
Bibliography:
1. Lansing et al. (2005). J Neuropsych Clin Neurosci, 17 (4) :526-532.
2. I DH and J. Choi (2007). J EMDR pract Res, 1 (1) :24-30.
3. Bossini et al. (2007). J Neuropsych Clin Neurosci, 19 (4) :475-476.
4. Lindauer et al. (2005). Psychol Med, 35 :1-11.
5. Högberg et al. (2007). Nord J Psych, 61 (1) :54-61.
6. Högberg et al. (2008). Psych Res, doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2007.10.019.
7. Pagani et al. (2007). NUC Med Comm, 28 (10) :757-65. [Pagani abstract]
Keywords: Brain Functions Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
36. Christman, S. D., Propper, R. E., & Brown, T. J. (2006, May). Increased interhemispheric interaction is associated with earlier offset of childhood amnesia. Neuropsychology, 20(3), 336-345. doi:10.1037/0894-4105.20.3.336 .
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Experiment 1 found that mixed-handedness, which is associated with increased interaction between the left and right cerebral hemispheres relative to strong right-handedness, was associated with an earlier offset of childhood amnesia. In Experiment 2, bilateral saccadic eye movements, which have been shown to enhance interhemispheric interaction, were also associated with an earlier offset of childhood amnesia. These results build upon a growing body of research indicating an interhemispheric basis for the retrieval of episodic memories. Moreover, the results of Experiment 2 suggest that interhemispheric interaction has its effect on the retrieval, not encoding, of episodic memories. (PsycINFO]
Accuracy Verified: Yes
37. Garvey, K. J. (2004). Increased interhemispheric interaction leads to decreased false memories for prose: The effects of degree of handedness and of eye movement-induced cortical activation. University of Toledo, Toledo, OH. AAT 3141037.
Language: English
Format: Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract:
Two experiments examining the effects of mixed handedness (which is associated with increased interhemispheric interaction) and horizontal saccadic eye movements (which are associated with increased bihemispheric cortical activation) on the recognition of prose are reported. In study one mixed handedness was associated with greater accuracy in both rejecting new material and recognizing old material. In study two eye movements resulted in relative improvement of episodic memory. This improvement is hypothesized to reflect increased interaction between the left and right cerebral hemispheres, which is associated with superior episodic memory. Implications for possible neuropsychological mechanisms underlying eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a therapeutic techniquDissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering. 65(7-B), 2005, pp. 3738.e for PTSD, are discussed. [Author Abstract]
Keywords: Cognitive Processes Empirical Study Eye Movements False Memory Handedness Interhemispheric Interaction Neurobiology Quantitative Study Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Prose PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
38. Propper, R. E., & Christman, S. D. (2008). Interhemispheric interaction and saccadic horizontal eye movements - Implications for episodic memory, EMDR, and PTSD. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(4), 269-281. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.2.4.269.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
The growing body of literature on the effects of bilateral saccadic eye movements, patterned after those
employed in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), on memory is reviewed. Research
indicates that engaging in bilateral saccadic eye movements prior to lab-based memory testing results in
signifi cant improvement in episodic memory across a wide range of memory tests. Other effects of these
types of eye movements on hemispheric activation and emotional state are also discussed. The fi ndings
are interpreted within a framework suggesting that bilateral saccadic eye movements, such as those employed
in EMDR, increase interaction between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. This framework
is also used to explain the effects of such eye movements on memory during EMDR treatment of posttraumatic
stress disorder.
Keywords: Eye Movements Episodic Memory Handedness Interhemispheric Interaction
Accuracy Verified: Yes
39. Pagani, M. (2010, June). Introduction to neuroimaging in EMDR research. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Hamburg, Germany.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
In the recent years the number of neuroimaging studies
evaluating neural correlates of psychotherapy has steadily
increased revealing its clear neurobiological effects on brain
function across a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Functional
studies by single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) detect
changes in cerebral blood flow and metabolism patterns, identifying
the brain areas processing the various components of
emotional processing and/or affected by the disorders. investigations
by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have also revealed
psychiatry disease-related structural changes.
The first part of the workshop (20 minutes) will describe the
neuroimaging methodologies implemented in EMDR research
and their possible clinical implementations will be discussed.
In the second part (10 minutes) neuroimaging studies on the
neurobiological effect of EMDR will be reviewed (1-5).
The third part of the workshop (30 minutes) will deal with the
last findings in EMDR research and will focus on a recent studies
published by our group on the Journal of Psychiatry Research
about the predictive value of MRI on the outcome of
EMDR therapy (6).Moreover a collaborator of our group will
describe and present the preliminary findings of an ongoing experiment
aiming to identify the neurophysiological mechanisms
active during EMDR therapy.
The description and the discussion about the contents of the
workshop will provide the audience
1 the necessary information to understand the methodological
principles behind the neuroimaging techniques (PET and
SPECT) and their possible applications in research and clinic;
2, the critical knowledge of the limited number of published
papers in the field of EMDR-related functional and anatomical
studies (1-6);
3. the basic research principles and examples to be motivated
to begin, take part and/or collaborate to EMDR research in order
to shed light on the neural basis of this fascinating psychotherapeutic
technique.
The presented material will represent the state-of-the-art of the
current neuroscience EMDR-related research and of the neuroimaging
methodologies available at the moment.
in case more contributions will be included in this workshop the
proposed presentation time schedule might change.
References:
Lansing et al. (2005). J Neuropsych Clin Neurosci; l7(4):526-532.
Propper et al. (2007). J Nerv Met Dis; 195:785-788.
Ho DH and Choi J. (2007). J EMDR Pract Res; l(l):24-30.
Pagani et al. (2007). Nuc Med Comm: 28(10):757-65.
Bossini et al (2007). J Neuropsych Clin Neurosci; 19(4):475-476.
Nardo et al. (2010). J Psychiatry Res; D0110.1016/jjpsychires.2009.10.014
Keywords: Neuroimaging Research
Accuracy Verified: Yes
40. Dunne, T. (2010, March). An investigation into therapists’ beliefs about how eye movement desensitization & reprocessing (EMDR) works in clinical practice: Do the eyes have it?. Poster presented at the 8th EMDR Association UK & Ireland Annual Conference & AGM, Dublin, Ireland.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
These were subject to statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
and Chi-Square tests to examine the relationships between Questionnaire items for
significance. A total of 9 subjects agreed to be interviewed regarding their EMDR practice
and integration issues. This qualititative data was content analyzed. No differences were
found between both groups on Biodata factors, years of experience as a Therapist or years
using EMDR which gives further confidence in the results when comparing both cohorts.
Results: Respondents endorsed two types of explanation as to why they believed EMDR
works (ie) EMDR facilitates communication between the Limbic system and Frontal Lobes
(77%) and Adaptive Information Processing (73%). This suggests that Therapists are not
just following Shapiro’s AIP model slavishly but are rather making up their own minds.
There were no significant differences between Analytic, CBT, Integrative and Humanistic
Therapists in terms of explanatory mechanisms endorsed about EMDR’s “active
ingredient”. CBT Therapists found it easier to incorporate EMDR into their clinical
practice than Analytic or Humanist Therapists. This finding was supported by the results of
the qualitative interview data. Indeed, up to 40% of Therapists sampled experienced
difficulties in integrating EMDR into their clinical practice, post training. The types of
difficulties identified included: Differences in theoretical beliefs, more active style of
EMDR, structure of EMDR Protocol, Therapist confidence issues, Organizational
issues and hostility from clinical colleagues, bullying, lack of supervision and support
post training.
Conclusions: The results of this study confirm findings from earlier studies regarding
Therapists’ beliefs about EMDR but also extend those finding internationally so that
previous findings can now be accepted as universal given that this present study
contained respondents from three other continents other than North America. This study
also found that up to 40% of Therapists trained in EMDR experienced significant
difficulties in integrating EMDR into their clinical practice post-training. Analytic and
Humanist Therapists reported the biggest difficulties which included conflict with the
Therapists’ original theoretical model, the EMDR Protocol structure itself, Therapist
confidence and lack of supervision and support, Organizational and Management issues of
opposition to EMDR and Therapist Bullying. The implications for EMDR training are
discussed and communicated to relevant EMDR Training Organizations.
Keywords: Poster Research Therapist's Beliefs
Accuracy Verified: Yes
41. Shapiro, F. (2011, November). L'EMDR, le traitement adaptatif de l'information et la conceptualisation de cas [EMDR, adaptive information processing and case conceptualization]. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 5(4), 51E-73E. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.5.4.E51.
Language: French
Format: Journal
Abstract:
L’EMDR est une approche psychothérapeutique intégrative, centrée sur le client, qui met l’accent sur le
système cérébral de traitement de l’information et sur les souvenirs d’expériences perturbantes en tant
que fondations des pathologies qui ne sont pas causées par un déficit ou une blessure organique. L’EMDR
aborde les expériences qui contribuent aux conditions cliniques ainsi que celles qui sont nécessaires
pour accompagner le client vers un état de santé psychologique robuste. L’article apporte une synthèse
de l’histoire, du développement et des recherches qui ont établi l’EMDR en tant que traitement soutenu
empiriquement. Après l’explication du modèle de traitement adaptatif de l’information, un exemple de
cas approfondi illustre la conceptualisation de cas recommandée en EMDR et les huit phases du protocole.
Cette approche est utilisée pour traiter les souvenirs antérieurs qui sont à la base de la pathologie et
les situations présentes qui déclenchent le dysfonctionnement, tout en apportant les scénarios pour une
action future appropriée et les comportements permettant de combler les déficits développementaux et/
ou les lacunes d’acquisition d’habiletés. Les bénéfices de l’intégration de l’EMDR avec les perspectives
de la systémique familiale en vue d’apporter les effets thérapeutiques les plus complets sont décrits.
EMDR is an integrative, client-centered psychotherapy approach that emphasizes the brain's information processing system and memories of disturbing experiences as the bases of those pathologies not caused by organic deficit or insult. EMDR addresses the experiences that contribute to clinical conditions and those needed to bring the client to a robust state of psychological health. Overviews of the history, development, and research that have established EMDR as an empirically supported treatment are provided. Subsequent to an explanation of the adaptive information processing model, an extended case example is used to illustrate the recommended EMDR case conceptualization and eight phases of treatment. This approach is used to process the early memories that set the foundation for the pathology and the present situations that trigger the dysfunction, while providing templates for appropriate future action that incorporate the information and behaviors needed to overcome skill and/or developmental deficits. The benefits of integrating EMDR and family systems perspectives to provide the most comprehensive therapeutic effects are described.
Keywords: Adaptive Information Processing Mode Systemic Family Therapy Integrative Psychotherapy Memories
Accuracy Verified: Yes
42. Sugawara Masakazu & Suzuki K (2004, July). Methodological and conceptual issues and tests - EMDR(Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and REM sleep. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Australian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI) and the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), Brisbane, Australia.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract: Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and REM sleep. [Background] Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a new innovative treatment with a high success rate for psychological disturbances rooted in traumatic memory. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms of EMDR have not yet been elucidated. Why is saccadic eye movement effective for the reprocessing of previously established conditioned reflex? [Aims] The present research analysed (i)the topographical changes of EEG (and ERP) and REM sleep after EMDR treatment, and (ii)the subjective units of emotional distress (SUDs) and VOC. [Methods] Subjects (13 males and 20 females) were assigned to three groups according to varied conditions (control, provocational, and EMDR), and engaged in sets of horizontal saccadic-eye movements lasting approximately 30 seconds per set. Topographical changes of EEG and ERP activities were recorded from 14 placements over frontal, central, parietal, temporal and occipital scalp locations in the international 10-20 system with linked mastoides (A1-A2). Electrodes were also placed on the lateral canthus and above the supercillium of the left eye in order to measure the electrooculographic and electromyographic responses. [Results and Conclusions] The statistical significance of topographical EEG differences and REM densities during the pre-0post EMDR treatment situations, were evaluated using an ANONA and Mann-Whitney U test. The neurophysiological and psychological data indicate that the density of eye movement during REM sleep increased after provocation and EMDR, and the left frontal activities might indicate a treatment efficacy. It supports the hypothesis is that REM sleep is intimately involved with the mechanisms of emotional and memory reprocessing.
Accuracy Verified: Yes
43. Zarghi, A., Zali1, A., & Tehranidost, M. (2013, February). Methodological aspects of cognitive rehabilitation with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Basic and Clincal Neuroscience, 4(1), 97-103.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
A variety of nervous system components such as medulla, pons, midbrain, cerebellum, basal
ganglia, parietal, frontal and occipital lobes have role in Eye Movement Desensitization and
Reprocessing (EMDR) processes. The eye movement is done simultaneously for attracting
client's attention to an external stimulus while concentrating on a certain internal subject. Eye
movement guided by therapist is the most common attention stimulus. The role of eye movement
has been documented previously in relation with cognitive processing mechanisms. A series
of systemic experiments have shown that the eyes’ spontaneous movement is associated with
emotional and cognitive changes and results in decreased excitement, flexibility in attention,
memory processing, and enhanced semantic recalling. Eye movement also decreases the
memory's image clarity and the accompanying excitement. By using EMDR, we can reach
some parts of memory which were inaccessible before and also emotionally intolerable.
Various researches emphasize on the effectiveness of EMDR in treating and curing phobias,
pains, and dependent personality disorders. Consequently, due to the involvement of multiple
neural system components, this palliative method of treatment can also help to rehabilitate the
neuro-cognitive system.
Keywords: Rehabilitation
Accuracy Verified: Yes
44. Lundin, T. (2007). Nedsatt smärtkänslighet vid posttraumatiskt stressyndrom [Reduced pain sensitivity in posttraumatic stress syndrome]. Läkartidningen, 104(16), 1219.
Language: Swedish
Format: Magazine
Abstract:
Under de senaste decennierna har det
blivit allt tydligare att posttraumatiskt
stressyndrom (PTSD) är ett psykiskt
sjukdomstillstånd med klara neurofysiologiska
eller strukturella förändringar i
hjärnans basala strukturer. PET- och
MR-tekniker har kommit till allt större
användning, såväl vid grundläggande
studier av cerebrala förändringar vid
PTSD som vid studiet av farmakologiska
och psykologiska behandlingsinsatser,
tex vid EMDR(eye movement desensitization
and reprocessing)-behandling.
In recent decades there has
become increasingly clear that post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental
illness with clear neurophysiological
structural changes in
basal brain structures. PET and
MR techniques have come to increasingly
use, both at the fundamental
Studies of cerebral changes in
PTSD as the study of pharmacological
and psychological treatment interventions,
tex in EMDR (eye movement desensitization
and Reprocessing) therapy.
Keywords: Letter Pain Sensitivity Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
45. Pagani, M. (2010, Novembre). Neurobiologia e nuovi concetti fisiopatologici dell’EMDR [Neurobiology and new concepts pathophysiological EMDR]. Presentazione al "Convegno La psicotraumatologia Oncologica, Roma, Italia.
Language: Italian
Format: Conference
Abstract:
La sindrome da stress post-traumatico (PTSD) causa nel cervello cambiamenti sia anatomici sia funzionali in specifiche aree cerebrali associate alla risposta emotiva al trauma ed alla relativa insorgenza dei sintomi. Studi di immagini funzionali (tomografia ad emissione di fotone singolo, SPECT, e a emissione di positroni, PET) e strutturali (risonanza magnetica, RM) hanno evidenziato significative variazioni neuropatologiche in pazienti con PTSD durante la rivisitazione del trauma.
L’impiego di queste tecniche ha consentito di fare luce sui correlati neurali della psicoterapia, rivelando i suoi effetti neurobiologici sulle funzioni cerebrali. Nell’ambito dei diversi approcci psicoterapeutici, l’EMDR (Desensibilizzazione e rielaborazione attraverso i movimenti oculari) è emerso come promettente risorsa per il trattamento del trauma e di altri disturbi d’ansia, sebbene ancora non sia stata completamente chiarita la sua modalità di azione sui circuiti neurali. Tuttavia solo un numero esiguo di studi ha indagato il substrato neurobiologico di questa psicoterapia. Verranno discussi studi che il nostro gruppo ha recentemente pubblicato su riviste internazionali e che hanno dimostrato con la SPECT come l’EMDR normalizzi il flusso ematico cerebrale nelle aree limbiche implicate nel PTSD (1) e con la RM come nei pazienti che non rispondono a terapia molte di queste aree presentino una diminuzione rilevante della densità della sostanza grigia (2). Verranno inoltre presentati i risultati preliminari del primo studio che monitora completamente con EEG una seduta EMDR e dimostra le attivazioni che i cicli di desensibilizzazione per se provocano a livello corticale e subcorticale sia durante la prima seduta che durante l’ultima quando il soggetto ha elaborato il trauma.
1. Nardo D et al. J Psychiat Res 2010; 44:477-485
2. Pagani M et al. Nucl Med Commun 2007; 28: 757-765
The syndrome of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes changes in the brain is anatomical and functional in specific brain areas associated with emotional response to trauma and the related onset of symptoms. Studies of the functional (single photon emission computed tomography, SPECT, and emission tomography, PET) and structural (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) have shown significant neuropathological changes in patients with PTSD during revisiting the trauma.
The use of these techniques has allowed to shed light on the neural correlates of psychotherapy, revealing the neurobiological effects on brain function. Under the different psychotherapeutic approaches, EMDR (Desensitization and reprocessing through eye movements) has emerged as a promising resource for the treatment of trauma and other anxiety disorders, although still not been fully elucidated its mode of action neural circuits. However, only a small number of studies have investigated the neurobiological substrate of this psychotherapy. They will discuss studies that our group has recently published in international journals and who have demonstrated with SPECT as EMDR normalize cerebral blood flow in the limbic areas implicated in PTSD (1) and with MRI as in patients who do not respond to therapy many of these areas present a significant decrease in the density of gray matter (2). We will also present the preliminary results of the first study that monitors completely with EEG and demonstrates an EMDR session activations and cycles of desensitization if they cause in the cortex and subcortical both during the first session that during the last when the subject has developed the trauma.
1. D Nardo et al. J Psychiat Res 2010; 44:477-485
2. Pagani M et al. Nucl Med Commun 2007; 28: 757-765
Keywords: Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
46. Pagani, M., Flumeri, F., Salmaso, D., Nardo, D., Sanchez-Crespo, A., Danielsson, A. M., Brolin, F., Jacobsson, H., Larsson, S. A., & Hogberg, G. (2008, October). Neurobiological changes in post traumatic stress disorder following treatment with eye movement desensitisation reprocessing. Presentation at the European Association of Nuclear Medicine Congress, Munich, Germany, European Journal of Nuclear Medical and Molecular Imaging, 35(Supp 2).
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Background: Only few studies have reported functional or structural modifications in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients following pharmacological treatment or psychotherapy. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a novel eclectic psychotherapy utilising, among other techniques, relaxation and safe place exercises, cognitive restructuring, future projections, and imaginal exposure of the trauma combined with sensory stimulation. The aim of the study was to analyse the differences in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) distribution and in brain volumetry before and after EMDR therapy.
Subjects and Methods: Fifteen subjects with chronic PTSD following occupational health hazards were treated with five sessions of EMDR. They were assessed with psychometric scales and diagnostic interviews before and directly after treatment. SPECT, during administration of an individualised trauma script, was performed using 99mTc-HMPAO. After EMDR, the subjects were subdivided into responders (R, n=10) and non-responders (NS, n=5), based on the absence or presence, respectively, of full PTSD diagnosis. SPECT and volumetric data (MRI) analyses were carried out by Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM2). SPECT and MRI data were covaried by age and by time elapsed from trauma to SPECT. SPECT data were further covaried by the amount of grey matter normalised by the total intracranial volume.
Results: Immediate significant post-treatment changes towards normality in all scales measuring psychological status were found in responders. As compared to NR, R showed a significantly decreased tracer uptake in parieto-occipital (Brodmann Area, BA, 37, fusiform gyrus) and in primary visual cortex (BA17) and in the hippocampus (p<0.001). The opposite comparison highlighted an increased tracer uptake in left frontal cortex (BA 44; p<0.05). Structural grey matter modifications were found in visual, posterior cingulate and parieto-temporal cortex, paralleling the functional changes.
Conclusion: The positive EMDR outcome corresponded to increased 99mTc-HMPAO uptake in the left dorsolateral frontal cortex, processing attention and self confidence and exerting an inhibitory effect on the amygdala whose firing is supposed to be responsible for PTSD. After successful treatment significant decreases were found in primary visual cortex, processing images of traumatic memories and flashbacks; in fusiform gyrus, processing the memories of faces, bodies and words and in the hippocampi, involved in episodic and autobiographical memories. Volumetric changes paralleled the ones in tracer uptake in all regions Taken as a whole these findings suggest that the positive clinical outcome following EMDR therapy causes functional and structural neurobiological changes towards normality.
Keywords: Brain Volumetry Neurobiological Changes Posttraumtic Stress Disorder PTSD rCBF Regional Cerebral Blood Flow
Accuracy Verified: Yes
47. Pagani, M., DiLorenzo, G., Verardo, A. R., Nicolais, G., Monaco, L., Lauretti, G., Russo, R., Niolu, C., Ammaniti, M. Fernandex, I., & Siracusano, A. (2012). Neurobiological correlates of EMDR monitoring - an EEG study. PLoS ONE, 7(9), 1-12. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0045753.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Background: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a recognized first-line treatment for psychological trauma. However its neurobiological bases have yet to be fully disclosed.
Methods: Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to fully monitor neuronal activation throughout EMDR sessions including the autobiographical script. Ten patients with major psychological trauma were investigated during their first EMDR session (T0) and during the last one performed after processing the index trauma (T1). Neuropsychological tests were administered at the same time. Comparisons were performed between EEGs of patients at T0 and T1 and between EEGs of patients and 10 controls who underwent the same EMDR procedure at T0. Connectivity analyses were carried out by lagged phase synchronization.
RESULTS: During bilateral ocular stimulation (BS) of EMDR sessions EEG showed a significantly higher activity on the orbito-frontal, prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex in patients at T0 shifting towards left temporo-occipital regions at T1. A similar trend was found for autobiographical script with a higher firing in fronto-temporal limbic regions at T0 moving to right temporo-occipital cortex at T1. The comparisons between patients and controls confirmed the maximal activation in the limbic cortex of patients occurring before trauma processing. Connectivity analysis showed decreased pair-wise interactions between prefrontal and cingulate cortex during BS in patients as compared to controls and between fusiform gyrus and visual cortex during script listening in patients at T1 as compared to T0. These changes correlated significantly with those occurring in neuropsychological tests.
Conclusion: The ground-breaking methodology enabled our study to image for the first time the specific activations associated with the therapeutic actions typical of EMDR protocol. The findings suggest that traumatic events are processed at cognitive level following successful EMDR therapy, thus supporting the evidence of distinct neurobiological patterns of brain activations during BS associated with a significant relief from negative emotional experiences.
Keywords: EEG Study Neurobiological Correlates
Accuracy Verified: Yes
48. Pagani, M., Salmaso, D., Flumeri, F., & Hogberg, G. (2008, June). The neurobiological substrates of PTSD and EMDR therapy. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England UK.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
In the recent years, the number of studies using neuro-imaging to evaluate neural correlates of psychotherapy
has steadily increased revealing its clear neurobiological effects on brain function across a wide range of
psychiatric disorders. Functional studies by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron
emission tomography (PET) can now reliably detect changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and metabolism
patterns, suggesting a specific role for each of the brain areas in various components of emotional processing.
Investigations by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have also revealed psychiatry disease-related structural
changes. Some regions have been reported to be associated with emotional response to trauma, and with
symptom formation in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Several studies have provided evidence for the
efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) in the treatment of PTSD. However
a very limited number of studies have investigated the neurobiological substrate of such therapy in clinical
practice. SPECT and MRI studies, performed to examine the effects of EMDR on brain patho-physiology have
provided some preliminary evidence that changes in brain CBF and structure patterns may follow effective
treatment. In general in PTSD and in anxiety disorders functional deactivations parallel symptoms relief and
decreased hyperreactivity to emotional and memory disturbances. Functional neuro-imaging is a promising tool
for the investigation of the physiological impact of psychotherapy in anxiety related disorders and may thus pave
the road for a better detection of its effects in psychiatric treatment. The scientific literature reporting
PTSD/EMRD related neuro-imaging studies will be extensively reviewed.
Keywords: Neurobiology Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
49. Bergmann, U. (2008, September). The neurobiology of EMDR: Recent findings and insights. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Phoenix, AZ.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Given that EMDR originated as an empirically driven method, there has persisted a need for a more defined theoretical and neurobiological model of EMDR’s reported robust effects. This presentation will synthesize the existing research on memory formation. Specific attention will be given to recent empirical findings, involving the thalamus in somatosensory integration and in episodic and procedural memory integration. This material will be integrated with previously posited theories regarding the cerebellum’s involvement in many aspects of information processing and activation processes of the frontal lobes and EMDR’s activation of the neurophysiology of REM-sleep systems.
Keywords: Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
50. Bergmann, U. (2008). The neurobiology of EMDR: Exploring the thalamus and neural integration. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(4), 300-314. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.2.4.300.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Recent neuroimaging studies on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have revealed a consistent decrease
in thalamic activity, relative to non-PTSD controls. Empirical studies of the past decade have
shown the thalamus to be centrally involved in the integration of perceptual, somatosensory, memorial,
and cognitive processes (thalamo-cortical-temporal binding). A theoretical model is proposed to suggest
that one underlying mechanism of EMDR stimulation (dual-attention stimulation/bilateral stimulation
[DAS/BLS] ) is thalamic activation, specifi cally of the ventrolateral and central-lateral nuclei. It is hypothesized
that this may facilitate the repair and integration of somatosensory, memorial, cognitive, frontal
lobe and synchronized hemispheric functions that are disrupted in PTSD.
Keywords: 40-Hz Gamma-Band Activity (GBA) Neural Oscillation Thalamo-Cortical-Temporal Binding Thalamus
Accuracy Verified: Yes
51. Bergmann, U. (2008, June). The neurobiology of EMDR: Recent findings and insights. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Prior presentations focused on EMDR’s ability to activate REM-sleep systems and to mediate frontal lobe
activation. New research on the Thalamus and thalamo-cortical-temporal-binding and Somato-sensory
integration will be introduced. Accordingly, new speculations will be offered regarding EMDR’s ability to
reset/repair the impairment in thalamic functioning that is inherent in PTSD. This presentation will, also,
introduce more recent research, contrasting thalamic impairment in Type 1 PTSD vs. Complex PTSD. In addition,
new findings regarding the formation, content and storage of memory and its impairment, in PTSD, will be
explored vis-à-vis EMDR's ability to make repairs, in this area.
Keywords: Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
52. Bergmann, U. (2007, September). The neurobiology of EMDR: Recent findings and insights. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Dallas, TX.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Clinical case reports and controlled research suggest that EMDR is equally and perhaps more efficacious than other methods in treating PTSD. However, as EMDR originated as an empirically driven method, there has persisted a need for a more defined theoretical and neurobiological model of EMDR’s reported robust effects. This presentation will synthesize the existing research on memory formation. Specific attention will be given to recent empirical findings, involving the thalamus in somatosensory integration and in episodic and procedural memory integration. This material will be integrated with previously posited theories regarding the cerebellum’s involvement in many aspects of information processing and activation processes of the frontal lobes and EMDR’s activation of the neurophysiology of REM-sleep systems.
Keywords: Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
53. Bergmann, U., & Bromberg, P. (2003, November). The neurobiology of EMDR: Recent insights and their contribution to the treatment of dissociation. Presentation at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Study of Dissociation Fall Conference, Chicago, IL.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
This presentation will explore the formation and consolidation of emotions and memory, various possible neural mechanisms of EMDR's treatment effects; with an emphasis on cerebellar mechanisms, and their direct relation to information processing and frontal lobe activation. Recent knowledge regarding Allan Schore's work on the orbitofrontal cortex and Steven Porges' work on the brainstem will be explored; with a major emphasis given to their implication for improved techniques to facilitate EMDR processing.
Keywords: Dissociation Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
54. Bergmann, U. (2001, December). The neurobiology of EMDR: Recent insights and their contribution to the treatment of dissociation. Presentation at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Study of Dissociation Fall Conference, New Orleans, LA.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
This presentation will explore the formation and consolidation of emotions and memory, various possible neural mechanisms of EMDR's treatment effects; with an emphasis on cerebellar mechanisms, and their direct relation to information processing and frontal lobe activation. Recent knowledge regarding Allan Schore's work on the orbitofrontal cortex and Steven Porges' work on the brainstem will be explored; with a major emphasis given to their implication for improved techniques to facilitate EMDR processing.
Keywords: Dissociation Neurobioogy
Accuracy Verified: No
55. Bergmann, U. (2003, September). The neurobiology of EMDR: Recent insights and their contribution to the treatment of complex PTSD and dissociation. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Denver, CO. ;.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
This presentation will explore the formation and consolidation of emotions and memory, various possible neural mechanisms of EMDR's treatment effects, with an emphasis on cerebellar mechanisms, and their direct relations to information processing and frontal lobe activation. Recent knowledge regarding Allan Schore's work on the orbitofrontal cortex and Steven Porge's work on the brainstem will be explored; with a major emphasis given to their implication for improved techniques to facilitate EMDR processing.
Keywords: Alan Schore Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Complex PTSD C-PTSD Neurobiology Dissociation
Accuracy Verified: Yes
56. Bergmann, U. (2002, June). The neurobiology of EMDR: Recent insights and their contribution to the treatment of complex PTSD and dissociation. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, San Diego, CA.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
This presentation will explore the formation and consolidation of emotions and memory, various possible neural mechanisms of EMDR's treatment
effects; with an emphasis on cerebellar mechanisms, and their direct relation to information processing and frontal lobe activation. Recent knowledge regarding Allan Schore's work on the orbitofrontal cortex and
Steven Porges' work on the brainstem will be explored; with a major emphasis given to their implication for improved techniques to facilitate
EMDR processing.
Keywords: Allan Schore Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Complex PTSD C-PTSD Dissociation Neurobiology Steven Porge
Accuracy Verified: Yes
57. Bergmann, U. (2009, June). Neurobiology of information processing. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract: Given that EMDR originated as an empirically driven method, there has been a persistent need for a more defined theoretical and neurobiological model of EMDR's reported robust effects. This presentation will synthesize the existing research on information processing, as well as memorial, perceptual, cognitive and somatosensorial integration. Specific attention will be given to recent empirical findings, involving the hippocampus and thalamus in information processing and integration. EMDR’s DAS/BLS will be shown to activate REM-systems, as well as areas of the thalamus and frontal lobes, reduced in activation by PTSD, thereby allowing for the repair of perceptual, cognitive, memorial, somatosensory and inter-hemispheric functioning.
Keywords: Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
58. Bergmann, U. (2009, August). The neurobiology of information processing and EMDR: Recent findings and insights. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Atlanta, GA.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Given that EMDR originated as an empirically driven method, there has been a persistent need for a more defined theoretical and neurobiological model of EMDR's reported robust effects. This presentation will synthesize the existing research on information processing, as well as memorial, perceptual, cognitive and somatosensorial integration. Specific attention will be given to recent empirical findings, involving the hippocampus and thalamus in information processing and integration. EMDR’s DAS/BLS will be shown to activate REM-systems, as well as areas of the thalamus and frontal lobes, reduced in activation by PTSD, thereby allowing for the repair of perceptual, cognitive, memorial, somatosensory and inter-hemispheric functioning.
Keywords: Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
59. Bergmann, U. (2003, May). The neurobiology of the EMDR: Recent insights and their contribution to the treatment of dissociation. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Rome, Italy.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
This presentation will explore the formation and consolidation of emotions and memory, various possible neural mechanisms of EMDR's treatment effects; with an emphasis on cerebellar mechanisms, and their direct relation to information processing and frontal lobe activation. Recent knowledge regarding Allan Schore's work on the orbitofrontal cortex and Steven Porges' work on the brainstem will be explored; with a major emphasis given to their implication for improved techniques to facilitate EMDR processing.
Keywords: Dissociation Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
60. Pagani, M. (2011, June). Neuroimaging and novel neurobiological findings in EMDR research [Neuroimaging und neuartige neurobiologische erkenntnisse in der EMDR forschung]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Vienna, Austria.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
In the recent years the number of neuroimaging studies evaluating neural correlates of psychotherapy has steadily increased revealing its clear neurobiological effects on brain function across a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Functional studies by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) detect changes in cerebral blood flow and metabolism patterns, identifying the brain areas processing the various components of emotional processing and/or affected by the disorders. Investigations by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have also revealed psychiatry disease-related structural changes.
The first part of the workshop (20 minutes) will describe the neuroimaging methodologies and findings in PTSD/EMDR research with and extensive review of previous literature on the neurobiological effects of EMDR. The second part of the workshop (20 minutes) will deal with the description and implementation in research and clinic of neuropsychological testing with brief comments and discussion about their use in the recent experiments performed by our group. In the third part the EEG monitoring of a complete set of EMDR therapies in 10 patients suffering of major trauma will be presented. The relative results are the first report ever on the neurobiological changes occurring before, during and after EMDR therapy sheding light on the neuronal processes underlying its clinical efficacy.
Learning objectives:
The description and the discussion about the contents of the workshop will provide the audience (1) the necessary information to understand the methodological principles behind the neuroimaging techniques (PET, SPECT and MRI) and their possible applications in research and clinic; (2) the critical knowledge of the limited number of published papers in the field of EMDR-related functional and anatomical studies; (3) the basic research principles and examples to be motivated to begin, take part and/or collaborate to EMDR research in order to better understand the neural basis of this fascinating psychotherapeutic technique.
Keywords: Neurobiology Neuroimaging
Accuracy Verified: Yes
61. Koppel, H. (2005, Autumn/Winter). Opinion - Talking therapy and neuroscience - is there a convergence?. BNA British Neuroscience Association [BNA] Bulletin, a newsletter for members of the BNA, 52, 5-6.
Language: English
Format: Newsletter
Abstract:
Most of the effort that has been driving the increasing overlap between
talking therapy and neuroscience has come from work that is beginning
to understand the cytoarchitecture of the frontal cortex, on the one
hand, and techniques like neuroimaging on the other. Non scientists
seem to relate more easily to studies that involve humans engaged in
some kind of cerebral activity.
However, recently, therapists have begun to make what seems to be a
contribution to this overlap by developing new therapeutic techniques
for working with emotional or psychological issues; techniques that rely
less on words, suggesting that there is a neurobiological healing
process at work.
Keywords: Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
62. Pagani, M., Nardo, D., Flumeri, F., Salmaso, D., Looi, J., Sanchez-Crespo, A., Larsson, S.A., Sundin, Ö., Hogberg, G., & Bejerot, S. (2009, January). P03-58 volumetric changes in PTSD and in a subgroup of PTSD patients not responding to EMDR psychotherapy. European Psychiatry, 24(Supplement 1), S1057-S1057. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(09)71290-8.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Background: Several studies have reported limbic structures volume decrease in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, in PTSD the effect of therapy on brain structures has seldom been investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the grey matter (GM) loss in occupational related PTSD and to assess the volumetric differences between patients responding (R) and non-responding (NR) to psychotherapy.
Methods: Pre-EMDR MRI data of 21 train drives who did develop PTSD (S) and 22 who did not develop PTSD (NS) after person-under-the-train accidents were compared. Within S further comparisons were made between 10 R to Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and 5 NR. Data were analysed by optimised voxel-based morphometry as implemented in Statistical Parametric Mapping.
Results: As compared to NS, S showed a significant GM volume reduction in precuneus, lingual gyrus, posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. The R>NR comparison highlighted a significant GM reduction in NR in bilateral posterior cingulate, left middle frontal cortex and right parahippocampal, insular and temporal cortices.
Conclusions: Comparing two large groups of subjects significant GM volumetric reductions were found in PTSD in posterior limbic structures. NR showed, as compared to R, volume reduction in cortical structures including posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. These latter two structures seem to be the hallmark for both PTSD diagnosis and therapy outcome prediction.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
63. MacCulloch, M. (2002, June). Physiological data confirm that EMDR is a unique re-processing therapy: A synergistic theoretical approach to the nature of both EMDR and PTSD. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, San Diego, CA.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
In 1996, the existence of a cerebral de-arousal reflex was predicted. A suite of computer programs has been developed to administer EMDR and
take sequential measurements of changes in PTSD symptoms. Physiological data show that computer-induced eye movements produce de-arousal, causing attitude, and mood changes within and between
EMDR treatments. Theories to explain the variation in symptomatology in PTSD in terms of individual differences in "the strength of the nervous system" and the mechanism of EMDR are presented.
Keywords: Cerebral De-Arousal Reflex
Accuracy Verified: Yes
64. Pearson, H. J. (2009). Present and accounted for: Sensory stimulation and parietal neuroplasticity. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(1), 39-49. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.3.1.39.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
There are commonalities between neurologic syndromes arising from lesions of the parietal cortex and psychiatric syndromes secondary to psychological trauma. Additionally some posttraumatic syndromes may reflect functional disruption of parietal areas. Directional or bilateral alternating peripheral sensory stimulation appear to assist in the amelioration of a wide range of clinical conditions, including the neglect syndrome and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. It is posited that the stimulation may exert its effect through activation of parietal higher-order functions. The activation may result in an integration of sensory information and an updating of the current representation of person and space, which incorporates an awareness of current body reality, sense of self, and world view. It is hypothesized that the EMDR procedure is ideally constructed to facilitate parietal activation through multimodal sensory stimulation, attention and episodic memory retrieval and focus on internal and external body, space, and self. Further investigations and an integration of data between disciplines are suggested, in order to expand our range of effective treatments.
Keywords: Neglect Parietal Lobe Plasticity
Accuracy Verified: Yes
65. Schellong, J. (2010, June). Psychophysiological responsivity to trauma and internal resources in patients with PTSD and healthy subjects. In Research. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Hamburg, Germany.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
This study aims to measure psychophysiological
parameters during activation of internal resources k g .
positive memories) and to compare these to activated traumatic
internal networks.
Antecedent studies show that traumatic stimulation on patients
with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) finalizes in various
psychophysiological correlates. During therapy of these patients
a strong demand for activation of internal resources, i.e. activation
of fortitude and positives thoughts, exists. Especially EMDR
therapy uses resource stimulating elements such as position of
power and absorption in preparation for exposure. In this study
standardized EMDR protocols establish a solid basis to explore
individual internal resources.
Researches on trauma stimuli in EMDR- patients show effects
on parasympathetic tonus (Sack 2006) as well as increased cerebral
blood flow in defined brain regions (Levin 1999. Lamprecht
2000). Especially the heart rate variability (HRV) may describe
the sympatheticovagal balance (Cohen, 2002, Porges 1991). This
study focuses on psychophysiological effects and neurobiological
regulative mechanisms of stabilizing methods and activation of
internal resources in PTSD patients and healthy control group.
Methods: Healthy subjects and patients with diagnosed PTSD
(DIAX) listened to a commonly neutral script, an individual
trauma script and an individual absorption script. Following
each script measurements of heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory
flow, skin conductance responses (SCR) and skin blood
flow (LCF, TU50%) took place.
Results: Preliminary results revealed a significant reduced heart
rate variability in patients compared to the healthy controls in
reaction to the stress script as well as to the positive and the
neutral scripts.
Conclusion: To our knowledge this is the first time to be proven
that altered autonomous functions are found in PTSD not only
in reaction to traumatic reminders, but even to a positive, resource
activation situation. This provides our basement for further
research. Detailed analysis of different effects to each script
on both groups are currently underway.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Research Responsivity Symposium Trauma
Accuracy Verified: Yes
66. Fouya, V. (2010, Novembre). Psychotherapie - EMDR: Le pouvoir des yeux [Psychotherapy - EMDR: The power of eyes]. Le Vif/L'express, (Supplement) Extra, (46), 36.
Language: French
Format: Magazine
Abstract:
Ce sont d’abord les vétérans de la guerre du Vietnam qui en ont bénéficié. Aujourd’hui, l’EMDR s’utilise pour guérir des traumatismes de toutes natures. Rien qu’en bougeant les yeux...
Traumatisme. Le mot résonne avec force. Il est associé à la violence, à l’intensité, à la mémoire aussi. Le traumatisme laisse des traces, il empêche souvent de vivre. On le conçoit aisément quand il s’agit de catastrophe naturelle ou de conflit armé, mais les blessés de la vie, nous en croisons tous les jours... La perte d’un enfant, des violences sexuelles, un accident de la route, ...
Comment continuer après ?
Psychologue spécialisée dans les traumatismes, Evelyne Josse a appris à utiliser l’EMDR lors d’interventions humanitaires ou auprès d’enfants malades. « La psychanalyse ne fonctionne pas pour ce type d’indications. Vous pouvez revisiter votre passé à loisir et identifier les causes de vos difficultés, ce n’est pas pour autant que vous serez soulagé de vos symptômes » D’abord séduite par l’hypnose, la psychothérapeute recourt aujourd’hui également à l’EMDR - désensibilisation et retraitement par le mouvement des yeux - pour traiter les phobies, les troubles alimentaires, les acouphènes, les dépressions et les stress post- traumatiques. « Non seulement c’est efficace mais c’est aussi rapide et une fois traités, les symptômes ne reviennent plus. »
Concrètement, le travail démarre par un ou deux entretiens préalables qui vont permettre au thérapeute de cerner les difficultés de son patient. Ou plutôt sa difficulté majeure car il n’est pas question ici de s’interroger ici sur le sens de l’existence.... On identifie un problème spécifique et on s’attache à le traiter. Au cours des séances, le patient doit associer une image et des sensations à son expérience négative ; pendant qu’il la revit, il suit des yeux les mouvements des doigts du thérapeute. Une manière de stimuler latéralement les hémisphères cérébraux qui permettrait de « débloquer » l’information traumatique et de la reprogrammer de manière adéquate dans le cerveau. Anne a assisté à l’assassinant de son voisin. L’image de la terrasse ensanglantée la hantait jour et nuit et elle souffrait de crampes abdominales. « Pendant les séances, dès que les mouvements oculaires commençaient, les sensations revenaient en même temps que mes crampes. Au fur et à mesure, je suis arrivée à effacer ces images insoutenables et à les remplacer par des images plus « gérables ». J’ai retrouvé le sommeil, je peux à nouveau voir du sang et je me sens suffisamment sereine. J’ai fait 6 séances en tout et pour tout.»
First come the veterans of the Vietnam War who have benefited. Today, EMDR is used to heal injuries of all kinds. Just by moving the eyes ...
Trauma. The word resonates strongly. It is associated with violence, intensity, memory too. Trauma leaves its mark, it often prevents them from living. It is easy to see when it comes to natural disaster or armed conflict, but the casualties of life, we come across every day ... The loss of a child, sexual violence, a car accident, ...
How to continue after that?
Psychologist specializing in trauma, Evelyne Josse has learned to use EMDR during humanitarian or with sick children. "Psychoanalysis does not work for such indications. You can revisit your past at your leisure and identify the causes of your problems is not to say that you will be relieved of your symptoms "At first seduced by hypnosis, psychotherapy today also uses EMDR - desensitization and reprocessing eye movement - to treat phobias, eating disorders, tinnitus, depression and post traumatic stress. "It's not only effective but also fast and once treated, the symptoms come back. "
Specifically, the work starts with one or two prior interviews that will allow the therapist to identify the difficulties of his patient. Or rather the major problem because it is not about to question here on the meaning of life .... We identify a specific problem and is working to address it. During the sessions, the patient must attach an image and feeling to his negative experience, as he saw her, his eyes follow the movements of the fingers of the therapist. One way of stimulating the cerebral hemispheres laterally that would "unlock" the traumatic information and reprogram adequately in the brain. Anne attended the killing of his neighbor. The image of the terrace bloody haunted her day and night and she suffered from abdominal cramps. "During the meeting, that the eye movements began, the feeling came back together my cramps. As in, I got to clear these unbearable images and replace them with images more "manageable." I found the sleep, I can again see blood and I feel calm enough. I made six sessions in all and for all. "
Accuracy Verified: Yes
67. Pagani, M., Nardo, D., Flumeri, F., Salmaso. D., Looi, J., Sanchez-Crespo, A., Larsson, S. A., Sundin, Ö., Hogberg, G., Bejerot, S. (2009, January). PW04-01 Volumetric changes in PTSD and in a subgroup of PTSD patients not responding to EMDR psychotherapy. European Psychiatry, 24(Supplement 1), S355. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(09)70588-7.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
(1)Background:
Several studies have reported limbic structures volume decrease in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, in PTSD the effect of therapy on brain structures has seldom been investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the grey matter (GM) loss in occupational related PTSD and to assess the volumetric differences between patients responding (R) and non-responding (NR) to psychotherapy.
(2)Methods:
Pre-EMDR MRI data of 21 train drives who did develop PTSD (S) and 22 who did not develop PTSD (NS) after person-under-the-train accidents were compared. Within S further comparisons were made between 10 R to Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and 5 NR. Data were analysed by optimised voxel-based morphometry as implemented in Statistical Parametric Mapping.
(3)Results:
As compared to NS, S showed a significant GM volume reduction in precuneus, lingual gyrus, posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. The R>NR comparison highlighted a significant GM reduction in NR in bilateral posterior cingulate, left middle frontal cortex and right parahippocampal, insular and temporal cortices.
(4)Conclusions:
Comparing two large groups of subjects significant GM volumetric reductions were found in PTSD in posterior limbic structures. NR showed, as compared to R, volume reduction in cortical structures including posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. These latter two structures seem to be the hallmark for both PTSD diagnosis and therapy outcome prediction.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PSTD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
68. Staff. (2007, November 19). Reports outline life sciences study findings from Merrimack College, Psychology Department. Biotech Business Week, Expanded Reporting, 1204.
Language: English
Format: Newsletter
Abstract:
A new study, 'Effect of bilateral eye movements on frontal interhemispheric gamma EEG coherence: implications for EMDR therapy,' is now available (see also Life Sciences). "The use of bilateral eye movements (EMs) is an important component of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. The neural mechanisms underlying EMDR remain unclear," scientists in the United States report.
Keywords: Research
Accuracy Verified: Yes
69. Koichi, T., Matuso, K., Toshiyuki, O., Tadashi, K., Akira, I., & Nobumasa, K. [綱島浩一、松尾幸治、大溪俊幸、加藤忠史、岩波明、加藤進昌] (2003). Research on cerebral hemodynamics of frontal lobe in PTSD using NIRS. Annual Report of the Research on Nervous and Mental Disorders, 186.
Language: English
Format: Other
Abstract:
For 34 victims of Tokyo subway sarin attack, the frontal lobe function was investigated during eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR). And, cerebral hemodynamics in frontal lobe was examined using near infrared spectral analysis (NIRS) for 10 healthy subjects and 2 patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As the result, frontal lobe functional depression of frontal lobe was indicated in PTSD patients. It was indicated that the lowering of the cathexis was concerned in frontal lobe functional depression in PTSD patients. In patients with PTSD, according to the advance of EMDRt, the activation of the frontal lobe was decreased, and it was indicated that this pattern would be similar to that of healthy subject.
Keywords: Cerebral Hemodynamics of Frontal Lobe NIRS Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: No
70. Pena, M. (2006). Sanar el dolor a traves del movimiento ocular [Healing the pain through eye movement]. Buenos Aires: Kier.
Language: Spanish
Format: Book
Abstract:
Ningún Método aplicado por la medicina tradicional ha podido terminar con esta clase de sufrimiento. Hoy, gracias a la novedosa técnica EMDR (Movimientos Oculares de Desensibilización y Reprocesamiento), nos encontramos ante un nuevo paradigma terapéutico: la posibilidad real de terminar con el dolor.
Los recuerdos traumáticos se aíslan en el cerebro como resultado de los neuroquímicos producidos por el cuerto en el momento del trauma, que se almacenan sin asimilar durante años. El trabajo que se realiza a través del movimiento de los ojos desbloquea estos recuerdos reconectando las redes neuronales, antes aisladas del resto del cerebro, logrando así eliminar la sensación de dolor que el recuerdo genera en el paciente.
Las técnicas EMDR y T.I.C. (Técnicas de Integración Cerebral) se han utilizado con enorme éxito en personas que sufrieron graves traumas: asaltos, abusos sexuales, así como en soldados con secuelas de guerra (Guerra de los Balcanes en Sarajevo, Bosnia), en víctimas de ataques con bombas (Oklahoma, EE.UU), en pacientes con ataques de pánico y fobias. Es tratamiento de soldados con estrés de combate, víctimas de inundaciones y huracanes y en los sobrevivientes al ataque a las Torres Gemelas en Nueva York, EE.UU., en 2001.
La Lic. Marta Peña nos acerca en esta obra las bases y aplicaciones de las técnicas con ejemplos de exitosos casos clínicos reales.
No method used by traditional medicine has failed to finish with this kind of suffering. Today, thanks to the new technique EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), we face a new treatment paradigm: a real chance to end the pain.
Isolated traumatic memories in the brain as a result of neurochemicals produced by the cuerto at the time of trauma, which are stored for years without assimilating. The work done through eye movement unlock these memories reconnecting the neural network, previously isolated from the rest of the brain, thus eliminating the sensation of pain that the memories generated by the patient.
EMDR techniques and T.I.C. (Cerebral Integration Techniques) have been used with great success in people who suffered severe trauma: assaults, sexual abuse, as well as soldiers with sequelae of war (War in the Balkans in Sarajevo, Bosnia), victims of bombings ( Oklahoma, USA) in patients with panic attacks and phobias. It's treatment of soldiers with combat stress, flood and hurricane victims and survivors of the attack on the Twin Towers in New York, USA, in 2001.
Ms. Marta Peña us about this document the basis and applications of the techniques with examples of successful real clinical cases.
Accuracy Verified: Yes
71. Grant, M. (2000). Speculations on how EMDR might work to alleviate pain. Autism Today. Retrieved from http://www.autismtoday.com/articles/Finger-flash-therapy-catches-on.htm on 1/8/2013.
Language: English
Format: Other
Abstract:
Some of the key players of the central nervous system in pain are the thalamus, the amygdala, the anterior cingulate cortex and the frontal cortex. The Central Nervous System is also not 'hard-wired' but kept in a stable state by elaborate control mechanisms. If these control mechanisms become unstable, as a result of say prolonged stress, neurological changes can occur, producing symptoms such as those found in trauma and chronic pain.
Keywords: Chronic Pain
Accuracy Verified: Yes
72. Pagani, M. (2008, Novembre). Sub-strato neurobiologico della sindrome da stress post-traumatico e relativo impatto funzionale e strutturale della terapia con EMDR [Neurobiological substrate of post-traumatic stress syndrome and impact on functional and structural therapy with EMDR]. Presentazione le Applicazioni Cliniche del EMDR Congresso Nazionale, Milano, Italia.
Language: Italian
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Recenti studi hanno dimostrato come la sindrome da stress post-traumatico (PTSD) possa causare nel cervello cambiamenti sia strutturali che funzionali. Studi di imaging funzionale tramite tomografia ad emissione di fotone singolo (SPECT) e ad emissione di positrone (PET) hanno evidenziato significative variazioni del flusso cerebrale in pazienti con PTSD durante la rivisitazione del trauma. A questo proposito sono stati riportati aumenti e diminuzioni di flusso nell’ippocampo, nell’amigdala, nella corteccia prefrontale mediale, nel cingolo anteriore e posteriore e nella corteccia temporale. Il modello prevalente collega i sintomi del PTSD ad una mancata inibizione dell’ amigdala, iperattivata dalla sensazione di incombente minaccia, da parte della corteccia prefrontale. E’ stato anche proposto che i cambiamenti strutturali dell’ippocampo e del cingolo anteriore rivelati dalla risonanza magnetica strutturale (RM) siano causati dalla risposta neuronale allo stress. L’obiettivo delle nostre ricerche e’ stato quello di analizzare la risposta funzionale e le variazioni strutturali in due gruppi di soggetti esposti a trauma occupazionale che hanno sviluppato (S=sintomatici, n=20) o no (NS=non sintomatici, n=27) il PTSD. Una parte dei S (n=16) è stata trattata con EMDR. La diagnosi di PTSD prima e dopo la terapia è stata basata sia sui criteri del DSM-IV sia su vari test neuropsicologici mirati. La SPECT (n=47) e la RM (n=33) sono state eseguite da 3 mesi a sei anni dal trauma e la prima è stata ripetuta dopo EMDR. I sintomi sono stati provocati da uno script individualizzato che ha riportato alla memoria il trauma e durante il quale è stato iniettato il tracciante di flusso cerebrale.
Le analisi eseguite hanno mostrato differenze significative tra S e NS nella risposta del flusso cerebrale allo script. Nei 33 soggetti in cui sono state eseguite sia la SPECT che la RM sono state trovate differenze significative sia funzionali che strutturali nella corteccia temporo-parietale sinistra e nell’ippocampo, regioni nelle quali gli score dei test neuropsicologici correlano significativamente con il flusso cerebrale. Nei soggetti con remissione sintomatologica dopo EMDR (R; n=11) sono state trovate rispetto ai soggetti che non hanno risposto alla terapia (NR; n=5) significative differenze di flusso in 4 aree corticali che processano funzioni deteriorate in corso di PTSD. Diminuzioni di flusso dopo la terapia sono state registrate nei R rispetto ai NR nell’ippocampo, nel giro fusiforme (corteccia parieto-occipitale) e nella corteccia visiva primaria. L’ippocampo è sede della memoria episodica ed autobiografica; il giro fusiforme processa il riconoscimento di volti, dei corpi e delle parole; la corteccia visiva primaria custodisce la memoria visiva degli eventi. La mancata inibizione e/o l’iperattività di queste regioni nel PTSD sono responsabili della rivisitazione patologica figurata e somatica dell’evento traumatico e della presenza di flashback ed immagini allucinatorie. Viceversa la corteccia frontale dorsolaterale ha mostrato un aumento di flusso nei R. Questa regione oltre ad essere deputata ad inibire nel sistema limbico la risposta patologica a stimoli che ricordano l’evento traumatico è essenziale per i processi di attenzione e del “senso di sé”, diminuiti in corso di PTSD e recuperati in seguito alla remissione della malattia. In questi soggetti la RM ha inoltre messo in evidenza il valore predittivo delle dimensioni dell’ippocampo rispetto all’efficacia della terapia con EMDR.
I nostri risultati confermano il coinvolgimento della corteccia temporo-parieto-occipitale nel PTSD e sottolineano il valore delle neuroimmagini sia nello svelare gli effetti neurobiologici dell’EMDR che determinare il valore delle indagini strutturali nel predirne l’efficacia.
Recent studies have shown that the post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) may result in both structural and functional brain changes. Imaging studies using functional Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) shown significant changes in cerebral blood flow in patients with PTSD during revisiting the trauma. In this regard have been reported increases and decreases in flow hippocampus, amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate and posterior and temporal cortex. The dominant model linking the symptoms of PTSD to a no inhibition of 'amygdala hyperactivity disorder by the sense of impending threat by the prefrontal cortex. E 'was also proposed that the structural changes of the hippocampus and
anterior cingulate revealed by structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are caused by the response neuronal stress. The aim of our research and 'was to analyze the response
functional and structural variations in two groups of subjects exposed to occupational trauma that have developed (S = symptomatic, n = 20) or not (NS = non-symptomatic, n = 27) PTSD. Part of S (n = 16) was treated with EMDR. The diagnosis of PTSD before and after the therapy was based on both DSM-IV has on several neuropsychological tests targeting. SPECT (n = 47) and MRI (n = 33) are were performed from 3 months to six years from the trauma and the first was repeated after EMDR. Symptoms were caused by a script individual who reported to the memory of the trauma and during which were injected with a tracer of cerebral blood flow. The analysis performed showed significant differences between S and NS in the response of flow brain to the script. In the 33 subjects in which they were performed both SPECT and MRI were found significant differences in both functional and structural temporo-parietal cortex left hippocampus, regions in which the scores of neuropsychological tests correlate significantly with the flow in the brain. In subjects with symptomatic remission after EMDR (R; n = 11) were found compared with subjects who did not respond to therapy (NR, n = 5) significant differences in flow in 4 cortical areas that process functions deteriorated in the course of PTSD. Decreases in flow after treatment were recorded in R than NR hippocampus, within fusiform (parieto-occipital cortex) and in the primary visual cortex. The hippocampus is the seat of episodic memory and autobiographical, and the processes around the fusiform recognition of faces, bodies and words, the primary visual cortex preserves the memory visual events. The non-inhibition and / or 'hyperactivity of these regions in PTSD are
responsible for pathological figured revisiting the traumatic event and physical and presence of flashbacks and hallucinatory images. Contrast, the dorsolateral frontal cortex has showed an increase of flow in R. This region in addition to being deputies to inhibit the system limbic response to pathological stimuli that recall the traumatic event is essential for processes of attention and the "sense of self, decreased in the course of PTSD and recovered following remission. In these subjects, MRI has also highlighted the predictive value the size of the hippocampus compared the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Our results confirm the involvement of the temporo-parietal-occipital cortex in PTSD and emphasize the value of neuroimaging in revealing both the neurobiological effects of EMDR that determine the value of the structural surveys in predicting effectiveness.
Keywords: Neurobiology Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
73. Stickgold, R. (2011). Traitement du souvenir dépendant du sommeil et mode d’action de l’EMDR [Treatment of sleep-dependent memory and mode of action of EMDR]. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 5(1), E1-E11. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.5.1.E1.
Language: French
Format: Journal
Abstract:
On pense que l’efficacité particulière de l’EMDR (désensibilisation et retraitement par les mouvements
oculaires) dans le traitement de l’état de stress post-traumatique résulte de changements dans l’état
cérébral et mental du sujet qui sont induits par la stimulation sensorielle bilatérale, mais la nature spécifique
de ces changements et leurs conséquences demeurent inconnues. La possibilité que la stimulation
bilatérale induise un état psychologique et cérébral semblable à celui qui est induit par les mouvements
oculaires rapides, lors du sommeil paradoxal, est corroborée par des études montrant que le sommeil favorise
certaines formes de traitement du souvenir, sans doute nécessaires à la résolution du traumatisme.
Ces études, parallèlement à des recherches directes sur l’effet de la stimulation bilatérale sur le traitement
des souvenirs et des émotions, et à des études comparatives identifiant les caractéristiques que doit
revêtir la stimulation bilatérale pour traiter efficacement les traumatismes, nous conduiront finalement à
comprendre le fondement neurobiologique de l’EMDR.
It is believed that the particular effectiveness of EMDR (desensitization and reprocessing movements
eye) in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder resulting from changes in the state
brain and mind of the subject that are induced by bilateral sensory stimulation, but the specific nature
these changes and their consequences are still unknown. The possibility that stimulation
Bilateral induce a psychological state and brain similar to that induced by the motion
rapid eye during REM sleep, is supported by studies showing that sleep promotes
certain forms of treatment of memory, probably needed to resolve the trauma.
These studies, along with direct research on the effect of bilateral stimulation on treatment
memories and emotions, and comparative studies identifying the characteristics that make
take the bilateral stimulation to treat injuries effectively, we will ultimately lead to
understanding the neurobiological basis of EMDR.
Keywords: Combination Therapy Memory REM Sleep Sleep
Accuracy Verified: Yes
74. Zantvoord, J. (2012, November). Trauma focused psychotherapies from a neurodevelopmental perspective: fMRI and physiological pilot outcome data from a RCT conducted in the Netherlands with children suffering from PTSD. Symposium conducted at the 28th annual meeting of the ISTSS, Los Angeles, CA.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Neurobiological treatment outcome studies in adults with PTSD have shown that successful treatment is
associated with changes in activity of frontal brain areas and the amygdala, brain areas which are
involved in fear conditioning and extinction. Frontal brain regions undergo considerable maturation
during childhood and adolescence and only reach anatomical and functional maturity well within the
third decade of life. In this light, results obtained in neurobiological studies in adults can’t be readily
translated to children and adolescents. Neurobiological treatment outcome studies in children with
PTSD are thus required, yet are almost nonexistent to date. Neurobiological treatment outcome studies
addressing the mechanism involved in treatment response or non response can contribute to improve
treatment strategies for non responders especially for treatment non responders and in time help
clinicians to tailor treatment for individuals with PTSD.
In this part of the symposium we will present treatment outcome data of our neurobiological pilot study
conducted in children with PTSD in the Netherlands. Children aged 8 to 18 with PTSD were randomly
assigned to receive either 8 sessions of manualized Trauma Focus cognitive behavioral therapy or EMDR.
fMRI data of a working memory task with emotional distracters and physiological data obtained during
script driven imagery will be presented. Treatment outcome results will be placed in a
neurodevelopmental framework.
Keywords: Children, fMRI Netherlands Neurodevelopment Pilot Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Random Control Trial RCT
Accuracy Verified: Yes
75. Diseth, T. H., & Christie, H. J. (2005, September). Trauma-related dissociative (conversion) disorders in children and adolescents – An overview of assessment tools and treatment principles. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 59(4), 278-292. doi:10.1080/08039480500213683.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
A high proportion of patients in child and adolescent psychiatry with significant dissociative symptomatology after early childhood traumatization may go undiagnosed, be wrongly diagnosed and/or inappropriately treated. The diagnostics and treatment of dissociative disorders have been limited by lack of comprehensive, reliable and valid instruments and the ongoing polarization and fierce controversy regarding treatment. However, recent neurobiological findings of neurochemical, functional and structural cerebral consequences of early stressful childhood experiences point out a need for active, early and effective identification and treatment interventions. We present an update on assessment tools available in the Nordic countries, and an overview of different appropriate therapeutic intervention models for children and adolescents. A systematic overview of studies of dissociation in children and adolescent published over the last decade disclosed a total of 1019 references. The 465 papers describing aspects of assessment tools and/or treatment were studied in detail. Reliable and valid screening questionnaires and diagnostic interviews for children and adolescents now allow for effective early identification of dissociative disorders. A combination of individual psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and family therapy are often required to handle dissociative disorders in children and adolescents. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, Eye-Movement Desensitization-Reprocessing (EMDR), psychodynamic therapy and an integrated approach are the main described psychotherapeutic approaches, but treatment of dissociation in children and adolescent does not require allegiance to any one particular treatment model. However, achievement of physical safety by providing a safe environment is a primary goal that supersedes any other therapeutic work. Assessments tools are now available, and appropriate therapeutic intervention models may hopefully contribute to reduce the risk of wrong diagnoses and inappropriate treatment of dissociative symptomatology in children and adolescents. However, controlled clinical trials of the various interventions and longitudinal outcome studies are needed.
Keywords: Adolescents Children Conversion Disorders Empirical Study Quantitative Study
Accuracy Verified: Yes
76. Bergmann, U. (2008, June). Treating dissociation in the spectrum of personality disorders. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England .
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
The use of ego-state interweaves and/or extensive ego-state therapy (utilized in the preparation phase) and
integrated into EMDR targeting (phases 3-7), in the treatment of personality disorders, has not received a great
deal of attention at conference presentations or in the published media. This has led to minimal or nonresponsiveness
in the EMDR treatment of personality disorders, since aspects of dissociation in these clients have
not been addressed. In the past ten years, renown neuroscientists, such as Eric Kandel, Joseph LeDoux, Michael
Gazzaniga and V.S. Ramachandran, in response to empirical findings in the fields of memory, neuromodularity,
split-brain research and information processing, have begun to suggest that the “self” may very well be a
collection of memories that are structured in a fragmented (neuromodular) multiplicity that is developmentally
inherent. Ramachandran, LeDoux and Gazzaniga have, each, stated, explicitly, that the sense of a “cohesive and
monolithic” self is an “illusion” created by areas in the left cerebral hemisphere. Accordingly, just as the EMDR
standard protocol was adapted for recent traumatic events (in response to acute memory fragmentation), so
must it be modified for inherent memory and personality fragmentation, by the use of extensive ego-state work
(preparation) and ego-state-specific EMDR targeting (phases 3-7). The implementation of these techniques has
shown a remarkable advance in the treatment of personality disorders, which had, previously, been rather
impervious to EMDR treatment.
Keywords: Dissociation Personality Disorders
Accuracy Verified: Yes
77. Burik, J. (1996). Treatment of depression with components of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and EMDR-like techniques: A case study. HealthyPlace.com.
Language: English
Format: Other
Abstract:
An adult male experiencing symptoms of depression was administered five discrete
treatments based upon Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The first
treatment was with the ocular hand-tracking described by Shapiro (1995), the next four
were computerized simulations. Each method showed effectiveness in reduction of selfreported
depressive symptoms immediately following treatment. No appreciable difference
was shown between ocular hand-tracking and isomorphic computer simulations; marginal
difference, however, was shown between left-right tracking (either in vivo or computerized
simulation) and frontal presentation of visual stimuli. The results suggest a nontrivial effect
of the treatment(s), and in particular suggest the left-right tracking component of the
treatment merits further study.
Keywords: Depression
Accuracy Verified: Yes
78. Linck, A. (2008). Un kinesiólogo en Marte. La kinesiología y las técnicas de integración cerebral: EMDR y TIC [A kinesiologist on Mars. Kinesiology and brain integration techniques: EMDR and ICT]. In P. Solvey & R. C. Ferrazzano de Solvey (Eds.), Terapias de avanzada [Advanced therapies]: Vol. 4, EMDR: Avances en teoria y tecnica [EMDR: Advances in theory and technique] (1st ed) (pp. 241-248). Buenos Aires: TdeA Ediciones.
Language: Spanish
Format: Book Section
Abstract:
No abstract available.
Keywords: Brain Integration ICT Kinesiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
79. Kreitzberg, J. (2011). Using magneto encephalography to determine the therapeutic efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of PTSD. Symposium presented at the Annual Linfield College Science Symposium.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can be produced by traumatic experiences. A new study has shown that a brain scan called magneto encephalography (MEG) can identify people who have PTSD with an accuracy of 95%. Sensors measure tiny magnetic fields generated by currents flowing in and around neurons. In addition they have recently stated in the Journal of Neural Engineering that they can now watch the brain as it experiences PTSD. Imaging shows that the brain becomes hyperactive in the right temporal lobe, the location responsible for memory. Besides diagnosing PTSD, the researchers also are able to judge the severity of how much patients are suffering. Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was designed in 1987 as a treatment for PTSD. EMDR is a structured eight-phase therapy that allows for adequate reprocessing of dysfunctionally stored memory. In the processing phases the client attends to the disturbing memory in brief intervals of 15-30 seconds while also experiencing bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tones or tapping). The eight phases integrate effective elements of psychodynamic, imaginal exposure, cognitive therapy, interpersonal, experiential, physiological and somatic therapies. Now that we can locate specific biomarkers for PTSD using MEG, my hypothesis is that we will find a statistically significant difference between the control group and the group that has EMDR treatment, and that EMDR will be shown to be effective in resolving PTSD as measured by pre and post therapy MEG scans. Also using the MEG, we may be able to observe those brain actions responsible for the therapeutic efficacy of EMDR and isolate which components of EMDR trigger those brain actions. The significance of finding the answer to these questions could potentially help millions of people overcome years of suffering from psychological pain due to the after effects of severe trauma and restore them to productive lives. It could establish the status of EMDR, assisting in the decision of whether it should be listed among the evidence-based, best-practice therapy modalities and covered by insurance. Also knowing the underlying pathophysiology could contribute to the evolution, revision and refinement of diagnostic constructs for PTSD.
Keywords: Efficacy Magneto Encephalography Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Treatment
Accuracy Verified: Yes
80. Zantvoord, J. B., Diehle, J., & Lindauer, R. J. (2013, March). Using neurobiological measures to predict and assess treatment outcome of psychotherapy in posttraumatic stress disorder: Systematic review. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 82, 142-151. doi:10.1159/000343258.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Background: Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. However, little is known about their neurobiological effects. The usefulness of neurobiological measures to predict the treatment outcome of psychotherapy also has yet to be determined. Methods: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on neurobiological treatment effects of TF-CBT or EMDR and trials with neurobiological measures as predictors of treatment response. Results: We included 23 publications reporting on 16 separate trials. TF-CBT was compared with a waitlist in most trials. TF-CBT was associated with a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure and changes in activity but not in volume of frontal brain structures and the amygdala. Neurobiological changes correlated with changes in symptom severity. EMDR was only tested against other active treatments in included trials. We did not find a difference in neurobiological treatment effects between EMDR and other treatments. Publications on neurobiological predictors of treatment response showed ambiguous results. Conclusion: TF-CBT was associated with a reduction of physiological reactivity. There is some preliminary evidence that TF-CBT influences brain regions involved in fear conditioning, extinction learning and possibly working memory and attention regulation; however, these effects could be nonspecific psychotherapeutic effects. Future trials should use paradigms aimed specifically at these brain regions and physiological reactivity. There are concerns regarding the risk of bias in some of the RCTs, indicating that methodologically more rigorous trials are required. Trials with neurobiological measures as predictors of treatment outcome render insufficient results to be useful in clinical practice.
Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Accuracy Verified: Yes
81. Levin, P., Lazrove, S., & van der Kolk, B. (1999, January-April). What psychological testing and neuroimaging tell us about the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder by eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 13(1-2), 159-172. doi:10.1016/S0887-6185(98)00045-0.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
To better understand the pathophysiology and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), standard psychological testing, Rorschach Ink Blot testing, and neuroimaging using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) were administered to subjects with PTSD prior to and following three sessions of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Using this within-subject design, data from one of six subjects in our series is presented as a case report. Following EMDR, the subject experienced improvement in his level of distress, which correlated with decrements in PTSD and depressive symptomatology on psychological testing. Analysis of the Rorschach data corroborated these changes. Among other findings, the Hypervigilance Index went from positive to negative, indicating that the subject was spending less time scanning the environment for threats, and available ego resources also increased, as measured by the Experience Actual variable. Upon recall of the traumatic memory during SPECT scanning, two areas of the brain were hyperactive post-EMDR treatment relative to pretreatment: the anterior cingulate gyrus and the left frontal lobe. These changes were consistent with summed data from four out of six subjects in the ongoing study. An important implication of these findings is that successful treatment of PTSD does not reduce arousal at the limbic level, but instead, enhances the ability to differentiate real from imagined threat. The psychology and neurophysiology of PTSD are discussed in greater detail. (ScienceDirect)
Keywords: Adults Americans Brain Imaging Empirical Study Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Treatment Effectiveness
Accuracy Verified: Yes
82. O'Shea, K., Goeller, J. & Goeller, G. (2010, April). A wounded mind?. Presentation at the 25th Annual Alzheimer’s Conference, Seattle, Washington.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
This Powerpoint presentation makes use of the Powerpoint Presentation: "From Eye movement Desensitization
and Reprocessing (EMDR):
QEEG’s of PTSD and dementia look alike
(slow wave movement in the occipital
lobe)
James Kowal - 2008 EMDRIA Conference,
Phoenix" to (1)"To ask the question:
Is learning more important
in the treatment of Alzheimer’s
than we’ve thought?"; "(2)To share what I’ve learned:
- about the impact of trauma (chronic illness)
- about the importance of beliefs
- about the role of emotion
- how trauma processing might benefit
those with Alzheimer’s and
their caretakers"; and (3) "What works". [EMDR Editor]
Keywords: Alzheimers Caretakers Trauma
Accuracy Verified: Yes