Francine Shapiro Library - EMDR Bibliography Links

 

 

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1. Spierings, J. (2011, August). (Non) cognitive interweaves in EMDR. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Orange County, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Working with severely damaged clients we can hardly expect EMDR-processing to go smoothly by itself. ‘Just staying out of the way’ is not enough to help these clients process their traumatic material. A more active approach is called for to bring trauma resolution. In EMDR this type of intervening is called ‘(cognitive) interweaving’. The therapist may need to intervene on the process level with process interweaves, in order to keep the client within his window of (affect)tolerance.Or the therapist has to intervene on the content level with content interweaves, when the client gets stuck in a specific problem is unable to solve with the information he has available. In this workshop the participant learns to use process interweaves to modulate the arousal level of the client. In addition to this a toolkit of useful content interweaves is presented, cognitive and non-cognitive, e.g. sensory, physical, humorous, symbolic and spiritual interweaves. The presentation includes metaphors for all kinds of blocks, bits and pieces of psycho-education for specific stuck points, unorthodox, creative or hilarious interweaves to get round resistance, and interweaves to bring reconciliation and forgiveness.

Keywords: (Non) Cognitive Interweaves  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

2. Forgash, F., & Litt, B. (2008, September). Advanced techniques in the EMDR-based treatment of complex trauma. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Phoenix, AZ.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
EMDR is an important therapy in the treatment of complex PTSD, including dissociative disorders and certain personality disorders. This presentation will provide solutions to problems within the 8 phases of EMDR. Objectives include managing triggers and dealing with reactions such as avoidance, freeze, and hyperarousal. Techniques include ego state work and somatic interweaves. Therapists will learn readiness criteria for trauma processing (phase 4-7) and how to avoid premature interventions. In phase 4, therapists will learn about the zone of optimal arousal and a sequence of techniques to maintain client stability and to identify when and why a patient has stopped processing.

Keywords: Complex Trauma  Treatment  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

3. Litt, B. (2012, October). Advanced techniques in the EMDR-based treatment of complex trauma. Presentation at the 29th annual meeting of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, Long Beach, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Abstract:EMDR is an efficacious therapy for the treatment of PTSD. Increasingly, EMDR is being recognized as an important and viable therapy in the treatment of complex PTSD, including Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and personality disorders that have their origins in attachment trauma. This population presents unique clinical challenges in terms of stability, affect tolerance, and accessibility to trauma resolution. While much has been written and presented about affect regulation, attachment issues, and dissociation, therapists are not often aware that these phenomena emerge and must be managed throughout all phases of EMDR therapy. This presentation will focus on advanced techniques that provide solutions to problems within phases 2,3, and 4. Clinicians will learn techniques to incorporate in the stabilization/ preparation phase and to revisit as necessary in later stages of EMDR treatment. Objectives include helping the patient effectively deal with reactions such as avoidance, freeze, hyperarousal and numbing. Techniques include ego state work and somatic interweaves.In Phase 4, (desensitization) therapists will be learn about the Zone of Optimal Arousal and learn a sequence of advanced techniques to maintain client stability and safety, and to identify when and why a patient has stopped processing.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to perform a series of strategies for overcoming looping and blocking in EMDR phases three and four. Participants will be able to utilize the Domains of Self Model to rapidly assess triggers and anticipate processing style and resolution profile. Participants will be able to utilize the Zone of Optimal Processing model to assess problems with processing and select appropriate strategies to safely resume desensitization.

Keywords: Advanced Techniques  Complex Trauma  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

4. Sack, M., Lempa, W., Steinmetz, A., Lamprecht, F., & Hofmann, A. (2008, October). Alterations in autonomic tone during trauma exposure using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) - Results of a preliminary. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 22(7), 1264-1271. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2008.01.007 .

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
EMDR combines stimuli that evoke divided attention – e.g. eye movements – with exposure to traumatic memories. Our objective was to investigate psycho-physiological correlates of EMDR during treatment sessions. A total of 55 treatment sessions from 10 patients with PTSD was monitored applying impedance cardiography. Onset of every stimulation/exposure period (n = 811) was marked and effects within and across stimulation sets on heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), pre-ejection period (PEP) and respiration rate were examined. At stimulation onsets a sharp increase of HRV and a significant decrease of HR was noticed indicating de-arousal. During ongoing stimulation, PEP and HRV decreased significantly while respiration rate significantly increased, indicating stress-related arousal. However, across entire sessions a significant decrease of psycho-physiological activity was noticed, evidenced by progressively decreasing HR and increasing HRV. These findings suggest that EMDR is associated with patterns of autonomic activity associated with substantial psycho-physiological de-arousal over time. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Adults  Germans  Empirical Study  Impedance Cardiography  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  Psychophysiology  PSTD  Quantitative Study  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

5. Sack, M. (2005, November). Alterations in autonomic tone during trauma therapy with EMDR. In S. Woodword, J. Hopper, M. Sack, R. Pitman, & D. Kaloupek (Chairs), Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia: Insights into Autonomic Function in PTSD. Symposium conducted at the 21st annual meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Toronto, ON.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia: Insights into Autonomic Function in PTSD: Studies of cardiac responses to trauma-related cues have defined the mainstream of laboratory research in posttraumatic stress disorder. Examinations of respiratory sinus arrhythmia now challenge the view that exaggerated sympathetic tone and reactivity provide a sufficient account of the autonomic abnormalities seen in this diagnosis.
Alterations in autonomic tone during trauma therapy with EMDR: It has been hypothesized that EDMR, by pairing stimuli that evoke divided attention with exposure to trauma memories, elicits repetitive orienting responses followed by enhanced parasympathetic tone, resulting in significant within-session psychophysiological de-arousal. We monitored 10 standard EMDR treatments for PTSD (55 sessions) with impedance cardiography. Heart rate (HR), parasympathetic tone (RMSSD), sympathetic tone (PEP), and respiration rate (RESP) were assessed. Markers were set at the onset of every stimulation/exposure period (N = 811). Effects within and across stimulation sets were examined. An orienting response, with associated sharp increase of parasympathetic tone and significant decrease of HR, was found at stimulation onsets. During ongoing stimulation, sympathetic arousal increased while parasympathetic tone decreased, responses consistent with stressrelated arousal during trauma exposure. However, across entire sessions there was a significant pattern of psychophysiological de-arousal, evidenced by progressively decreasing HR and increasing RMSSD. These findings suggest EMDR is associated with distinct patterns

Keywords: Autonomic Tone  Symposium  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

6. MacCulloch, M., & Barrowcliff, A. (2001, May). Are EMDR effects caused by de-arousal?. Presentation at the EMDR Europe Association annual meeting, London, UK .

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is increasingly being recognised as a coherent therapeutic procedure in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders, yet we still do not fully understand by which process or mechanisms it might work. We consider a number of models implicating orienting or investigatory reflexes as a significant contributor to the success of EMDR as a treatment method. A series of experiments were designed to test the predictions derived from these models, examining the physiological effects of eye-movements following auditory challenge compared to an eyes-stationary condition. A significant physiological de-arousal effect is observed in conditions requiring eye-movements similar to those used in the EMDR protocol. We go on to consider the implications for this de-arousal effect in the treatment of PTSD and present preliminary data from a case series designed to examine the unique contribution of EMDR when used with treatment resistant clients. A range of psychometric and psychophysiological process and outcome measures were utilised in this study, providing a detailed evaluation of change over the course of the treatment design. Specialised software was developed for use in this study, in addition to a computerised test and software is provided, along with data obtained from this test.

Keywords: De-Arousal  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

7. Solomon, R., Watkins, J., & Paulsen, S. L. (2004, September). Art of EMDR:  Use of therapeutic self, resonance and managing effect at the optimal level. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Montreal, Quebec Canada.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The therapist's ability to continually assess and detect client response to EMDR is crucial in order to: 1) provide safely and containment; 2) titrate the level of client arousal; 3) enhance ego strength: and 4) facilitate optimal movement. Detecting subtle client movement and shifts enables the therapist to: a) optimize the tempo and rhythm of bilateral stimulation; b) assess if the material is moving: c) detect state changes that can potentially block processing; and d) point to cognitive interweaves for blocked processing. This workshop will teach participants how to utilize their therapeutic presence to provide containment, enhance the client’s ability to process through intense emotions, and adapt to continual changing states in the client.

Keywords: Managing Affect  Resonance  Therapeutic Self  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

8. Mueller-Schwefe, R. (2010, June). Back into life - EMDR with primary withdrawal after trauma. In Experimental use of EMDR. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Hamburg, Germany.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
“Where I am? I am somewhere between heaven and earth, but I don't know where exactly." "My therapist waited for my anger, but it just isn't there...nowhere” – “I can't imagine anything helpful when I feel bad, I just don't have the energy... it's all too much for me." – “I just want to give up...” Reaction to traumatic events can vary a lot. This is true even when a PTSD has been diagnosed. Contrary to the 'classical' hyper-arousal response to traumatic memories there is also a different pattern of response that is characterized by a lack of an increase in heart rate, and very different pattern of neural activations, despite having a severe case of acute and subsequent PTSD'[l] and may go along with (peri- and posttraumatic) dissociation, emotional numbness, exhaustion, withdrawal and depression. The above statements belong to people with this pattern of response who have experienced subsequent difficulties already in the stabilization phase of their trauma-therapy. First, I will present an understanding of this symptomatology, the hypothesis being a predominance of the dorsal vagal system (see: Polyvagal Theory [2] and activation of the early withdrawal reflex (or: fear-paralysis reflex). This goes along with particular cognitive and especially emotional and physical features. Second, I will present a way to work with this condition, taking into account that the completion of "interrupted action." In this case does not imply an outward (fight or fight response) but an inward orientation withdrawal). EMDR with an adjusted protocol and tactile bilateral stimulation provides the way to process and pull through this interrupted (or unsatisfied) organismic withdrawal and the fear mostly associated with this process. Returning from this deep and primary withdrawal from life brings back the energy and the patient turns back towards life; vagal predominance subsides and the stuck impulse to withdraw releases. 1. Ruth A. Lanius, James W. Hopper, Ravi 5. Menon, Individual Differences in a Husband and Wife Who Developed PTSD After a Motor Vehicle Accident: A Functional MRI Case Study. Am J Psychiatry 160:4. April 2003, p. 668. 2. Porges. S.W. (2001). The Polyvagal Theory: Phylogenetic substrates of a social nervous system. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 42, 123-146. Learning objectives: 1. Recognize dorsal vagal predominance and primary withdrawal after trauma, 2. Understand the different orientation of interrupted action/ trauma scheme, 3. Know how to help withdrawal-patients to stabilize and process with adjusted EMDR-protocol and tactile or auditory bilateral stimulation. New and unique: Identifying this withdrawal-type of traumatic reaction and scheme, understanding it with the help of Polyvagal Theory and development of EMDR- adjusted protocol and way to process this.

Keywords: Primary Withdrawal  Symposium  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

9. Litt, B. (2009, August). Beyond trauma resolution: EMDR and the growth of the relational self. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Atlanta, GA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This workshop explores family dynamics contributing to ego fragmentation and interlocking ego-state conflict in individual and couples therapy. Participants will learn about the relationship between family dynamics and ego structure, reenactments from the family of origin, and the manifestations of ego-state conflict in individual and conjoint therapy. Participants will learn a contextual model for EMDR-based assessment and treatment planning, the indications and contraindications of conjoint EMDR, a model of the Self that zeroes in on the salient negative cognitions being triggered, and learn a progression of techniques to control and focus desensitization within the optimal zone of arousal.

Keywords: Family Dynamics  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

10. Litt, B. (2010, April/May). Beyond trauma resolution: EMDR and the growth of the relational self. Presentation at the annual meeting of EMDR Canada, Toronto, Ontario.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This workshop explores family dynamics contributing to ego fragmentation and interlocking ego state conflict in individual and couples therapy. Participants will learn about the relationship between family dynamics and ego structure, re-enactments from the family of origin, and the manifestations of ego state conflict in individual and conjoint therapy. Participants will learn a contextual model for EMDR-based assessment and treatment planning, the indications and contraindications for conjoint EMDR, a model of the Self that zeroes in on salient negative cognitions, and a progression of techniques to control and focus desensitization within the optimal zone of arousal. (Intermediate/Advanced)

Keywords: Relational Self  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

11. Litt, B. (2011, April-May). Beyond trauma resolution: EMDR and the growth of the relational self. Presentation at the EMDR Canada Workshop in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This workshop will explore family dynamics contributing to ego fragmentation and interlocking ego state conflict in individual and couples therapy. Participants will learn a model for EMDR-based assessment and treatment planning, describe ego state manifestations in couples conflict and learn to manage ego states in the desensitization phase of processing.
In Part One, participants will learn about the relationship between family dynamics and ego structure, reenactments from the family of origin, and the manifestations of ego state conflict in individual and conjoint therapy. In Part Two, participants will learn a model for EMDR-based assessment and treatment planning using contextual family therapy, the indications and contraindications of conjoint EMDR, a model of the Self that zeroes in on the salient negative cognitions being triggered, and learn a progression of techniques to control and focus desensitization within the optimal zone of arousal. This interactive workshop will include videotape and didactic material designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of this exciting new integrative model. For individual, couples, and family therapists.
Learning Objectives: •Individual and conjoint therapists will sharpen their diagnostic skills by learning to assess intergenerational patterns that contribute to ego fragmentation in their clients. •Couples therapists will use knowledge gained to evaluate repetition compulsions or reenactments in their client couples. •Individual and conjoint therapists will learn to deconstruct reenactments to identify negative cognitions preparatory to doing EMDR. •Conjoint therapists will assess for indications and contraindications for conducting conjoint EMDR sessions with client couples. •Therapists will be able to rapidly assess negative cognitions using a new typology of Domains of the Self. •EMDR therapists will be able to employ a model of the zone of optimal processing for efficient and safe desensitization. •EMDR therapists will be able to use a variety of techniques for maintaining their clients within the zone of optimal processing.

Keywords: Ego State Therapy  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

12. van der Kolk, B. A., Hopper, J., & Spinazzola, J. (2004, November). Biological changes in arousal and cortisol following PTSD treatment. Symposium conducted (M. Olff, Chair) at the 20th annual meeting of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, New Orleans, LA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Effects of treatment of PTSD on psychobiological measures: It is well known that PTSD is associated with changes in several biological systems. However little research has been done on whether it is possible to “reset” these biological systems with effective psychotherapy of pharmacological therapy. This symposium will present data on neuroendocrine and neuroimaging outcome measures.
Biological changes in arousal and cortisol following PTSD treatment: This presentation will discuss the results of a controlled treatment outcome study comparing EMDR, fluoxetine and pill placebo and demonstrate how effective treatment resulted in changes in memory processes, utilizing the Traumatic Memory Inventrory. In the EMDR condition, but not fluoxetine, the change in traumatic memory towards an integrated narrative was linearly correlated with physiological arousal in response to script driven imagery. This presentation will also present the relationship between clinical improvement in the three conditions and change in the cortisol response to a dexamethasone challenge.

Keywords: Fluoxetine  Pill Placebo  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PSTD  Symposium  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

13. van der Kolk, B. A. (1994, January). The body keeps the score: Memory and the evolving psychobiology of posttraumatic stress. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 1(5), 253-265. doi:10.3109/10673229409017088.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Ever since people's responses to overwhelming experiences have been systematically explored, researchers have noted that a trauma is stored in somatic memory and expressed as changes in the biological stress response. Intense emotions at the time of the trauma initiate the long-term conditional responses to reminders of the event, which are associated both with chronic alterations in the physiological stress response and with the amnesias and hypermnesias characteristic of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Continued physiological hyperarousal and altered stress hormone secretion affect the ongoing evaluation of sensory stimuli as well. Although memory is ordinarily an active and constructive process, in PTSD failure of declarative memory may lead to organization of the trauma on a somatosensory level (as visual images or physical sensations) that is relatively impervious to change. The inability of people with PTSD to integrate traumatic experiences and their tendency, instead, to continuously relieve the past are mirrored physiologically and hormonally in the misinterpretation of innocuous stimuli as potential threats. Animal research suggests that intense emotional memories are processed outside of the hippocampally mediated memory system and are difficult to extinguish. Cortical activity can inhibit the expression of these subcortically based emotional memories. The effectiveness of this inhibition depends, in part, on physiological arousal and neurohormonal activity. These formulations have implications for both the psychotherapy and the pharmacotherapy of PTSD.[MLM MEDLINE]

Keywords: Neurobiology  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  Practice  PTSD  Theory  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

14. Gannon, J. P. (2011, April). A brain-based peak performance model using meditation, EMDR and cardio imagery and rehearsal. Peak Performance Systems, San Francisco.

Language: English

Format: Other

Abstract:
This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a new model of peak performance training based on applications of brain research to stimulate mental skill acquisition leading to enhanced performance capabilities. Brain-based techniques such as Mindfulness Meditation (MM), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cardio Imagery and Rehearsal (CIR) appear to stimulate various neurological processes including alpha and theta brain waves, higher interhemispheric coherence and reduced sympathetic nervous system arousal. Clinical application of these techniques in a preliminary pilot study with a variety of performers was shown in follow-up self-assessments to have enhanced performance outcomes on seven measures including reduced performance anxiety and self-consciousness, enhanced concentration and focus, improved memorization of performance routines and enhanced overall performance goals. The idea that specific performance routines can be installed using these brain-based techniques that enhance peak performance functioning on demand was supported by these findings.. However, the results of this pilot study are preliminary and further studies using a larger subject sample, empirically validated test measurements and independent control groups are necessary before these findings can be corroborated.

Keywords: Brain-Based Peak Performance  Brainscripting  Cardio Imagery and Rehearsal  Flow  Interhemispheric Coherence  Mindfulness Meditation  Neurofeedback  Neuroplasticity  Performance Anxiety  Pilot Study  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

15. Korn, D., Rozelle D., & Weir, J. (2005, June). Bringing EMDR research into practice. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Brussels, Belgium.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Determining Readiness for EMDR Trauma Processing: • Neither diagnosis nor trauma history determine readiness for trauma processing or response to treatment • Though studies often exclude subjects with suicidal ideation, dissociation or substance abuse, EMDR may be used with these clients if other readiness criteria (e.g., affect tolerance, coping skills, safe embodiment) are met • Key point - Capacity to tolerate and modulate arousal v. absolute level of arousal [Excerpt]

Keywords: Practice  Research  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

16. Lipke, H., & Botkin, A. (1992, Winter). Case studies of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 29(4), 591-595. doi:10.1037/0033-3204.29.4.591.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Five hospitalized Vietnam combat veterans with chronic PTSD were treated with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a new psychotherapeutic procedure. Changes in previously refractory symptoms of intrusiveness and arousal were noted for some subjects. The variability of effects was examined in terms of subject variables and therapist training with the procedure. REM sleep findings and studies of cognitive concomitant of waking eye movement were considered in efforts to understand EMDR effects. The overall results suggest that: (1) EMDR can be a powerful clinical tool in the treatment of PTSD, and (2) further research is strongly recommended. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Adults  African Americans  Empirical Study  European Americans  Males  Middle Aged  Psychiatric Inpatients  PTSD  Veterans  Vietnam War  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

17. Splete, H. (2005, January). Clinical Psychiatry news’ top stories of 2004: Development on antidepressant labeling, psychologist prescribing could affect the specialty. Clinical Psychiatry News, 33(1), 14.

Language: English

Format: Newspaper

Abstract:
Biologic and psychosocial treatments of posttraumatic stress disorder were equally effective in their first direct comparison ("Psychotherapy May Offer More Benefits for PTST," June 2004, p. 20). In addition, psychotherapy patients were more likely to remit or even become asymptomatic, according to the study of 88 adults randomized to fluoxetine, placebo, or an exposure therapy method known as eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR). Patients in the EMDR group ininally responded to the treatment with psychophysiologic arousal and appeared to relive the trauma. But they ultimately improved significantly more than did the placebo group and continued to improve at 2 and 6 months' follow-up, when the fluoxetine group remained stable.

Keywords: Efficacy  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

18. Dworkin, M. (2009). The clinician awareness questionnaire in EMDR. In M. Luber (Ed.), Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) scripted protocols: Basics and special situations, (pp. 401-408). New York: Springer Publishing Co.

Language: English

Format: Book Section

Abstract:
Whenever an EMDR treatment session becomes problematic, consider this self-administered instrument when reflecting on this session. EMDR consultants can also use this measure in their consulting groups to assist consultees in understanding when work with clients have an impact on the clinician. The purpose of using the Clinician Awareness Questionnaire includes the following: (1) To assist in raising awareness of what may be triggering the clinician; (2) To assess what may be coming from the clinician and what may be coming from the client; and (3) To develop EMDR Relational Strategies. Different problems can arise in different phases of the protocol. Sometimes, problems for the clinician may occur in Phase 1 when a client shares information that evokes negative arousal; or Phase 2 when the client has trouble understanding the elements of preparation or wants to get going processing trauma prematurely and the clinician has a negative response; or Phase 3 when there is a problem structuring the Assessment piece. Sometimes, client information may not evoke negative arousal in the clinician until Phase 4 when the client is actively processing. Often times, the clinician's triggers are from old memories. These memories may be explicit; at other times, implicit (somatosensory). As clinicians begin to notice these moments in themselves, they may aid themselves and their clients in continuing productive processing by using the Clinician Awareness Questionnaire. The Clinican Awareness Questionnaire Script is provided. [PsycINFO Database]

Keywords: Clinician Awareness Questionnaire  Protocol  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

19. Oncley, P. R. (1992). A comparison of eye movement desensitization and implosion-like therapy with adult victims of sexual abuse. Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA. AAT 9302718.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a recently developed technique that has been reported in the literature to be effective in treating many of the symptoms associated with PTSD. This study investigated the role of saccadic eye movements in this technique by utilizing a multiple-baseline, across subjects design with 4 adult victims of childhood sexual abuse.Eye movement desensitization conditions (EMD) were compared to non saccadic eye movement conditions (NM) utilizing a Latin square design over one treatment session. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (SCID-R) and the PTSD module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III (SCID) were used for initial diagnosis and screening. Treatment effectiveness between the intervention phase and 1 week follow-up was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and the PTSD Symptom Checklist. Skin conductance response (SCR), heart rate, and subjective units of distress (SUDS) were assessed during pretreatment, treatment, posttreatment, and follow-up phases. Results showed no significant differences across subjects among SCR, heart rate, and SUDS between the EMD and NM conditions. IES and PTSD Symptom Checklist follow-up data showed symptom improvement for 3 of the 4 subjects. One subject's intrusive symptoms worsened. All subjects displayed less physiological reactivity to the traumatic imagery at follow-up. Mechanisms that contribute to the effectiveness of EMD and recommendations for future study were discussed. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Adults  Arousal  Child Abuse  Exposure Therapy  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Rape  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

20. Hyer, L. A., Boudewyns, P. A., Peralme, L., Touze, J., & Kiel, A. (1995, June). Controlled treatment outcome study using EMDR on combat-related post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Presentation at the EMDR Network Conference, Santa Monica, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
After the status of PTSD was established, subjects were randomly assigned to one of three conditions; EMDR, exposure control (EC), and group (GT). Subjects in EMDR condition received at least five but no more than eight sessions of EMDR. EC condition subjects therapy procedure as the EMDR subjects but without the eye movements. Subjects in the GT condition received five to eight session of group therapy only. Outcome measures were at intervals; prior to therapy, immediately following therapy and at two follow-up periods. These include: (1) self report or interview-related psychological measures (Combat Exposure scale, MMPI-2 PTSD, Veterans Adjustment Scale (VETS), Mississippi Scale, Hamilton (Depression and Anxiety); (2) behavioral outcome measures (employment, treatment seeking behavior medication therapy, and re hospitalization rate); and (3) psychophysiological response measures (skin conductance, frontalis EMG, heart rate and blood pressure). The last measures involved a change measure in psychological arousal during exposure to tape recorded scripts depicting the patients' most traumatic combat memory. In addition to these pre-, post-, follow-up measures, measures (SUD, profile of mood scale (POMS), and impact of events scale (IOE) were taken at each therapy session. Early results on selected outcomes show differences in positive outcome between conditions POMS EMDR>GT (p<.01); IOE Avoidance, EMDR>GT (p<.04); IOE Intrusion, EMDR>GT(p<.03); Heart Rate, EMDR>GT (p<.04). Presently, there were no other significant differences between EMDR or EC. Trends, however suggest that EMDR may be superior to EC on several of the measures. These results indicate that EMDR may be producing greater reduction in the conditioned emotional response to traumatic memories in these patients, when compared to group therapy approach commonly used to treat these types of patients in a special VA treatment program.

Keywords: Combat  Controlled Treatment Outcome Study  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

21. Spierings, J. J. (2008, June). Creative cognitive interweaves with EMDR. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Working with severely damaged clients, we can hardly expect EMDR-processing to go smoothly by itself. ‘Just staying out of the way’ is not enough to help these clients process their traumatic material. A more active approach is called for to bring traumaresolution. In EMDR this type of intervening is called ‘(cognitive) interweaving’. The therapist may need to intervene on the process level with process interweaves, in order to keep the client within his window of (affect) tolerance. Or the therapist has to intervene on the content level with content interweaves; when the client gets stuck in a specific problem he is unable to solve with the information he has available. In this workshop the participant learns to use process interweaves to modulate the arousal level of the client. In addition to this a toolkit of useful content interweaves is presented, cognitive and non-cognitive, e.g. sensory, physical, and religious interweaves. Metaphors for all kinds of blocks, bits and pieces of psycho-education for specific stuck points, unorthodox, creative or hilarious interweaves to get round resistance, and interweaves to bring reconciliation and forgiveness.

Keywords: Cognitive Interweave  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

22. Spierings, J. (2012, April). A creative new look at interweaves / Un regard nouveau et créatif sur le tissage (Interweaves). Presentation at the annual meeting of EMDR Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Working with severely damaged clients, ‘just staying out of the way’ is not enough to help these clients process their traumatic material. A more active approach is called for to bring trauma resolution. In EMDR, this type of intervening is called '(cognitive) interweaving’. In this presentation, a distinction will be made between process and content interweaves. The process interweaves are designed to keep the client within their window of affect tolerance. Or, the therapist may intervene on the content level, when the client gets stuck in a specific problem they are unable to solve with the available information. Content interweaves may be either cognitive or non-cognitive, e.g. sensory, physical, humorous, symbolic and spiritual interweaves. The presentation includes metaphors for all kinds of blocks, bits and pieces of psycho-education for specific stuck points, unorthodox, creative or hilarious interweaves to get round resistance, and interweaves to bring reconciliation and forgiveness.
Learning objectives: 1.To understand the concept of interweaves and when they are used 2.To understand the difference between process and content interweaves 3.To learn to use process interweaves to modulate the arousal level of the client 4.To develop a toolkit of useful content interweaves including both cognitive and non-cognitive examples, e.g. sensory, physical, humorous , symbolic and spiritual interweaves.

Keywords: Interweaves  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

23. Shapiro, F., Hurley, E. C., de Roos, C., Horst, F., de Jongh, A., & Hornsveld, H. (2013, April). Current research on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Presentation at the Anxiety Disorders and Depression Conference, La Jolla, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
EMDR therapy is widely recognized as an empirically supported trauma treatment and was given an “A” rating in the most recent practice guidelines of both the DVA/DOD and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Meta-analytic findings report similar effect sizes for trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and EMDR therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there are distinct differences between the two modalities in both theory and practice. Unlike TF-CBT exposure therapies, with EMDR therapy there is only intermittent attention to the index trauma, homework is not required and detailed descriptions of the memory are not needed. Further, the eye movement component has been the subject of more than 20 randomized controlled trials that have reported positive effects supporting both working memory and orienting response/REM hypotheses. These effects include a rapid decrease in physiological arousal and negative emotion, as well as increased episodic memory retrieval and recognition of true information. Videotaped clinical sessions will illustrate these findings, as well as the differences between EMDR therapy and prolonged exposure.

Keywords: Practice  Research  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

24. Littel, M. (2013, April). De rol van emotionaliteit op de effectiviteit van EMDR [The role of emotionality in the effectiveness of EMDR]. In Onderzoek track 1 and 2. Presentatie op Het congres EMDR Vereniging EMDR Nederland, Nijmegen, Nederland.

Language: Dutch

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Als tijdens het ophalen van een autobiografische herinnering een andere taak wordt uitgevoerd die het werkgeheugen belast, zoals het maken van oogbewegingen, wordt de herinnering waziger terug opgeslagen: de levendigheid en emotionaliteit van de herinnering neemt af. Dit fenomeen kan verklaren waarom EMDR zo goed werkt als behandeling voor PTSD. Al het onderzoek dat tot nu toe gedaan is naar de effecten van oogbewegingen op herinneringen maakte gebruik van emotionele (positieve/negatieve) herinneringen. In de huidige presentatie zal worden ingegaan op de rol van deze emotionaliteit op de effectiviteit van EMDR. Uit onderzoek blijkt dat emotionele gebeurtenissen beter en gedetailleerder in het geheugen worden opgeslagen dan neutrale gebeurtenissen. Dit gebeurt als gevolg van verhoogde emotionele arousal, ofwel verhoogde afgifte van diverse stoffen in het brein, met als belangrijkste noradrenaline. Als noradrenaline wordt geblokkeerd met medicatie worden emotionele gebeurtenissen namelijk even slecht onthouden als neutrale. Ook tijdens het ophalen van emotionele herinneringen ontstaat er emotionele arousal. En het blokkeren van noradrenaline na het ophalen van een emotionele herinnering zorgt ervoor dat deze minder intens wordt terug opgeslagen in het geheugen. Emotionaliteit zorgt dus voor betere geheugen (re)consolidatie. De vraag is nu of het feit dat de in EMDR opgehaalde herinneringen emotioneel geladen zijn belangrijk is voor de effectiviteit van EMDR. En zo ja, zorgt de emotionele arousal die vrijkomt er dan voor dat de wazig-gemaakte herinneringen beter worden opgeslagen in het geheugen? Of werkt het op een andere manier? In de huidige presentatie zullen de resultaten worden besproken van een studie waarin onderzocht is of ook levendige neutrale herinneringen, net als emotionele herinneringen, door oogbewegingen minder levendig kunnen worden. Voorts zullen plannen besproken worden voor een studie naar oogbewegingen waarin emotionele arousal gemanipuleerd wordt. Ook zullen wetenschappelijke en klinische implicaties worden besproken.

If during the retrieval of autobiographical memories another task that taxed working memory, such as making eye movements, the reminder is stored back blurred: the vividness and emotionality of the memory decreases. This phenomenon may explain why EMDR works so well as a treatment for PTSD. All the research done so far has been on the effects of eye movements made ​​use of emotional memories (positive / negative) memories. In the current presentation will discuss the role of emotionality on the effectiveness of EMDR. Studies show that emotional events better and more detailed in the memory than neutral events. This happens due to increased emotional arousal, or increased release of various substances in the brain, the main noradrenaline. If norepinephrine is blocked with medication emotional events are remembered because as bad as neutral. During the retrieval of emotional memories creates emotional arousal. And blocking norepinephrine after getting an emotional memory makes it less intense back stored in memory. Emotionality thus provides better memory (re) consolidation. The question now is whether the fact that the EMDR retrieved emotionally charged memories are important for the effectiveness of EMDR. And if so, will the emotional arousal released sure the blurry-made memories are better stored in memory? Whether it works in a different way? In the current presentation, the results are discussed from a study which investigated is whether vivid memories neutral, like emotional memories, by eye movements may be less vivid. Further plans will be discussed for a study of eye movements in which emotional arousal is manipulated. Also, scientific and clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords: Emotionality  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

25. Worthington, R. (2012, April). Dealing with trauma as an intervention for aggression: A review of approaches and the value of reprocessing. Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, 4(2), 108-118. doi:10.1108/17596591211208319.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of trauma with specific consideration to the neurological impact this has on information processing and potential links with aggression. Design/methodology/approach - This paper provides a summary of the literature in relation to theories of aggression and trauma. The paper considers how the two may interact and overlap and considers a theoretical rationale for why addressing trauma through a treatment such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) may assist to reduce aggression. Findings - The paper argues that the experience of trauma may contribute to inputs which may take a person closer towards engaging in aggression. This is consistent with information processing models and unified models of aggression such as the General Aggression Model. Factors that were specifically identified included physiological hyper-arousal, hostile attributions of stimulus, and neurological impairments. In addition, the paper also argued that there is evidence that as a result of trauma, a person's ability to provide cognitive accounts for the function of their behaviour may also be impaired because of the reduced interactivity between the two prefrontal hemispheres. Research limitations/implications - The paper argues that as a result, interventions designed to reduce aggression may benefit from including additional elements which directly assist clients to process emotional information and that a reprocessing treatment such as EMDR could assist to reduce levels of emotional arousal and improve treatment effectiveness. Differences in the way in which EMDR is carried out and the variances in treatment protocols used should be attended to increase the reliability of future research. Originality/value - Current modes of aggression therapy have focused on exposure based and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However, there is evidence that EMDR has benefits over exposure and CBT approaches because of the way in which cognitive verbal accounts of the trauma are not required and because EMDR does not require the individual to have insight into their trauma experience and the link with aggression.

Keywords: Aggression  Trauma  Treatment  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

26. Vojtova, H., Bob, P., & Ptacek, R. (2012). Desenzitizace a zpracování pomocí očních pohybů (EMDR) - psychologické a neurobiologické souvislosti terapie posttraumatické stresové poruchy [Desensitization and processing using eye movements (EMDR) - A psychological therapy connection neurobiological posttraumatic stress disorder]. Československá psychologie, 56(5), 463-472.

Language: Czech

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desenzibilizace a přepracování (EMDR) představuje slibný přístup k léčbě posttraumatické stresové poruchy. Empirické poznatky poskytují důkazy o vlivu EMDR na snížení subjektivně vnímané živostí a emocionální zátěž z autobiographic vzpomínek a na snížení vzrušení autonomního nervového systému přesouváním rovnováhy směrem aktivace parasympatiku. Poslední hypotézy naznačují, že účinky EMDR spoléhají na neurobiologických mechanismů pracujících v duálním zaměřit pozornost, orientující reflex a REM spánek. Toto přepracování se zdá vyvolat specifickou neurobiological odpověď, že dělá pro zpracování informací v centrálním nervovém systému efektivnější, zejména u jedinců s PTSD.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) represents a promising approach to treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. The empirical findings provide evidence for the effect of EMDR on decreasing of subjectively perceived vividness and emotional burden of autobiographic memories and on reducing arousal of the autonomic nervous system by shifting the balance towards parasympathetic activation. Recent hypotheses suggest that the effects of EMDR rely on neurobiological mechanisms employed in dual focus attention, orienting reflex and REM sleep. This reprocessing seems to provoke a specific neurobiological response that makes the information processing in central nervous system more efficient, particularly in individuals with PTSD [Author Abstract].

Keywords: Neurobiology  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

27. Erdmann, C. (2005). Die beeinflussung chronischer schmerzen durch psychologische, schmerztherapisverfahren und EMDR [The influence of psychological chronic pain, chronic pain procedures and EMDR]. Institut fur Traumatherapie.

Language: German

Format: Other

Abstract:
Das in den 80er Jahren von der amerikanischen Psychologin Francine Shapiro veröffentlichte Verfahren EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing) beinhaltet als zentrale Komponente, dass die Aufmerksamkeit des Patienten sich auf eine traumatische Erinnerung und die damit verbundenen Gedanken und Gefühle richtet, während gleichzeitig rhythmische Augenbewegungen induziert werden. (Shapiro 1998) EMDR eignet sich signifikant gut zur Behandlung der Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS). Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Störungssyndrom, meistens bestehend aus vegetativer Übererregtheit, Erstarrung, Schlaflosigkeit, Angst und Depression, das häufig auftritt nach sehr belastenden Ereignissen oder starken Bedrohungen, wie z.B. schweren Unfällen, Naturkatastrophen, Folter, sexuellem Missbrauch, Vergewaltigungen, usw. Das Störungsbild der PTBS zeigt große Ähnlichkeiten mit dem Chronischen Schmerzsyndrom. Chronischer Schmerz kann als eigenständiges Trauma gelten mit dem eigenen Körper als Opfer und Täter. Oft finden sich auch Traumata im Vorfeld oder begleitend. Chronischer Schmerz ist signifikant assoziiert mit Posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung, mit Angsterkrankungen, Depressionen und weiteren psychischen Störungen. EMDR wird inzwischen auch mit guten Erfolgen eingesetzt bei anderen Erkrankungen, z.B. Suchterkrankungen, Depressionen, Angst- und Zwangsstörungen. Überzeugende Erfolge stellen sich ein bei der Behandlung auch sehr kleiner Kinder mit unterschiedlichen psychischen Erkrankungen. (Tinker, Wilson 1999) Bislang gibt es aber noch relativ wenig Forschungen über die Wirksamkeit von EMDR bei Akutschmerz, bei Chronischem Schmerz und im Bereich der Psychosomatik. Es ist allerdings bekannt, dass EMDR sich bei Akutschmerz eignet zum Abbau der den Schmerz häufig begleitenden Angst und darüber hinaus bei Chronischem Schmerz zur Erhöhung der Schmerztoleranz, zu mehr Entspannung, zu positiven kognitiven Strategien, zu Desensibilisierung und zur Ablenkung. (Groth, Rogers 1994). EMDR führt zu nachweislichen neurologischen Veränderungen und damit einhergehenden vom Patienten berichteten positiven Veränderungen im Beschwerdebild. (van der Kolk 2000) EMDR lässt sich nach ersten Untersuchungen ebenfalls erfolgreich einsetzen zur Behandlung von Phantomschmerzen. (Wilson nach Tinker, Wilson 2000).

That in the 80s by the American psychologist Francine Shapiro published procedures EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing) includes as a central component that the patient's attention on a traumatic memory and associated thoughts and feelings directed, while rhythmic eye movements be induced. (Shapiro 1998) EMDR is significantly well to the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is a disorder syndrome, consisting mostly of vegetative over-arousal, numbness, insomnia, anxiety and depression that occurs very often after stressful events or severe threats, such as serious accidents, natural disasters, torture, sexual abuse, rape, etc. The disorder of PTSD shows great similarities with the chronic pain syndrome. Chronic pain can be considered as a separate trauma of his own body as victims and perpetrators. Often also found in the run or incidental trauma. Chronic pain is significantly associated with post traumatic stress disorder, with anxiety disorders, depression and other mental disorders. EMDR is now used with good results in other diseases, such as Addiction, depression, anxiety and compulsive disorders. Convincing results are adapting to treat even very young children with different mental disorders. (Tinker, Wilson 1999) So far there is relatively little research on the effectiveness of EMDR in acute pain, Chronic pain and in the field of psychosomatic medicine. However, it is known that EMDR is suitable for acute pain to reduce the pain often associated with anxiety and also to increase the pain Chronic pain tolerance, more relaxation, positive cognitive strategies to desensitization and distraction. (Groth, Rogers 1994). EMDR leads to demonstrable neurological changes resulting from the patient and reported positive changes in symptoms. (Van der Kolk 2000), after initial investigations EMDR can also be used successfully to treat phantom pain. (Wilson to Tinker, Wilson 2000).

Keywords: Chronic Pain  Chronic Pain Protocol  Protocol  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

28. Wagner, F. (2004). Die wirksamkeit von eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) bei der posttraumatischen belastungsstorung im vergleich zu kontrollbedingungen und kognitiv-behavioralen therapien: Eine metaanalytische untersuchung [Efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress disorder compared with control conditions, and cognitive-behavioral therapies]. Zugl: Heidelberg. doi:volltextserver/volltexte/2005/5803 . --.

Language: German

Format: Book

Abstract:
Das Ziel der vorliegenden Metaanalyse war es, die Wirksamkeit von EMDR und kognitiv-behavioralen Therapieverfahren bei der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung mit dem aktuellen Stand an Publikationen metaanalytisch zu untersuchen. In einer umfassenden Literaturrecherche wurden hierfür sowohl publizierte Originalarbeiten als auch unpublizierte Manuskripte recherchiert. Insgesamt gingen 32 Originalstudien in die Metaanalyse ein. 13 der Studien waren reine EMDR-Studien; 7 untersuchten sowohl eine Gruppe mit EMDR als auch eine Gruppe mit kognitiv-behavioraler Therapie. 12 Studien waren reine kognitiv-behaviorale Therapiestudien. Darüber hinaus sollte die Wirksamkeit unter dem Gesichtspunkt der verschiedenen PTSD- und komorbiden Symptomatiken betrachtet werden. In einem weiteren Schritt wurde EMDR direkt mit kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Behandlungsmethoden verglichen. Effektstärken wurden sowohl für die PTSD-Symptomkategorien Intrusionen, Vermeidung und erhöhtes Arousal als auch für die komorbiden Symptome Angst und Depression berechnet. Die Berechnung der Effektstärken erfolgte anhand von standardisierten Mittelwertsvergleichen. Neben dem direkten Vergleich von EMDR mit kognitiv-behavioralen Therapieansätzen bzw. von EMDR und kognitiv-behavioraler Therapie mit Kontrollgruppen (Post-/Post-Vergleich) wurden auch die Veränderungen innerhalb der Behandlungsgruppen berechnet (Prä-/Post-Vergleich). In den Post-/Post-Vergleich gingen nur kontrollierte und randomisierte Originalstudien ein. In den Prä-/Post-Vergleich hingegen wurden auch Ein-Gruppen-Studien aufgenommen. Als Effektmaß wurde Hedges´d verwendet. Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass sowohl EMDR als auch die kognitiv-behaviorale Therapie wirksam in der Behandlung der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung sind. Beide Verfahren reduzieren in klinisch bedeutsamem Umfang, sowohl unmittelbar als auch lang anhaltend, die PTSD-Symptomatiken Intrusionen, Vermeidung und erhöhtes Arousal. Darüber hinaus führen beide Behandlungsmethoden auch zu einer Reduktion der komorbiden Symptomatiken Angst und Depression. Die Effektivität beider Verfahren zeigt sich hierbei sowohl im Prä-/Post-Vergleich als auch im direkten Post-/Post-Vergleich mit einer Kontrollbedingung. Darüber hinaus ergibt sich eine ähnlich hohe Wirksamkeit von EMDR und kognitiv-behavioraler Therapie, sowohl im Vergleich der Prä-/Post-Effektstärken als auch im direkten Post-/Post-Vergleich. Dennoch scheint es unterschiedliche Einflussfaktoren zu geben, welche die Therapieeffektivität sowohl bei EMDR als auch bei kognitiv-behavioraler Therapie beeinflussen. Aufgrund der geringen Studienzahl lassen sich diese Faktoren jedoch nicht näher untersuchen. Des Weitern zeichnen sich Unterschiede hinsichtlich der Effizienz der beiden Therapieformen ab: So beträgt die durchschnittliche Behandlungsdauer bei EMDR 5 Sitzungen, bei der kognitiv-behavioralen Therapie hingegen 8 Sitzungen. Darüber hinaus ist die Expositionsdosis bei den kognitiv-behavioralen Therapien höher als bei EMDR.
Die Befunde zur Wirksamkeit der bilateralen Stimulation sind hingegen weniger eindeutig. Allerdings sind Studien, welche den Versuch unternehmen, die Augenbewegungen bei Personen mit PTSD isoliert zu betrachten, oftmals von erheblichen methodischen Mängeln gekennzeichnet. Einzelne Befunde und Modellvorstellungen zur Rolle der bilateralen Stimulation beim EMDR werden im Diskussionsteil erörtert.

The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine the efficacy of EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on the basis of the publications relating to this issue up to the present. A large-scale search for pertinent literature came up with a total of 32 original studies. The results of these studies suggest that both the EMDR approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods are effective in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Both approaches bring about immediate and sustained reduction of the PTSD symptoms intrusions, avoidance, and hyperarousal to a clinically significant degree. In addition, both treatments lead to a reduction of the comorbid symptomatologies anxiety and depression. The comparison of pre/post effect sizes and direct post/post comparison indicate that EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy are similar in their efficacy. In terms of efficiency the EMDR method appears to have a slight advantage. However, the present meta-analytic study makes no attempt to address the issue of whether this efficiency advantage should be interpreted as having a bearing on clinical practice.

Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Trauma  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

29. Rossi, E. L. (1999, June). Does EMDR facilitate new growth in the brain?  Immediate-early genes in optimizing human potentials. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Las Vegas, NV.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Participants will: 1) be able to describe the possible role of immediate-early genes and the growth of the brain during psychological arousal, creative work and innovative approaches to psychotherapy, such as EMDR; and 2) be able to outline the mind-body dynamics of our natural 90 ultradian cycle of peak performance and healing in creative work, as well as psychotherapy.

Keywords: 90 Ultradian Cycle of Peak Performance  Brain Growth  Immediate-Early Genes  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

30. Vaughan, K. (1995, June). The effect of eye movement component of EMDR on emotional processing and arousal in PTSD. Presentation at the EMDR Network Conference, Santa Monica, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract: T
he aim of this study is to investigate in a controlled manner the effect of eye movements on emotional processing and physiological arousal in 22 PTSD patients. Changes in emotional processing and physiological arousal were measured before during and after EMDR eye movement procedure: for this experiment the EMDR procedure was varied: with a condition with eyes moving in a normal manner; with eyes watching a stationary non-moving finger; and with eyes closed acting as a control condition. In order to measure emotional processing a manual for measuring emotional processing was made. In addition to the results of this experiment the main features of this manual for scoring emotional processing including reliability measures will also be presented. Physiological arousal was measured using galvanic skin response.

Keywords: Arousal  Emotional Reprocessing  Eye movement  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

31. Nettz, S. L. (1995, August). Effects of a single session of EMDR, flooding, and a credible placebo treatment on traumatic memories in male veterans. Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL. AAT 9614404.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
This study explored the effectiveness of a single session of three different treatments for traumatic memories. Subjects were 45 adult males, randomly assigned to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Flooding, or Placebo therapy (Modified Avoidance Response Conditioning [ MARC]). Self-report and physiological measures were employed to measure treatment effectiveness. Subjects completed the following pre-treatment inventories: Michigan Alcohol Screening Test, Impact of Event Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Questionnaire on Mental Imagery, and the Treatment Credibility Questionnaire. Post-treatment measures included self-report measures (Subjective Units of Distress [ SUDs] and Treatment Credibility Questionnaire) and physiological measures (heart rate, skin conductance, and skin temperature). Treatments were rated as equally credible before and after the session. Both EMDR and Flooding produced a significant decrease in the self-report of anxiety compared to the Placebo (MARC) group. Neither heart rate or skin conductance channels showed a significant change for any of the three groups during post-treatment assessment phases. However, skin temperature was significantly lower for the Flooding group compared to the MARC group during two post-treatment phases, suggesting that the Flooding group was more physiologically aroused than Placebo (MARC) subjects. Findings suggest that during Flooding, exposure to disturbing elements of a trauma is associated with physiological arousal, which in turn leads to lessening of subjective distress. However, a different mechanism may account for EMDR treatment effects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved) Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering. 57(1-B), Jul 1996, pp. 0687

Keywords: Adults  Emotional Trauma  Empirical Study  Evaluation  Male  Memory  Military  Treatment Effectiveness Treatment Outcome/Clinical Trial  Veterans  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

32. Goodwin, D., Banner, L., & Hayward, R. (1995, June). Effects of EMDR in treating erectile dysfunction measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Symposium conducted at the EMDR Network Conference, Santa Monica, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The experimenters seek to determine whether the reported anxiety-relieving effects of (EMDR) can be effectively applied to patients reporting erectile dysfunction and whether the expected changes in levels of anxiety can be measured as a function of changes in brain function observed through MRI tracings. The MRI is well suited to reflect hypothesized changes in the lowering of sympathetic arousal and the increasing of parasympathetic arousal as a response to EMDR procedures. This investigation, using the MRI brain scanning procedures was followed in stages of (1) establishing criteria for the radiological determination of characteristics of brain function measured with the MRI that descriminate between levels of experimentally induced anxiety and (2) conducting an experimental investigation of the application of EMDR while patients are undergoing the MRI scanning protocol. Psychological measures include the Personality Assessment Inventory(PAI) to screen for psychotherapy of subjects, the Impact of Events Scale(IOE), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI). Correlations between these scales and ratings of physiological changes are reported.

Keywords: Erectile Dysfunction  MRI Scanning Protocol  Symposium  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

33. MacCulloch, M. (2006, December). Effects of EMDR on previously abused child molesters: Theoretical reviews and preliminary findings from Ricci, Clayton, and Shapiro. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, 17(4), 531-537. doi:10.1080/14789940601075760.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
We publish in this issue a preliminary and tentative account of the reduction of deviant sexual arousal, as measured by phallometry, by eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). The purpose of this editorial is to show that the conclusions of Davidson and Parker (2001), and the comment by Salkovskis, can now be set aside, and to present our readers with some theoretical thoughts on some of the mechanisms by which EMDR could induce its effects, including trauma reduction. A major bar to the further acceptance of EMDR as a treatment and as an inviting research topic stems from the fact that workers still cannot see how eye movements can cause the reported clinical changes and the increasing number of temporally related psycho-physiological phenomena. This editorial suggests that the organs of computation of the mind have evolved by natural selection to solve problems of survival and, signally, include corollary discharge and feed forward (CD-FF) mechanisms by which they intrinsically function and also interact with one another. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords: Abused Child Molesters  Editorial  Pedophilia  Physiology  Sexual Arousal  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

34. Pastva, A. M. (2008). The effects of rhythmic and arrhythmic eye movements on memory recall. The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA..

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy that treats many trauma-related disorders by requiring patients to perform rapid eye movements, has raised controversy because it lacks the support of a proven theoretical rationale. A recent theoretical explanation proposes that the eye movements reduce the vividness of the distressing images by disrupting the function of the visuospatial sketchpad (VSSP) of working memory, but support for this model has been weakened by methodological flaws that the current study attempted to overcome. The present study compared the effects of tracking rhythmic and arrhythmic stimuli on the recall of arousing television shock-ads. Eye-movement conditions did not significantly differ in terms of vividness, emotionality, or accuracy of memory as compared to the control condition. Arrhythmic targets increased the negative emotional response and decreased the vividness of the memories, but neither rhythmic nor arrhythmic target patterns produced responses that differed from the control condition. Heart rate recordings taken throughout the study did not suggest that arousal mediates the relationship between eye-movement patterns and vividness. The present study does not support the VSSP theory but provides valuable insights on the direction of future research.

Keywords: Eye  Memory  Visual perception  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

35. Raju, K. (2005). Ego strengthening and eye movement desensitization reprocessing in post traumatic stress disorder. Medical Journal Armed Forces of India, 61, 289-290.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder, which occurs after exposure to overwhelming stress like combat, rape, serious accidents, violent crime and other catastrophic events. The essential characteristics of the condition are recurrent intrusive memories, images, thoughts or dreams of the trauma, persistent arousal, emotional numbing and avoidance of the situations reminiscent of the trauma. 15-20% of individuals experiencing significant trauma are known to develop PTSD [1]. Although anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs have been tried, none have been consistently associated with improvement [2]. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is being increasingly utilized as a valid method of treatment for this distressing condition [3-7]. Ego Strengthening (ES) is a sequence of simple psychotherapeutic suggestions given under hypnosis [8]. A long standing case of PTSD treated with EMDR and ES is reported.

Keywords: Case Report  Ego Strengthening  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

36. Dworkin, M. (2006, June). El cuestionario EMDR v.6 de autoconocimiento para clínicos [EMDR v.6 questionnaire for self-awareness for clinicians]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Istanbul, Turkey.

Language: Spanish

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Para comprobar un conocimiento creciente de cómo los estados antiguos y dependientes de memoria pueden ser activados; para poder valorar que es lo que proviene del clínico y qué proviene del cliente; para desarrollar estrategias relacionales de EMDR. Muchos problemas pueden ocurrir en la fase 1 cuando el cliente aporta información que suscita un arousal negativo; o en la fase 2, cuando el cliente tiene dificultades en entender los elementos de preparación o desea avanzar procesando el trauma de forma prematura; o en la fase 3, cuando existe un problema que subyace a la pieza de valoración. Muchas veces la información del cliente puede que no despierte un arousal negativo hasta llegada la fase 4, cuando el cliente está procesando activamente. Muchas veces, nuestros desencadenantes provienen de nuestros recuerdos antiguos. Estos recuerdos pueden ser explicitados; y otras veces siguen implícitos (memoria somatosensorial). Observando estos momentos en uno mismo puede ayudarle en la continuidad de un proceso productivo.

To verify an increased awareness of how ancient states and dependent memory can be activated, in order to evaluate what they from the clinician and what comes from the client to develop relational strategies EMDR. Many problems can occur in phase 1 when the client brings information that raises a negative arousal, or in phase 2, when the client has difficulties understanding the items you want to advance preparation or processing the trauma prematurely, or in phase 3, when there is a problem underlying the piece of assessment. Many times the customer information may not appeal to a negative arousal to arrival phase 4, when the client is actively processing. Many times, our triggers memories from our past. These memories can be made explicit, and sometimes they are implicit (memory somatosensory). Looking at these moments can help yourself in continuity of the production process.

Keywords: Clinicians  Questionnaire  Self-Awareness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

37. Korn, D. (2010, April). EMDR & the treatment of adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect: EMDR aanpassingen voor disregulatie bij Complexe PTSS [EMDR adaptations dysregulation in complex PTSD]. Keynote presented at the 4th EMDR Association Netherlands Conference, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Language: Dutch

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Wanneer clienten met vroege, chronische traumatisering door middel van EMDR behandeld worden, moet de therapeut vaak als een soort ‘psychobiologische regelaar’ functioneren, om ervan verzekerd te zijn dat cliënten binnen hun Window of Tolerance blijven. De EMDR therapeut dient daarvoor actief te zijn in het bepalen van het optimale tempo van het verwerkingsproces gedurende de EMDR zitting. Dit is van belang om toegang te kunnen krijgen tot de eerder gedissocieerde kennis, gedragsmatige impulsen, gevoelens, en/of sensaties, en deze te kunnen blijven verdragen. De therapeut moet in staat zijn de signalen van disregulatie (bv hyper/hypo-arousal, bevriezen, dissociëren) te herkennen en door middel van specifieke interweaves erop in te kunnen spelen, om de cliënt in het proces te houden en te helpen met het verwerken van diverse aspecten met betrekking tot verantwoordelijkheid, veiligheid en keuze. Deze keynote zal een kader neerzetten voor het werken met complexe PTSS en disregulatie. Een aantal specifieke technieken, gericht op het omzeilen van therapeutische valkuilen bij deze chronisch getraumatiseerde cliënten, zullen kort worden besproken. Dit zal verduidelijkt worden door middel van opnames van EMDR sessies waarin er van moment tot moment de interacties tussen de therapeut en de cliënt geanalyseerd zullen worden. In de eendaagse workshop op de maandag na het congres zal veel uitvoeriger ingegaan worden op de ‘hoe, wat, wanneer en waarom vragen’ in de behandeling van Complexe PTSS.

When clients with early, chronic trauma treated by EMDR, the therapist often as a kind of 'psychobiological regulator "function, to satisfy itself that its customers remain within their Window of Tolerance. The EMDR therapist is therefore to be active in determining the optimal pace of the process during the EMDR session. This is important in order to be granted access to the previously dissociated knowledge, behavioral impulses, feelings, and/or sensations, and to continue to bear. The therapist should be able to dysregulation of signals (e.g. hyper / hypo-arousal, freezing, dissociate) to recognize specific interweaves through it in order to respond to the client in the process to keep and help in processing various aspects of responsibility, security and choice. This keynote will provide a framework drop for working with complex PTSD and dysregulation. Some specific techniques designed to circumvent these therapeutic pitfalls in chronically traumatized clients, will be briefly discussed. This will be clarified by means of recordings of sessions in which EMDR is from moment to moment interactions between therapist and client will be analyzed. The one-day workshop on the Monday after the congress will be much more detailed presentation on the 'how, what, when and why questions "in the treatment of Complex PTSD.

Keywords: Abuse  Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  Complex PTSD  C-PTSD  Keynote  Neglect  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

38. Shapiro, E. (2012). EMDR and early psychological intervention following trauma. Revue Européenne De Psychologie Appliquée/European Review of Applied Psychology, 62(4), 241-251. doi:10.1016/j.erap.2012.09.003.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Introduction: This article evaluates developments in the field of early psychological intervention (EPI) after trauma in general and the place of early eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) intervention (EEI) in particular. The issues and dilemmas involved with EPI and EEI will be outlined; related research presented and the current status evaluated. Literature and clinical findings: Reviewing the literature and drawing on findings from initial research and case studies, the rationale and contribution that EMDR therapy has to offer is discussed relative to current evidence and theory regarding post-traumatic stress syndromes and trauma memories. The relative advantages of EEI will be elaborated. Discussion and conclusion: It is proposed that EEI, while trauma memories have not yet been integrated, may be used not only to treat acute distress but may also provide a window of opportunity in which a brief intervention, possibly on successive days, could prevent complications and strengthen resilience. Through the rapid reduction of intrusive symptoms and de-arousal response as well as by identifying potential obstructions to adaptive information processing (AIP), EMDR therapy may reduce the sensitisation and accumulation of trauma memories.

Keywords: Early Psychological Intervention  EPI  Trauma  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

39. Paulsen, S. L. (2003, September). EMDR and ego state therapy:  Energizing disowned aspects of self with dissociative table technique interwoven with EMDR. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Denver, CO.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Ego State Therapy is a tool for EMDR practitioners seeking to resolve looping, identify early childhood targets, enhance containment, and more. Dissociative Table is an ego state approach that enables rapid visualization of disowned ego states without formal trance induction. It energizes and egotizes aspects of self so that resistance can reduced through internal education and mediation. EMDR and ego state therapy can be interwoven to manage the level of affective arousal by creating closeness to or distance from disturbing material. The workshop will also present ACT-AS-IF, a step-by-step approach to preparing dissociative clients for EMDR processing.

Keywords: Act-As-If  Dissociative Table Technique  Ego State Therapy  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

40. Sitting, K. J. (2008, August). EMDR and hypnotherapy. Presentation at the European Congress of Hypnosis, Vienna, Austria.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Treat the trauma without treating the trauma The common opinion is that you can not resolve a trauma simply by installation of resources. Resource activation effectuates the stabilization of the patient before starting the trauma treatment. But if the resources are tailored exactly fitting the trauma–action–system that decreases the trauma arousal (SUD) or even resolves it completely. The author could find this to be true in many cases in his psychotherapeutic work. The patients feel secure in their private sphere, because it is neither necessary to describe the traumatic experiences absorbed nor to experience them again! This method is based on the target–focused sensitization of Resources–Ego-States (SUR–scale) exactly consistent with the trauma experience. Therefore it is necessary to define a new paradigm and a new scale: EMDR generates or reinforces resource– action–systems. To measure the arousal of the resources use the SUR–scale, Subjective Units of Resources. The author shortly describes and explains his model of hypno–systemic trauma therapy, the psycho–physiological and the neuro–physiological model. The integration of EMDR and hypno–systemic trauma therapy effectuates another benefaction: The therapist activates his own resources in his everyday work!

Keywords: Hypnotherapy  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

41. Sitting, K. J. (2008, September). EMDR and hypnotherapy: Integration of EMDR and hypnotherapy. An innovative, highly- efficient, resources – based method for PTSD - treatment [EMDR und hypnotherapie]. Pre-congress presentation on EMDR at the European Congress of Hypnosis, Vienna, Austria.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Treat the trauma without treating the trauma The common opinion is that you can not resolve a trauma simply by installation of resources. Resource activation effectuates the stabilization of the patient before starting the trauma treatment. But if the resources are tailored exactly fitting the trauma–action–system that decreases the trauma arousal (SUD) or even resolves it completely. The author could find this to be true in many cases in his psychotherapeutic work. The patients feel secure in their private sphere, because it is neither necessary to describe the traumatic experiences absorbed nor to experience them again! This method is based on the target–focused sensitization of Resources–Ego-States (SUR–scale) exactly consistent with the trauma experience. Therefore it is necessary to define a new paradigm and a new scale: EMDR generates or reinforces resource– action–systems. To measure the arousal of the resources use the SUR–scale, Subjective Units of Resources. The author shortly describes and explains his model of hypno–systemic trauma therapy, the psycho–physiological and the neuro–physiological model. The integration of EMDR and hypno–systemic trauma therapy effectuates another benefaction: The therapist activates his own resources in his everyday work! Previous knowledge is not necessary.

Keywords: Hypnotherapy  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

42. Ricci, R., & Clayton, C. (2011, August). EMDR as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral treatment of sex offenders. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Orange County, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Historically the treatment of male adult sex offenders ignored or purposely avoided developmental adversity or trauma in the history of the offender. Emerging theories in the field of adult sex offender treatment allow room for a trauma informed treatment model including collaborative practice between sex offender treatment providers and EMDR practitioners. A promising mixed-methods study adding EMDR to a standard CBT model with ten adult male child molesters found pre-post improvement in both treatment progress and significant reduction in deviant, idiosyncratic sexual arousal as measured by phallometry. The project’s qualitative analysis provides a guide to developing treatment protocol.

Keywords: CBT  Cognitive Behavior Therapy  Sex Offenders  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

43. Shapiro, F. (2007, November). EMDR clinical parameters and research findings: “What’s new and useful”. Master clinician series at the 23rd annual meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress, Baltimore MD.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Numerous controlled studies have indicated that EMDR´s effects on PTSD symptoms are comparable to those of trauma-focused CBT. However, EMDR does not require homework, sustained arousal, detailed verbalization of the index trauma, or prolonged exposure to the event. In this invited presentation, videotapes of an incest survivor and a disaster victim will demonstrate the EMDR treatment, and the de-arousal effects of the eye movements, which have been documented in numerous controlled laboratory studies. In addition, the clinical procedures of an EMDR group-protocol used subsequent to disasters and terrorist attacks will be illustrated. The presentation will review research findings, with long-term follow up, indicating that the resolution of etiological events can result in the successful treatment of conditions that have often been considered intractable. A recent study will be used to explore the clinical parameters of the EMDR treatment of child molesters, which has resulted in the sustained reduction of deviant arousal. Likewise, representative case examples from studies documenting the elimination/ reduction of phantom limb pain subsequent to EMDR processing will be presented to explore both the clinical and theoretical implications.

Keywords: De-arousal Effects of Eye Movement  Group Protocol  Master Series  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

44. Carlson, J. G., Chemtob, C. M., Rusnak, K., Hedlund, N. L., & Muroaka, M. Y. (1995, June). EMDR in combat-related PTSD: A controlled study. Presentation at the EMDR Network Conference, Santa Monica, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
In view of potential, but largely undocumented benefits of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as an intervention for PTSD in combat veterans, in our laboratory a study of EMDR treatment included (1) randomized patient assignment, (2) clinically appropriate comparison (treatment and control) groups, (3) a 12-session EMDR protocol administered by experienced, EMDR trained clinicians, and (4) extensive clinical assessment, including physiological evaluation at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Thirty-five veterans who met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD completed an extensive multimodal assessment protocol. Assessment instruments included: The Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD, the Impact of Events Scale (IES), the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), a self-rating of overall severity of "PTSD symptoms," the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI). In addition, each subject completed a Stressful Scene Construction Questionnaire (SSCQ) in which scripts of specific traumatic combat incidents were prepared for presentation during psychophysiological assessment. Following pre-assessment, a subset of the subjects constituted a waiting list control (CON, N = 12). Routine clinical care for these subjects was available at the VA Medical Center. Seven of these subjects also participated in group sessions for discussion of PTSD designed as an attentional control. There were no differences between the two control subgroups and their data was combined for all subsequent analyses. For the treatment groups, subjects assigned to the EMDR (EMD, N = 10) and relaxation (RXT, N = 13) groups were seated in a semi-reclined chair and continuous measures were taken of muscle tension levels (four sites), hand temperature, skin conductance levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. For all subjects, there were 20 minutes in each of the baseline sessions with no additional stimuli presented. At the end of session 2 of baseline, the patients remained in the experimental room and were assessed for an additional 20 minutes (pre-treatment) during which the SSCQ scripts also were presented. There were two sessions per week with a minimum of one day between sessions. Each subsequent treatment session for the EMD and RXT subjects was approximately 60 minutes in duration, allowing for set-up time and briefing. In the EMD group, a standard protocol for the EMDR interventions was administered, including periodic SUDS ratings and VoC scaling of combat and related images and cognitions (cf Shapiro, 1995). In the RXT group, home relaxation tapes and biofeedback on four sites (face, neck, arm, and back) to assist lowered muscle tension were provided. Following 12 treatment sessions (post-treatment), and again after three months (follow-up) the psychometric instruments and psychophysiological assessment were readministered using the format outlined above. Relative to the other conditions, the EMDR treatment produced substantially more positive clinical effects at post-treatment and follow-up. Comparing the EMD group to the CON group, significant effects (p<.05 or better) were obtained on measures of PTSD including the Mississippi and PTSD symptoms self-rating, and on the Beck and STAI-Trait. Comparing the EMD group to the RXT subjects, significant differences were found on the Mississippi, the IES-Intrusion scale, the CAPS, PTSD symptoms ratings, and the STAI-Trait scale. No differences were obtained on any of the physiological measures. Therefore, the present results support the effectiveness of EMDR with combat veterans with chronic PTSD. The data strongly suggest that some previous negative results obtained when EMDR was applied to chronic and severe combat PTSD may have resulted from methodological artifacts, such as inadequate amount of treatment and therapist inexperience. While the failure to find physiological effects is consistent with results of other controlled treatment exposure trials in PTSD, this finding raises clinical and conceptual questions with respect to the arousal component of the disorder.

Keywords: Combat  Controlled Study  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

45. Tripolt, R. (2010, June). EMDR in motion: Enhancing the effect of EMDR by using elements of movement therapy, dance and body orientated therapeutic interweave techniques. In Experimental use of EMDR. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Hamburg, Germany.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
'The Body Keeps the Score' (Bessel van der. Kolk 1996). Clients who suffer from traumatic stress are often afraid of disturbing and painful symptoms. Structural Dissociation alienates from the body reactions. Clients tend to perceive the body as hostile. As we know from eye movement and other bilateral stimulations, using movement is a gentle and powerful way, to bring the voice of the body into the therapeutic space. To expand the movement and body orientated skills either in difficult processes for example in the therapeutic work with complex traumatised clients enhances the effect of EMDR. Content of the Workshop: How to install the body as resource where the EMDR process can 'take place'. How to dissolve dissociation by associating body and movement awareness. How to accelerate the desensitization process by leading into deeper levels of body consciousness. How to help the client to stay within the "window of tolerance" of vegetative arousal by using elements of movement and dance therapy.

Keywords: Body  Dance Therapy  Experimental Use  Movement Therapy  Symposium  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

46. Purandare, M., Bhagwagar, H., & Tank, P. (2010, July). EMDR on children affected by the earthquake. Presentation at the 1st EMDR Asia Conference, Bali, Indonesia.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Efficacy of EMDR on Children Affected by Earthquake: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of EMDR as an intervention technique for trauma victims. A sample of 50 students, studying in 10th grade, age ranging from 14 to 16 years were selected. The Impact of Event Scale (IES) was administered to measure the intensity of trauma experienced. A pre-post test research design was used in the study. The results were in the predicted direction. EMDR was found to be effective in reducing avoidance, intrusion and hyper arousal as well as overall impact of trauma. “Group EMDR With Earthquake Survivors” The current study is an attempt to understand the impact of a specific traumatic events and its expression in children i.e. the earthquake that occurred in Gujarat, Western India in January 2001. This study was a part of the therapy work conducted with the survivors of the earthquake by the group of 40 practitioners from Mumbai and was over 4 months. The paper will present the following aspects: 1. The symptoms seen among the children depicting PTSD as per DSM IV criteria. Signs of Hyper-arousal, Avoidance and Intrusion were clearly seen especially in children 2. The process used. This was a modified version of the standard 8 phase protocol appropriate for use with group work. Butterfly hugs were used as BLS. Stages of EMDR for this group: 3. Observations and a few unique experiences These include blocking of trauma image, difficulty in safe place visualizing, difficulty in distancing and using creative techniques for soothing and relaxation. 4. Impact of the EMDR intervention with this group More than 16000 children from about 30 schools were seen. based on observations and reports by teachers during the follow up showed reduction in anxiety, reports of life resembling pre-earthquake, improved attention and concentration, better sleeping patterns and lowering of somatic complaints. Impact and expression of trauma in children exposed to the earthquake: The current study is an attempt to understand the impact of a specific traumatic event and its expression in children i.e. the earthquake that occurred in Gujarat, western India in January 2001. The Butterfly hug technique for bilateral stimulation was used following 8 steps of EMDR. Drawings of children were used as their expressions during different phases of EMDR. Drawings during “ Assessment phase” depicted feelings of insecurity, a sense of vacuum and emptiness, low energy levels, a desire for contact and help, feelings of guilt, poor body image, hypersensitivity was noticed almost universally and even during therapy. Drawings, following the processing and installation phases indicated the facial expression changed to a smile. Tears which were present in almost all drawings were not noted Positive cognitions were reflected in terms of the growth and freshness e.g. the newly growing grass. In spite of the various symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, no gross disintegration of personality had been noted.

Keywords: Children  Earthquake  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

47. Shapiro, F., Beutler, L., Norcross, J., Maxfield, L., & Rogers, S. (2002). EMDR research and its future: Ecological validity, process research, component analysis, outcome findings, and sociopolitical context. Panel discussion at the Society for Psychotherapy Research International Conference, Santa Barbara, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This panel presentation addresses ecological validity, process factors, methodological variables, and sociopolitical context in the interpretation and dissemination of outcome research. Since its introduction, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) has been the focus of controversy because of its departure from existing paradigms, its non-traditional dissemination, and immoderate claims for rapid effectiveness. This panel reviews the socio-political context in which EMDR developed and its relevance for other emerging psychotherapeutic approaches. Findings from a recent methodological meta-analysis are reviewed to provide an empirical context for assessing the range of results in different outcome studies. Specific client, therapist, and methodological variables that could account for disparities in outcome are examined and implications for interpreting research outcomes are discussed. The panel also summarizes the findings of various recent studies that identified the effects of eye movements as decreasing vividness and emotionality of memory, physiological arousal, and in-session subjective distress. Findings from two recently completed studies are reported in which both process variables and active ingredients were examined. Limitations of the group design approach to the dismantling of psychotherapies are also discussed.

Keywords: Panel Discussion  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

48. Maxfield, L., & Smyth, N. (2009, August). EMDR research: Where we stand, where we should go, and why we should care. Plenary at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Atlanta, GA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The panel reviews EMDR research, explains the strengths and weaknesses of its current status, and discusses possible future research in the next 5 to 10 years. The panel begins with a discussion of the meaning of “evidence-based” designations, and related legal and ethical implications. A review of EMDR’s efficacy in the treatment of PTSD also highlights areas for future research and issues related to deviations from the standard protocol. This is followed by an overview of preliminary research evaluating EMDR’s effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, somatic disorders, pain, substance abuse, and offender behavior. A summary of past and current research in these areas indicates opportunities for important future research. The panel concludes with a summary of the research on the effects of eye movements, in disrupting traumatic memories, enhancing physiological de-arousal, and creating psychological distance. The relevance of these findings for various proposed mechanisms in EMDR is discussed, and future research is encouraged.

Keywords: Plenary  Research  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

49. Shapiro, F. (2012). EMDR therapy: An overview of current and future research. Revue Européenne De Psychologie Appliquée/European Review of Applied Psychology, 62(4), 193-195. doi:10.1016/j.erap.2012.09.005.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Introduction: EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment approach widely recognized as a frontline treatment for trauma. Research over the past decade has addressed the utility of the eye movements, mechanism of action and comparisons with other forms of therapy. Literature and clinical findings: More than two-dozen randomized controlled trials (RCT) demonstrate the positive effects of EMDR therapy with trauma victims. Comparisons with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) indicate comparable effects sizes. Approximately 20 additional RCT evaluated the eye movement component of EMDR in isolation, without the rest of the therapy procedures. These studies document a variety of positive effects, including a rapid decrease in distress and reduced clarity of the targeted disturbing image when compared to exposure-only conditions. Discussion: Research findings indicate that EMDR therapy and TF-CBT are based on different mechanisms of action in that EMDR therapy does not necessitate daily homework, sustained arousal or detailed descriptions of the event, and appears to take fewer sessions. EMDR is guided by the adaptive information processing model, which posits a wide range of adverse life experiences as the basis of pathology. Conclusions: Research is suggested to further explore mechanisms of action and address issues of efficiency and treatment differences. Rigorous research is also needed to investigate additional clinical applications.

Keywords: Research  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

50. Jacobs, S., Rackowitz, M., Strack, M., & de Jongh, A. (2009). EMDR und biofeedback in der behandlung der posttraumatischen belastungsstorung - Erweiterung der evaluation des neuropsychotherapeutischen behandlungsprogramms [EMDR and biofeedback in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder - extension of the evaluation of the neuropsychological treatment program]. In S. Jacobs, (Hrsg.), Neurowissenschaften und Traumatherapie. Grundlagen und Behandlungskonzepte [Neurosciences and Trauma Therapy, Bases and treatment approaches] (pp. 51-81). Göttingen: Universitätsverlag.

Language: German

Format: Book Section

Abstract: In the year (2007) the manual of the neuropsychotherapeutic intervention program EMDR and biofeedback in the therapy of posttraumatic stress disorder by Jacobs and de Jong was published. The therapeutic concept based on new neuroscienctific findings, which declare a dissociation of implicit and explicit traumamemory as one reason for emergence a PTSD. On this background the treatment program integrates selective modules. The allocation of information carried out by an educational movie for patients, specific cognitive-behavioural intervention techniques, which are supplemented by biofeedback-supported Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). During the treatment the skin conductance (electrodermal activity), which is a stress parameter, is mesured. This program was already evaluated in the pilot-study. The patient pool could be enlarged, so that 28 patients were available for the evaluation. Additionally the educational movie was examined on efficiency. The total feedback was positive. After therapy-end the PTSD-symptomatology decreased consistently (demp=2.48), as well as the psychological stress in another problem areas (demp=1.30). Moreover the EMDR-method achieved objective a significant decrease of the autonomic arousal (demp=.79) and subjective an explicit reduction of the felt stress (demp=2.40), while growth of the coherence of a worked out positive cognition (demp=2.52). Three- and 12-month follow-up analysis could demonstrate the stability and sustainability of the changes. The intervention program EMDR and biofeedback was also proved to be efficient ( 19 sessions) and effective (demp=1.39) in the enlarged sample, with high

Keywords: Biofeedback  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

51. Jacobs, A. & de-Jongh, S. (2007). EMDR und biofeedback in der behandlung von posttraumatischen belastungsstörungen: Ein neuropsychotherapeutisches behandlungsprogramm [EMDR and biofeedback in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorders]. Göttingen, Germany: Hogrefe. ISBN: 9783801720391.

Language: German

Format: Book

Abstract:
Das Manual stellt ein neu entwickeltes, multimodales neuropsychotherapeutisches Therapieprogramm zur Behandlung der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTB) vor. Ausgehend von neueren Befunden aus den Neurowissenschaften, die darauf hinweisen, dass eine Dissoziation zwischen implizitem und explizitem Traumagedächtnis die wesentliche Grundlage der PTB darstellt, wurden verschiedene Module in das Behandlungsprogramm integriert. Dazu gehören spezielle kognitiv-behaviorale Interventionstechniken, Biofeedback-gestütztes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) sowie die gezielte Bereitstellung von Informationen über die Störungszusammenhänge für den Patienten. Mittels Biofeedback wird die elektrodermale Aktivität der Patienten während der EMDR-Sitzungen als Indikator für die autonome Erregung aufgezeichnet. Die bei der Traumaexposition implizit ablaufenden Prozesse werden somit an Therapeut und Patient zurückgemeldet. Dadurch ist es möglich, zu kontrollieren, ob das Ausmaß der autonomen Erregung soweit gesenkt werden konnte, dass eine erfolgreiche Verarbeitung und Abspeicherung der traumatischen Erinnerungen im expliziten Gedächtnissystem möglich wird. Studien belegen die Wirksamkeit des Programms. So zeigen Ergebnisse eine deutliche Reduktion der PTB Symptomatik sowie eine starke Abnahme der autonomen Erregung und der subjektiven Belastung.

The manual presents a newly developed multi-modal neuropsychotherapeutisches therapy program for treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD before). Based on recent findings from the neurosciences that suggest that a dissociation between implicit and explicit memory of trauma is the main basis of the PTB, different modules were integrated into the treatment program. These include specific cognitive-behavioral intervention techniques, biofeedback-assisted Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the targeted provision of information about the disorder correlations for the patient. Biofeedback is recorded, the electrodermal activity of patients during the EMDR sessions as an indicator of autonomic arousal. The case of trauma exposure implicit processes involved are therefore reported to the therapist and patient. This makes it possible to check whether the degree of autonomic arousal could be lowered so far that a successful processing and storage of traumatic memories is possible in the explicit memory system. Studies show the effectiveness of the program. Results nevertheless show a significant reduction of symptoms and PTB a strong decrease of the autonomous arousal and subjective burden.

Keywords: Biofeedback Therapy  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

52. Jacobs, S., & Strack, M. (2007, Mai). EMDR und biofeedback in der therapie posttraumatischer belastungsstörungen. Evaluation eines neuropsychotherapeutischen [EMDR and biofeedback therapy in post-traumatic stress disorder. Evaluation of a neuropsychology treatment program]. Symposium at the (R. Keller, Chair) Workshoptagung der European Society für traumatische Stress Studies (EWOTS), Hamburg, Deutschland.

Language: German

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Evaluiert wurde ein neu entwickeltes multimodales, neuropsychotherapeutisches Programm zur Behandlung der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTB). Ausgehend von neueren Befunden aus den Neurowissenschaften, die darauf hinweisen, dass eine Dissoziation zwischen implizitem und explizitem Traumagedächtnis die wesentliche Grundlage der PTB darstellt, wurden verschiedene Module in das Behandlungsprogramm integriert. Dazu gehören neben der gezielten Bereitstellung von Informationen über die Störungszusammenhänge, ein Patientenedukationsfilm, spezielle kognitiv-behaviorale Interventionstechniken sowie Biofeedback gestütztes Eye Movement Desentization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Ziel der Anwendung des Biofeedback im Rahmen der EMDR-Sitzungen ist es zum einen, den PatientInnen implizite Prozesse während der Traumaexposition zurückzumelden, zum anderen wird anhand der Biofeedback-Aufzeichnung das Ausmaß der Übereinstimmung zwischen subjektivem Belastungsgrad durch die traumatische Erinnerung (SUD-Rating) und physiologisch messbarer Erregung überprüft. Als physiologischer Parameter wurde die elektrodermale Aktivität (Hautleitwert, EDA) erhoben.

Was evaluated a newly developed multi-modal, neuro psychotherapeutic Program for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Starting by recent findings from neuroscience, the point out that a dissociation between implicit Trauma and explicit memory the essential PTB is based on, were different modules integrated into the treatment program. These include next targeted provision of information on the disorder correlations, a Patientenedukationsfilm, specific cognitive-behavioral intervention techniques and biofeedback-assisted Eye Movement Desentization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The aim of the application of Biofeedback in the EMDR sessions is to one, the patients implicit processes during the Trauma exposure report back, on the other hand on the basis of biofeedback recording the extent of Agreement between subjective stress level by the traumatic memory (SUD rating) and measurable physiological arousal reviewed. As a physiological Parameters, the electrodermal activity (skin conductance, EDA) raised.

Keywords: Biofeedback  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Symposium  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

53. Jacobs, S., de Jong, A., & Strack, M. (2007). EMDR und biofeedback in der therapie posttraumatischer belastungsstörungen: Evaluation eines neuropsychotherapeutischen behandlungsprogramms [EMDR and biofeedback in the therapy of posttraumatic stress disorder: Evaluation of a neuropsychotherapeutic intervention]. Verhaltenstherapie & Psychosoziale Praxis: VPP, 39(4), 855-876.

Language: German

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eine neu entwickelte multimodale, neuropsychotherapeutic Programm für die Behandlung der Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) wurde ausgewertet. Ausgehend von neueren Erkenntnissen in der Forschung neuroscienctific, so dass eine Dissoziation zwischen impliziter und expliziter Trauma-Speicher die wichtigste Grundlage der PTBS ist, verschiedene Module wurden im Rahmen der Behandlung integriert anzuzeigen. Die vereinigten Komponenten sind: spezifische Hintergrundinformationen über die Unordnung und typische PTSD-Symptome, eine pädagogische Film für Patienten, spezifische kognitive Verhaltenstherapie und Biofeedback-Techniken unterstützte Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Das Ziel der Biofeedback-Sitzungen während EMDR ist es, den Patienten eine direkte Rückmeldung über die implizite Prozesse während der Trauma-Exposition. Darüber hinaus Erfassung der physiologischen Daten über Biofeedback ermöglicht das Testen, ob es eine Korrelation zwischen dem Grad der subjektiven Belastung durch traumatische Erinnerungen ausgelöst (quantifiziert mit der SUD-Skala), und messbare physiologische Erregung. Elektrodermale Aktivität (EDA; Hautleitfähigkeit) wurde als eine physiologische Parameter gemessen. Die Ergebnisse einer durchgeführten Pilot-Studie (16 Patienten auf der Grundlage, mit einem wartenden Gruppe als Kontrollgruppe) zeigen verschiedene EDA-Muster während EMDR-desensitivation (fad und assoziative Wiederaufbereitung). Ein offensichtlich Reduktion der PTBS-Symptome gefunden (d = 2,27) sein, die stärker ist als in anderen Behandlungen. Die traumatischen Erinnerungen mit EMDR behandelt wurde weniger Anstrengung, die ebenfalls reflektiert in der Physiologie (verminderte autonome Erregung) und in der subjektiven Belastung fühlte sich durch die Patienten. Die Kürzungen der Erregung (d = 1,01) und subjektive Belastung (d = 2,55) zeigen, dass eine effektive Hemmung der Aktivierung der Amygdala-und damit der Angstreaktion selbst-aufgrund der Intervention geschaffen. Mit EMDR reduziert die Amygdala physiologische Erregung. Wir vermuten, dass aus diesem Grund den medialen präfrontalen Kortex und im Hippocampus kann eine kortikale Inhibition, die erfolgreich reduziert die Angst-Reaktion (Grawe, 2004) zu etablieren. Die berichteten Ergebnisse wurden durch einen dreimonatigen Follow-up-Bewertung bestätigt. Mit einer durchschnittlichen Dauer von 16 Sitzungen und einer nicht vorhandenen Drop-out-Rate (0%), die Intervention erwiesen sich ebenfalls als sehr effizient. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, alle Rechte vorbehalten)

A newly developed multimodal, neuropsychotherapeutic program for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was evaluated. Starting from recent findings in the neuroscienctific research, which indicate that a dissociation between implicit and explicit trauma-memory is the main basis of PTSD, different modules were integrated within the treatment. The combined components are: specific background information regarding the disorder and typical PTSD-symptoms, an educational movie for patients, specific cognitive behavioral intervention techniques and biofeedback-supported Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The aim of using biofeedback during EMDR sessions is to give patients a direct feedback about the implicit processes during trauma-exposition. In addition, recording the physiological data via biofeedback allows testing if there is a correlation between the level of subjective strain, triggered by traumatic memories (quantified with the SUD-scale), and measurable physiological arousal. Electrodermal activity (EDA; skin conductance) was measured as a physiological parameter. The results of a conducted pilot-study (based on 16 patients, with a waiting group as a control group) show different EDA-patterns during EMDR-desensitivation (bland and associative reprocessing). An evident reduction of the PTSD-symptoms could be found (d = 2.27), which is stronger than in other treatments. The traumatic memories treated with EMDR became less straining, which reflects likewise in physiology (decreased autonomous arousal) and in the subjective strain felt by the patients. The reductions of arousal (d = 1.01) and subjective strain (d = 2.55) indicate that an effective inhibition of the amygdala activation—and thereby of the anxiety reaction itself—is created due to the intervention. Using EMDR reduces the amygdala induced physiological arousal. We suppose that for this reason the medial prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus can establish a cortical inhibition, which successfully reduces the anxiety reaction (Grawe, 2004). The reported results were confirmed by a three month follow-up evaluation. With an average duration of 16 sessions and a non-existing drop-out rate (0%), the intervention also proved to be very efficient. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords: Biofeedback  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

54. Hornsveld, H. (2008, Maart). EMDR werkt! Maar hoe? [EMDR works! But how?]. Presentatie op de derde conferentie van de Vereniging EMDR Nederland, Ede, Nederland.

Language: Dutch

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Het leidt geen enkele twijfel dat EMDR een effectieve behandelvorm is. EMDR is opgenomen in de guidelines van de International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) waarbij zowel EMDR als Imaginaire Exposure (IE) als ‘treatment of choice’ bij de behandeling van PTSS gelden. Ook in de Nederlandse GGZ-richtlijnen (Trimbos Instituut, 2003) worden EMDR en imaginaire exposure (IE) genoemd als superieure behandelvormen voor PTSS. Rechtstreekse vergelijking van CGt en EMDR leverde echter wisselende resultaten op. Over het geheel genomen kan worden gesteld dat wat betreft effectiviteit er geen duidelijk verschil is vastgesteld tussen CGt en EMDR. Dit is opvallend, omdat de procedures en de veronderstelde werkingsmechanismen bij IE en EMDR duidelijk verschillen. Bij IE wordt reliving essentieel geacht en bij EMDR distancing. Hier is echter nog nauwelijks expliciet onderzoek naar gedaan; het meeste onderzoek heeft zich tot nu toe gericht op de effectiviteit van EMDR en op de rol van de BLS. In deze presentatie zullen drie eigen experimenten worden besproken die worden uitgevoerd met masterstudenten van de Universiteit Utrecht naar het effect van reliving versus distancing. Het onderzoek bouwt voort op het werk van de Chris Lee en zijn collega’s. (Lee et al 2006) In het onderzoek worden 3 experimenten uitgevoerd, waarbij de variabele distancing en reliving worden gevarieerd. Verondersteld wordt (vanuit de EMDR visie) dat responses tijdens de desensitisatiefase, die getuigen van distancing leiden tot meer verbetering dan responses die getuigen van reliving. Een tweede onderzoeksvraag die wij beogen te beantwoorden is of dit verschil groter is voor narigheid uit het domein “zelfwaardering” dan voor narigheid uit het “domein controle en machteloosheid”. Een derde onderzoeksvraag betreft de vraag of een verhoogde parasympatische (arousal onderdrukkende) activiteit (een reeds aangetoond effect van BLS) samengaat met veranderingen in SUD-niveau en levendigheid van de herinneringen. De workshop is bedoeld voor therapeuten die geïnteresseerd zijn in de achtergronden van EMDR. Op zo eenvoudig mogelijke wijze zal een overzicht worden gegeven van de “state of the art” met betrekking tot de veronderstelde werkingsmechanismen. Dit zal worden geïllustreerd met bovengenoemd onderzoek en videomateriaal. Aan het eind van de workshop zal de therapeut zijn cliënten en collega’s iets meer kunnen zeggen dan “ dat EMDR de verwerking stimuleert door de linker en de hersenhelften beter te laten samenwerken, waardoor gevoel en verstand beter met elkaar verbonden raken.”

There is no doubt that EMDR is an effective form of treatment. EMDR is included in the guidelines of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) where both EMDR and imaginal exposure (IE) as treatment of choice in the treatment of PTSD are. Also in the Dutch mental health care directives (Trimbos Institute, 2003) are EMDR and imaginal exposure (IE) identified as superior forms of treatment for PTSD. Direct comparison of CBT and EMDR yielded mixed results, however. Overall it can be stated that in terms of effectiveness there is no clear difference observed between CBT and EMDR. This is striking because the procedures and mechanisms assumed by IE and EMDR markedly different. When IE is reliving considered essential to EMDR and distancing. There is still little research has been done explicitly, most research has hitherto focused on the effectiveness of EMDR and the role of the BLS. This presentation will discuss three own experiments conducted with master students of the University of Utrecht to the effect of relieving versus distance. The research builds on the work of Chris Lee and his colleagues. (Lee et al 2006) In the study, three experiments, with variable distancing and reliving be varied. It is assumed (from the EMDR vision) that responses during desensitisatiefase, evidence of distancing lead to more improvement than responses that show reliving. A second research question we seek to answer is whether this difference is in trouble from the domain "esteem" than for trouble from the "domain control and powerlessness". A third research question concerns whether an increased parasympathetic (arousal suppressive) activity (an effect already demonstrated BLS) is associated with changes in SUD level and vividness of the memories. The workshop is designed for therapists interested in the backgrounds of EMDR. In the simplest possible manner, an overview of the state of the art "regarding the supposed mechanisms of action. This will be illustrated with the above study and video material. At the end of the workshop, the therapist will have clients and colleagues can say little more than "that EMDR stimulates the processing by the left and the brain work better together, making sense and intellect more interrelated."

Keywords: Practice  Theory  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

55. Shapiro, F., & Forrest, M. S.. (2005). EMDR: Vernieuwende therapie tegen angst, stress en trauma [EMDR: The breakthrough therapy for overcoming anxiety, stress and trauma]. Antwerpen; Apeldoorn: Garant. 287 pp..

Language: Dutch

Format: Book

Abstract:
EMDR staat voor "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing" en is een kortdurende, geprotocolleerde en cliëntgerichte behandelmethode om schokkende ervaringen te verwerken. Ook kan het helpen tegen angst en stress. EMDR integreert verschillende succesvolle elementen van andere therapieën in combinatie met een afleidende stimulus. Deze stimulus kan zijn: het met de ogen volgen van de handen van de therapeut, bi-laterale audiostimulatie, of bi-laterale handstimulatie. Hierdoor wordt "het informatie-verwerkings-systeem in de hersenen" gestimuleerd. Met EMDR is het niet nodig om jarenlang te praten over het verleden. Wel worden, door het stimuleren van het informatie-verwerkings-systeem, in een relatief korte tijd therapeutische doelen bereikt. Hierbij veroorzaakt EMDR herkenbare veranderingen die ook na langere tijd blijven bestaan. De volgende gebeurtenissen kunnen, bij kinderen en volwassenen, leiden tot verwerkingsproblematiek: een (auto)ongeval, brand, diagnose van een ernstige ziekte, getuige van geweld, mishandeling, misbruik, natuurramp, overval, verkrachting of aanranding, verlies van een baan, ziekte of een ziekenhuisbezoek/opname etc. De volgende soorten klachten kunnen kinderen en volwassenen hebben na een schokkende ervaring: herbelevingen van de ervaring, vermijdingsgedrag m.b.t. de ervaring, verhoogde arousal (opgewonden, overdreven alertheid), stress, schaamte of schuldgevoel, slecht humeur, depressie, zich zorgen maken, angsten, slecht zelfbeeld, paniek, slaapproblemen, relatieproblemen, onverklaarbare lichamelijke klachten etc. Voor meer informatie verwijs ik naar www.emdr.nl.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement desensitization and Reprocessing "is a short, recorded and client-centered treatment approach to shattering experience to process. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress. EMDR integrates various successful elements of other therapies in combination with a distracting stimulus. This incentive can be: with the eyes following the hands of the therapist, bi-lateral audio stimulation, or bi-lateral hand stimulation. This is the "information-processing system in the brains" encouraged. With EMDR is no need for years to talk about the past. Well, either by stimulating the information processing system in a relatively short time therapeutic goals. This caused EMDR recognizable changes even after long period of time. The following events may, in children and adults, leading to processing problems: a (car) accident, fire, diagnosis of a serious illness, witnessing violence, maltreatment, abuse, natural disaster, robbery, rape or sexual assault, job loss, illness or a hospital visit / recording etc. The following types of complaints, children and adults after a shocking experience: reliving the experience, avoidance of the Experience, increased arousal (excited, exaggerated alertness), stress, shame or guilt, bad mood, depression , worry, anxiety, low self-esteem, panic, sleep problems, relationship problems, unexplained physical complaints, etc. For more information I refer www.emdr.nl

Keywords: Practice  Theory  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

56. Pitman, R., Orr, S., Altman, B., Longpre, R., Poire, R., Macklin, M., Michaels, M. J., & Steketee, G. S. (1996, November-December). Emotional processing and outcome of imaginal flooding therapy in Vietnam veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 37(6), 409-418. doi:10.1016/S0010-440X(96)90025-5.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
This study examined emotional processing and outcome in 20 Vietnam veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who underwent imaginal flooding therapy. Results supported the occurrence of emotional processing, as manifest in significant activation, within-session habituation, and partial across-session habituation of physiologic and self-reported process variables. The flooding therapy produced only modest overall improvement, which was statistically significant for avoidance symptomatology measured by the Impact of Events Scale (TOES) and number of intrusions per day recorded by the subject in a log. Symptomatic improvement appeared to generalize from a treated to an untreated experience. Heart rate activation during the first flooding session predicted a decrease in daily number of intrusive combat memories across the therapy. Otherwise, there was little association between extent of emotional processing and therapeutic outcome. The results provide limited support for the notion that mobilization of phychophysiologic arousal during exposure therapy predicts improvement. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Emotional Processing  Flooding Therapy  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Vietnam Veterans  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

57. Ogden, P. (2004, September). Empowering the body:  Somatic awareness and physical action in the treatment of trauma and dissociation. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Assocation, Montreal, Quebec Canada.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The repetitive traumatic patterns our clients come to us to change are not only psychological but somatic, clearly reflected in posture, energy level, movement, regulation of arousal and other physical attributes. Changing these patterns cannot be accomplished by insight alone. The procedural memory that keeps such behaviors and dissociative patterns in in place must be addressed. A body-oriented approach is indicated that facilitates new actions and addresses dissociative symptoms, including somaticcomponents of traumatic memories (e.g., pain, analgesia, and motor inhibitions) and avoidance-related symptoms such as bodily anesthesia. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy emphasizes practicing new actions and building other somatic resouces to mitigate symptoms and develop a somatic sense of self. In this workshop, somatic interventions that can be integrated into existing clinical skills will be taught and illustrated through excerpts of videotaped therapy sessions and brief experiential exercises.

Keywords: Dissociation  Somatism  Trauma  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

58. Lamprecht, F., Kohnke, C., Lempa, W., Sack, M., Matzke, M., & Munte, T. F. (2004, June). Event-related potentials and EMDR treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Neuroscience Research, 49(2), 267-272. doi:10.1016/j.neures.2004.02.013.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
10 patients suffering from PTSD following a severe traumatic event, were assessed with event-related brain potentials (ERPs) in a modified oddball paradigm containing auditory standard, target, and novel tones. ERPs were assessed before and after a treatment session using the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing method. Compared to a control group that underwent sham treatment, ERPs of the patients showed a reduction of the P3a component in the post-treatment recording, suggesting a reduced orienting to novel stimuli and reduced arousal level after the treatment. Moreover, psychometric assessment revealed a marked improvement of the PTSD symptoms after treatment. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Brain Imaging Adults  Cognitive Processes  Empirical Study  Germans  Longitudinal Study  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  Psychophysiology  PTSD  Quantitative Study  Stressors  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

59. Aubert-Khalfa, S., Roques, J., & Blin, O. (2008). Evidence of a decrease in heart rate and skin conductance responses in PTSD patients after a single EMDR session. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(1), 51-56. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.2.1.51.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Patients with PTSD demonstrate abnormal psychophysiological responses to stressful events. Given that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy appears to be a treatment of choice for trauma victims, the aim of the present study was to determine if psychophysiological responses to stress decreased after a single EMDR session. 6 PTSD patients were treated by an EMDR therapist. Their psychophysiological responses (heart rate and skin conductance) were recorded before and after the EMDR session under two conditions: (a) in a relaxed state and (b) while visualizing their own traumatic event. At the end of the session, all patients had a significant reduction in their PTSD symptoms, which confirms previous results demonstrating the efficacy of the EMDR approach. Second, after only one EMDR session, heart rate and skin conductance during the trauma recall decreased significantly as compared to a relaxing state. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Adults  Arousal  Clinical Trial  Electrodermal Activity  Empirical Study  French  Heart Rate  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  Psychophysiology  PTSD  Quantitative Study Skin Conductance  Stressors  Survivors  Treatment  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

60. Kitchiner, N. J., Roberts, N., & Bisson, J. I. (2006, April). Eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR). Mental Health Practice, 9(7), 40-44.

Language: English

Format: Magazine

Abstract:
The article discusses the trauma-focused psychological therapy for PTSD that was recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence in Great Britain. The development of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a psychological treatment to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories is explored. EMDR facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories to bring an adaptive resolution of negative beliefs of physiological arousal. [Text, p. 40] [Pilots]

Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  Psychotherapeutic Processes  PTSD  Stressors  Survivors  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

61. Balk, J. L. (2001, Nov 1). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress disorder. Alternative Medicine Alert, 4, 121-124.

Language: English

Format: Newsletter

Abstract:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a fairly common disorder. Roughly 8-10% of the population will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. For victims of violent crimes such as rape, the rate of PTSD may be 60-80%. (1) According to the DSM-IV, diagnostic criteria for PTSD include: 1) perceived or actual threat to life or physical integrity, accompanied by an emotional response of horror, helplessness, or intense fear; 2) re-experience of the trauma (e.g. flashbacks and nightmares); 3) avoidance of trauma-related stimuli and numbing of interest and affect; and 4) increased unwanted arousal, such as concentration difficulties, irritability, and insomnia. Specific criteria exist regarding the numbers of symptoms in each category that must be present.

Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

62. Carlson, J. G., Chemtob, C. M., Rusnak, K., Hedlund, N.L., & Muraoka, M. Y. (1998, January). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 11(1), 3-24. doi:10.1023/A:1024448814268.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Despite the clinical and social impact of PTSD, there are few controlled studies investigating its treatment. In this investigation, the effectiveness of two psychotherapeutic interventions for PTSD were compared using a randomized controlled outcome group design. 35 combat veterans diagnosed with combat-related PTSD were treated with either (a) 12 sessions of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, EMDR (n = 10), (b) 12 sessions of biofeedback-assisted relaxation (n = 13), or (c) routine clinical care, serving as a control (n = 12). Compared with the other conditions, significant treatment effects in the EMDR condition were obtained at posttreatment on a number of self-report, psychometric, and standardized interview measures. Relative to the other treatment group, these effects were generally maintained at 3-month follow-up. Psychophysiological measures reflected an apparent habituation effect from pretreatment to posttreatment but were not differentially affected by treatment condition. [Author Summary]

Keywords: Adults  Americans  Arousal  Biofeedback Training  Males  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Random Clinical Trial  RCT  Relaxation Therapy  Treatment Effectiveness  Veterans  War  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

63. Shapiro, F. (1996, September). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR):  Evaluation of controlled PTSD research. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 27(3), 209-218. doi:10.1016/S0005-7916(96)00029-8.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
The complete controlled PTSD research on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is placed within the context of other methods used in the treatment of PTSD. A number of studies are presented that support EMDR as an empirically validated method. However, in several studies, clinical standards have not always been integrated with rigorous scientific methdology. The suggested standards include fidelity checks for the method being tested, the use of appropriate psychometrics, and assessment of co-morbidity factors. At the same time, because of common misconceptions about the method, a variety of problematic issues are discussed. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Adults  European Americans  Arousal  Literature Review  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Random Clinical Trial  RCT  Stressors  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

64. Welch, K. L., & Beere, D. B. (2002, May-June). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: A treatment efficacy model. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 9(3), 165-176. doi:10.1002/cpp.323.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), though controversial, is increasingly utilized for treatment of PTSD. This article reviews the debate concerning efficacy and concludes that the evidence, though not definitive, supports EMDR's positive treatment effects. The authors argue that EMDR is a therapeutic intervention different from exposure. The authors set forth three interrelated hypotheses to explain EMDR's therapeutic mechanism: bilateral hemispheric activation, normalized brain activation patterns, and activation/desensitization of emotion/arousal; avoidant/constricted attention is disrupted, allowing normalizing processes to occur. Lowered arousal then leads to a resumption of more adaptive cognitive processing. Some predictions to test this model are presented. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Evidence-Based Treatment  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

65. Welch, K. L. (1996, September). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Treatment of sexual trauma post-traumatic stress disorder and a treatment efficacy hypothesis. Central Michigan University. AAT 9623929.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
The purpose of this investigation was to study the treatment effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on a civilian population of individuals diagnosed with PTSD from sexual trauma. A series of single case designs was utilized with 6 subjects to examine EMDR treatment efficacy. The results suggested that EMDR was effective in reducing distress and related PTSD symptomatology in 1 or 2 sessions of treatment. These treatment gains were maintained at 1 year follow-up. It is suggested that affective arousal may have a critical role in maintaining a number of disorders including PTSD and that EMDR appears to be able to activate as well as desensitize affective mood states so that more adaptive cognitive processing can take place. [Author Abstract] Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering. 57(3-B), Sep 1996, pp. 2170.

Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Rape  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  Empirical Study  Treatment Outcome/Clinical Trial  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

66. Jedd, D. J. (1998). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: arousal as a pre-condition for treatment . Argosy University, Chicago, IL.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Keywords: Adult Child Victims  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  Psychotherapy Method  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

67. Foster, S., & Lendl, J. (1995, September). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Initial application for enhancing performance in athletes. Presentation at the annual meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, New Orleans, LA..

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) procedure, developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD, was introduced as a new rapid treatment for anxiety and related traumata. In a controlled study (Shapiro, 1989), rape victims and Vietnam veterans experienced a significant decrease in distressing symptoms--flashbacks, ruminating, sleep disturbance, and uncomfortable physiological arousal. Additional outcomes were the subjects cognitive restructuring of what had happened to them. Subsequent research studies reported therapeutic outcomes with a variety of disorders- phobias (Kleinknecht, 1993), panic disorder (Goldstein, 1992), dissociative disorder (Paulsen et el, 1993) and PTSD (Wilson et al, In press). The first author was the first EMDR-trained clinician to apply EMDR in performance enhancement work, beginning with sales professionals. The authors have now used EMDR with nearly sixty Individual athletes ranking from amateur to Olympic hopeful, across several different sports. Their single case findings suggest that EMDR amplifies and accelerates the benefits of standard mental training. Their data indicates EMDR speeds psychological recovery from sport injury and coming back from a loss, adds in working through difficulties with past coaches, reduces fears about competition, and improves overall athletic performance.

Keywords: Athletes  Performance Enhancement  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

68. Wilson, D. L., Silver, S. M., Covi, W. G., & Foster, S. (1996, September). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing:  Effectiveness and autonomic correlates. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 27(3), 219-229. doi:10.1016/S0005-7916(96)00026-2.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
18 subjects distressed by memories of a specific traumatic event were randomly assigned to a single session of 1 of 3 conditions: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a Time Interval Condition (TIC), or Tapping Alternate Phalanges (TAP). All subjects treated in the EMDR group showed desensitization as monitored by SUDs, which correlated with the physiological data and cessation of pronounced symptomatology. Only 1 subject in a control group showed desensitization. Compared to TIC and TAP, autonomic measures showed distinct changes during EMDR: (1) respiration synchronized with the rhythm of the eye movements in a shallow, regular pattern; (2) heart rate slowed significantly overall; (3) systolic blood pressure increased during early sets, invariable declined during abreactions, and decreased overall; (4) finger tip skin temperature consistently increased; and (5) the galvanic skin response consistently decreased in a clear "relaxation response." This relaxing effect of the eye movements suggests that at least one of the mechanisms operating during EMDR is desensitization by reciprocal inhibition, by pairing emotional distress with an unlearned or "compelled" relaxation response. [Author Summary]

Keywords: Adults  Arousal  Empirical Study  European Americans  Longitudinal Study  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Random Clinical Trial  RCT  Stressors  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

69. Foster, S. (1995, September). Eye movement desensitization reprocessing: Initial application for enhancing performance in athletes. In (Doug Asher, Presider) Non-traditional Interventions for Performance Enhancement. Colloquium presented at the 10th Annual Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, New Orleans, LA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) procedure, developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD, was introduced as a new rapid treatment for anxiety and related traumata. In a controlled study (Shapiro, 1989), rape victims and Vietnam veterans experienced a significant decrease in distressing symptoms--flashbacks, ruminating, sleep disturbance, and uncomfortable physiological arousal. Additional outcomes were the subjects cognitive restructuring of what had happened to them. Subsequent research studies reported therapeutic outcomes with a variety ofdisorders- phobias (Kleinknecht, 1993), panic disorder (Goldstein, 1992), dissociative disorder (Paulsen et el, 1993) and PTSD (Wilson et al, In press). The first author was the first EMDR-trained clinician to apply EMDR in performance enhancement work, beginning with sales professionals. The authors have now used EMDR with nearly sixty Individual athletes ranking from amateur to Olympic hopeful, across several different sports. Their single case findings suggest that EMDR amplifies and accelerates the benefits of standard mental training. Their data indicates EMDR speeds psychological recovery from sport injury and coming back from a loss, adds in working through difficulties with past coaches, reduces fears about competition, and improves overall athletic performance.

Keywords: Athletes  Colloquium  Performance Enhancement  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

70. Maxfield, L. (2002, January). An eye on EMDR, does controversial trauma therapy really work? Pro: Effective treatment for PTSD [and] Con: No miracle cure. Parkhurst Exchange, 10(1), 24-25.

Language: English

Format: Other

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy developed to treat traumatic memories. Numerous randomized clinical trials support is use for the rapid elimination of posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD). Research reports a drop in diagnostic status of 50-90% after three to eight sessions, and significant decreases in symptoms with effects maintained at follow-up. After successful treatment, emotional distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiologic arousal is reduced. EMDR's probably effiacy has been recognized by the Clinical Psychology Division of the American Psycholpgical Association and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Keywords: Efficacy  Integrative Psychotherapy  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Trauma  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

71. Vaughan, K., Wiese, M., Gold, R., & Tarrier, N. (1994, April). Eye-movement desensitisation:  Symptom change in post-traumatic stress disorder. British Journal of Psychiatry, 164(4), 533-541. doi:10.1192/bjp.164.4.533 .

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
A novel approach is described for the treatment of PTSD. Eye-movement desensitisation (EMD) requires the patient to generate images of the trauma in the mind and define physiological and emotional arousal states. While concentrating on these states, lateral multisaccardic eye movements are induced. Ten consecutive cases are reported who presented with symptoms originating from a range of traumas. The effectiveness of EMD in reducing symptoms outlined by DSM-III-R is described. An independent rater indicated that eight of the ten cases showed considerable improvement in the PTSD symptoms following EMD, which was maintained at follow-up. Particular reference is given to the 'specificity' of EMD in treating symptoms and the changing pattern of effect at follow-up. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Adults  Australians  Females  Longitudinal Study  Males  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Stressors  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

72. Barrowcliff, A. L., Gray, N. S., Freeman, T. C. A., & MacCulloch, M. J. (2004, June). Eye-movements reduce the vividness, emotional valence and electrodermal arousal associated with negative autobiographical memories. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, 15(2), 325–345. doi:10.1080/14789940410001673042.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of eyemovements on subjective and psychophysiological measures of arousal and distress associated with positive and negative autobiographical memories. These memories were ‘brought-to-mind’ whilst engaging in eye-movement or eyes-stationary conditions in a counterbalanced within subjects design, with pre and post eye-condition subjective ratings of emotional valence and image vividness. Participants also rated current symptomatology associated with negative memories using the Impact of Events Scale. Engagement in eye-movements compared to the eyes-stationary condition resulted in significant reductions on measures of vividness and emotional valence for both positive and negative autobiographical memories. Reductions in electrodermal arousal were only observed when engaging in eye-movements following elicitation of the negative memory. This effect was observed independently of symptom severity.

Keywords: Eye Movements  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

73. Shapiro, E. (2009). Four elements exercise for stress management. In M. Luber (Ed.), Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) scripted protocols: Basics and special situations, (pp. 73-79). New York: Springer Publishing Co.

Language: English

Format: Book Section

Abstract:
The rationale behind the creation of "The Four Elements Exercise for Stress Management" is to address the cumulative effect of external and internal triggers that occur over the course of the day. Since we know that people cope better with stress when they stay within their arousal "window of tolerance," ways to lower stress—especially when under stress—are essential. The heart of the exercise consists of four, brief, self-calming and self-control activities. The sequence of the four elements—Earth-Air-Water-Fire—is designed to follow the body up from the feet to the stomach and chest, to the throat and mouth, and up through the head. It begins with the ground to signify safety in the present reality and moves up to the imagination of recalled safety. By checking in with stress levels at random times throughout the day and also when stressful events are occurring, the exercise can aid in preventing the accumulation of stress and enables clients to stay within their window of tolerance. The modest goal is to reduce the stress level by 1 or 2 units each time the exercise is performed. The original conceptualization of the Four Elements Exercise was that the first three elements could be a preparation for the Safe Place (or other resource exercise such as the Resource Connection), especially when there is an ongoing emergency situation or when it is difficult to find a Safe Place. Often, the fourth element is introduced at the following meeting, as the first three elements are enough to remember and practice in the beginning for clients. Working on the Safe Place separately during the following session gives it more space and impact. It is advisable to follow up on how the client practiced the four elements at the beginning of the next session and to ask them to show you how they do it. If necessary, demonstrate it again at the beginning of the first few sessions. This is a way of checking for compliance and readiness for EMDR as well as present level of stress and sense of safety with you in the room. [PsycINFO Database]

Keywords: Four Elements Exercise  Protocol  Stress Management  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

74. Barrowcliff, A., Gray, N., MacCulloch, S., Freeman, T., & MacCulloch, M. (2003, September). Horizontal rhythmical eye movements consistently diminish the arousal provoked by auditory stimuli. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 42(3). 289-302. doi:10.1348/01446650360703393.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Objectives: Theoretical models implicating the orienting reflex as an explanatory mechanism in the eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment protocol are contrasted and tested empirically. We also test whether EMDR effects are due to a distraction effect. Design: A repeated measure design is used in two experiments. The first experiment employed two independent variables, eye condition (moving vs. stationary) and tone (a pseudo-randomized series of low and high intensity tones). In Expt 2, eye condition was replaced by attentional demand conditions (low or high). In both cases, electrodermal responses served as the dependent variable. Method: Participants were recruited from the Psychology Department at Cardiff University. In Expt 1, participants were required to either pursue a moving stimulus following auditory challenge or engage in an eyes-stationary task. In Expt 2, the task following auditory challenge required participants to identify specific items from letter strings in low and high attentional demand conditions. Results: Lower levels of electrodermal arousal were identified in tasks eliciting eye movements, compared to no eye movements. This effect was not due to the attentional requirements of the task. Conclusions: Eye movements following auditory challenge result in an effect of psychophysiological de-arousal. This supports the reassurance reflex model of EMDR proposed by MacCulloch and Feldman (1996).

Keywords: Distraction Effect  Empirical Study  Orienting Reflex  Quantitative Study  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

75. Gunter, R. W. (2007, 2008). How eye movements affect unpleasant memories: Support for a working memory account. University of Calgary, Canada. AAT NR44352.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing can reduce ratings of the vividness and emotionality of unpleasant memories--hence it is commonly used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder. The present experiments compared three accounts of how eye movements produce these benefits. Participants rated unpleasant autobiographical memories before and after eye movements or an eyes stationary control condition. In Experiment 1, eye movements produced benefits only when memories were held in mind during the movements, and eye movements increased arousal, contrary to an investigatory-reflex account. In Experiment 2, horizontal and vertical eye movements produced equivalent benefits, contrary to an interhemispheric-communication account. In Experiment 3, two other distractor tasks (auditory shadowing, drawing) produced benefits that were negatively correlated with working memory capacity. These findings support a working-memory account of the eye movement benefit in which the central executive is taxed when a person performs a distractor task while attempting to hold a memory in mind.

Keywords: Eye Movements  Working Memory  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

76. Gunter, R. W., & Bodner, G. E. (2008, August). How eye movements affect unpleasant memories: Support for a working-memory account. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(8), 913-931. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2008.04.006.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing can reduce ratings of the vividness and emotionality of unpleasant memories—hence it is commonly used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder. The present experiments compared three accounts of how eye movements produce these benefits. Participants rated unpleasant autobiographical memories before and after eye movements or an eyes stationary control condition. In Experiment 1, eye movements produced benefits only when memories were held in mind during the movements, and eye movements increased arousal, contrary to an investigatory-reflex account. In Experiment 2, horizontal and vertical eye movements produced equivalent benefits, contrary to an interhemispheric-communication account. In Experiment 3, two other distractor tasks (auditory shadowing, drawing) produced benefits that were negatively correlated with working-memory capacity. These findings support a working-memory account of the eye movement benefits in which the central executive is taxed when a person performs a distractor task while attempting to hold a memory in mind.

Keywords: Autobiographical Memory  Eye Movements  Psychotherapy  Working Memory  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

77. Frustaci, A., Pozzi, G., Aurigemma, C., La Rosa, C., Lanza, G., Fernandez, I., & Ruggeri, G. (2006, Febbraio). Indicatori di cambiamento in pazienti con disturbi da eventi stressanti: Impiego della heart rate variability [Indicators of change in patients with disorders of stressful events: Use of heart rate variability]. Poster presentato al XI Congresso SOPSI (Società Italiana di Psicopatologia), Roma, Italia.

Language: Italian

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Introduzione: i pazienti traumatizzati presentano alterazioni sintomatiche quali intrusività, evitamento ed aumentato arousal, che ostacolerebbe la possibilità di elaborazione/integrazione delle tracce mnesiche, oltre ad esprimersi a livello periferico. Tecniche specifiche di trattamento sembrano promuovere l’elaborazione/integrazione delle memorie traumatiche, tra cui la Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Nella ricerca valutativa è quindi necessario affiancare alle scale psicologiche un appropriato indicatore biologico di attivazione neurovegetativa. La variabilità della frequenza cardiaca (Heart Rate Variability – HRV) esprime l’integrità funzionale del sistema neurovegetativo in risposta allo stress e può essere misurata nei domini di tempo o di frequenza. Lo studio della HRV è stato applicato in psichiatria ai disturbi d’ansia (panico, DOC, PTSD) e dell’umore (depressione unipolare) in ricerche trasversali (confronto con controlli sani) e longitudinali di trattamento farmacologico (triciclici, SSRIs) ma in pochi casi a trattamenti psicoterapici. Gli AA. valutano l’impiego della HRV come indicatore biologico nel trattamento psicoterapeutico di pazienti con Disturbo dell’adattamento erdurante da oltre un mese dopo l’esposizione ad eventi vitali stressanti (EVS). Metodi: sono stati reclutati 6 soggetti (M/F = 1/5, età 40,5 ± 11,0) esposti ad EVS ed avviati a ciclo di trattamento psicoterapico breve (4-6 sedute a cadenza settimanale) di tipo specifico (EMDR) o generico (colloqui supportivi). Costituivano criteri di esclusione: età < 18 o > 65 anni; comorbilità psichiatrica, neurologica e cardiologica; uso di farmaci interferenti. Le valutazioni psicopatologiche sono state eseguite al reclutamento (TBASE: colloquio anamnestico, MINI, Brief COPE), a inizio e fine ciclo di trattamento (TINI, TFINE: IES, SCL-90-R), a uno e tre mesi di follow-up (T30, T90: IES, SCL-90-R, Brief COPE). Le registrazioni Holter sono state effettuate ad ogni intervallo valutativo coprendo: 60 min. attività libera, 10 min. tilt-test, 3-5 min. ascolto dell’evento traumatico, 30-45 min. seduta psicoterapica. Sono stati impiegati test statistici non parametrici per l’analisi delle correlazioni (Spearman) e delle differenze (Wilcoxon). Risultati preliminari: vengono valutate le correlazioni a TINI e le variazioni T90 vs. TINI. Sono significative le seguenti correlazioni: ansia fobica SCL e SDNN (dev. standard intervalli R-R) [r = + 0,9; p = ,037]; collera-ostilità SCL e SDNN [r = -0,95; p =.014]; depressione SCL e r-MSSD (radice media somma quadrati diff. R-R) [r = + 0,9; p = ,037]; sint. intrusivi IES e LF (basse frequenze) [r = -0,9; p = ,037]. Sono risultate statisticamente significative le seguenti variazioni: IES totale [Z = -1,99; p = ,046], sintomi intrusivi IES [Z = -2,21; p = ,027], sintomi di evitamento IES [Z = -1,99; p = ,046], ideazione paranoide SCL [Z = -2,21; p = ,027]; R-R, LF e LF/HF (rapporto basse/alte frequenze) durante ascolto evento [Z = -2,02; p = ,043]. Discussione: a livello basale gli indicatori HRV di distress vegetativo correlano positivamente con collera-ostilità e sintomi intrusivi, negativamente con ansia e depressione. Anche dopo tre mesi dalla fine del trattamento gli interventi psicoterapeutici tendono a ridurre i punteggi sintomatici, e migliorano il bilancio simpato-vagale durante il riascolto dell’evento traumatico.

Introduction: trauma patients have symptomatic changes such as intrusiveness, avoidance and increased arousal, which hampers the development / integration of memory traces, as well as speak at the peripheral level. Specific techniques of treatment seem to promote the formulation and integration of traumatic memories, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). In evaluation research is therefore necessary to combine psychological scales appropriate indicator organic autonomic activation. The heart rate variability (Heart Rate Variability - HRV) expresses functional integrity of the autonomic nervous system in response stress and can be measured in time or frequency domains. The study of HRV has been applied in psychiatric disorders anxiety (panic, DOC, PTSD) and mood (unipolar depression) in cross-disciplinary (compared with healthy controls) and longitudinal drug treatment (tricyclic SSRIs), but in a few cases in psychotherapeutic treatment. The AA. evaluate the use of HRV as a biological indicator in the psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with adjustment disorder erdurante more than a month after exposure to stressful life events (EVS). Methods: 6 subjects were recruited (M / F = 1 / 5, age 40.5 ± 11.0) exposed to EVS and initiated treatment cycle psychotherapeutic short (4-6 sessions weekly) type specific (EMDR) or generic (hearing supported). Exclusion criteria were: age <18 or> 65 years, psychiatric comorbidity, neurological and cardiological, use of drugs interfering. Psychopathological assessments were performed at recruitment (TBASE: anamnestic interview, MINI, Brief COPE) at the beginning and end of treatment cycle (TINI, TFINE: IES, SCL-90-R) in a three-month follow-up (T30, T90: IES, SCL-90-R, Brief COPE). Holter recordings were made at each interval evaluation covering: 60 min. free activity, 10 min. tilt-test, 3-5 min. listening to the traumatic event, 30-45 minutes. psychotherapy session. Were used nonparametric statistical tests for analysis correlations (Spearman) and differences (Wilcoxon). Preliminary results: the correlations are evaluated and changes TINI vs. T90. TINI. Significant correlations are the following: SCL phobic anxiety and SDNN (standard dev. RR intervals) [r = + 0.9, p =, 037]; anger-hostility SCL SDNN [r = -0.95, p =. 014]; SCL depression r-mssd (root mean square sum diff. RR) [r = + 0.9, p =, 037]; sint. IES intrusive and LF (low frequency) [r = -0.9, P =, 037]. Were statistically significant, the following changes: IES total [Z = -1.99, p =, 046], IES intrusive symptoms [Z = -2.21, p =, 027], symptoms of avoidance IES [Z = -1.99, p =, 046] , SCL paranoid [Z = -2.21, p =, 027], RR, LF and LF / HF ratio (low / high frequencies) while listening event [Z = -2.02, p =, 043]. Discussion: At baseline HRV indicators of distress correlated positively with growing anger-hostility, and intrusive symptoms, negatively with anxiety and depression. Even after three months of the end of psychotherapeutic treatment interventions aimed at reducing symptom scores and enhance sympathetic vagal balance during the playback of the traumatic event.

Keywords: Heart Rate Variability  Poster  Stress Disorders  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

78. Scagliotti, J. (2011). Interoceptive exposure therapy for combat veterans: A group treatment approach. University of Hartford, Hartford, CT.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
This paper explores the application of interoceptive exposure (IE) therapy to treat the arousal and avoidant symptoms in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The historical background of PTSD and the functional impact of the disorder in veterans from Vietnam and Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom are discussed in the first chapter. Literature on romantic and family relationship impairment, employment challenges, decreased physical health and overall quality of life, and increased mental health issues in veterans of combat are presented. Following the introductory chapter is a brief description of the history of treatment for combat trauma and a detailed review of the most common treatments for PTSD in their application to the veteran population. Research on psychophysiological approaches to treatment, pharmacotherapy, and EMDR is discussed. The extensive literature on cognitive behavioral treatment approaches for combat trauma is reviewed. As noted, exposure therapy appears to be the treatment approach with the most scientific support. A relatively new form of exposure therapy known as IE, as well as the small but promising body of research on the potential to augment conventional long-term exposure therapy with IE, are also addressed here. A new treatment protocol proposed here is built upon the foundation of empirical support for cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD. It is intended to incorporate trauma-informed best practices and exposure therapy tenets through the implementation of group based IE for individuals with combat-related PTSD. Outlines of the following two sections will provide detailed descriptions of the group design and the specific treatment modules, the first of which addresses therapeutic rationale and group composition, and the second lists the specific twelve treatment modules.

Keywords: Combat Veterans  Interoceptive Exposure Therapy  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

79. Spierings, J. (2011, June). Interweaves. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Vienna, Austria.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Working with severely damaged clients we can hardly expect EMDR-processing to go smoothly by itself. ‘Just staying out of the way’ is not enough to help these clients process their traumatic material. A more active approach is called for to bring trauma resolution. In EMDR this type of intervening is called ‘(cognitive) interweaving’. The therapist may need to intervene on the process level with process interweaves, in order to keep the client within his window of (affect) tolerance. Or the therapist has to intervene on the content level with content interweaves, when the client gets stuck in a specific problem is unable to solve with the information he has available. interweaves to get round resistance, and interweaves to bring reconciliation and forgiveness. Learning objectives: In this workshop the participant learns to use process interweaves to modulate the arousal level of the client. In addition to this a toolkit of useful content interweaves is presented, cognitive and non-cognitive, e.g. sensory, physical, humorous, symbolic and spiritual interweaves. The presentation includes metaphors for all kinds of blocks, bits and pieces of psycho-education for specific stuck points, unorthodox, creative or hilarious.

Keywords: Interweaves  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

80. Shapiro, F. (2012, October). Introduction to EMDR therapy. Presentation at the Pre-Meeting Institute of the 28th Annual Meeting of ISTSS, Los Angeles, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This presentation will introduce the basics of EMDR therapy and provide an overview of treatment. Both the theoretical foundation and recent research findings will be explored. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy supported by more than 20 randomized controlled studies. Meta-analyses have indicated that the effects of EMDR on PTSD symptoms are comparable to those of trauma-focused CBT. However, EMDR therapy does not require homework, sustained arousal, detailed descriptions of the index trauma, or extended exposure to the event. While the eye movement component has been the subject of controversy, in the past decade an additional 20 randomized trials have evaluated the eye movements and demonstrated significantly superior effects compared to “exposure-only” conditions. The eye movements have been shown to (a) decrease the emotionality and vividness of memories, (b) create physiological relaxation responses, (c) facilitate access to associative memories and (d) lead to an increase in recognition of correct information. Two dominant theories regarding the role of the eye movements have emerged: (1) disruption of working memory and (2) elicitation of an orienting response. The research and clinical implications will be examined. The goals of this presentation parallel those of the conference itself by allowing participants to evaluate ways in which EMDR therapy offers innovations in both conceptualization and clinical treatment. These innovations include ways to support therapy retention and increase stability for those clients ordinarily considered too fragile to tolerate memory processing. Outreach can also be increased through the use of consecutive-day trauma treatment. Relevant research will be reported on the use of EMDR therapy with diverse populations. Participants will learn how the adaptive information processing theory that guides EMDR therapy practice offers a reconceptualization of (a) psychopathology, (b) therapeutic change, (c) the therapy relationship, (d) preparation for processing and (e) the multiple methods included in the therapy. The presentation will provide participants with the theoretical basis for EMDR therapy, an overview of the eight treatment phases, the three-pronged selection of processing targets, pertinent research, as well as applications to the full range of trauma victims. Videotaped sessions will demonstrate diverse treatment effects and provide participants with comparisons to other research-supported trauma treatments. 1-Describe the relevant research findings 2-Identify the components of the standard EMDR therapy three-pronged approach to processing 3-Contrast EMDR therapy with other empirically supported trauma treatments

Keywords: Practice  Theory  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

81. Munaro, D., Anchisi, R., Bossa, R., & Guzzi, R. (2001, October). Is orienting reflex in EMDR successful?. In International CIANS Conference (CIANS: Collegium Internationale Activitatis Nervosae Superioris; International Association for Integrative Nervous Functions, Neurobiology of behaviour and Psychosomatics, (pp 149-158) Palermo, Italy.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
We tried to “dissect” the EMDR method in the component desensitization through rapid eye movement (EMD), that is also the original part, to explain the neurophysiological functioning, Charney et al, say that a lot of persistent symptoms of PTSD are caused by an elevate arousal of NVS, particularly due to the increase of norepinephrine. Others hypothesize, again, that EMDR method is rapid because it is based on Classic Conditioning. Pavlov found that every stimulus of environment causes to the organism (animal or human) an immediate orienting response due to the arousal of the Autonomic Nervous System. In this situation the animal begins to look around moving its eyes laterality (as it happens during ocular movements of EMD); if it perceives a danger in the environment it stimulates a visceral negative response (hyperactivation that means fear) that leads an an avoidance behaviour (stiffening) and/or fighting. In other cases it causes a visceral positive response (de-arousal process that means reassurance) that leads to an approach behaviour through interaction or exploration.
The EMD should produce an orienting reflex in the patient in a protective sitaution like a psychotherapeutic setting; that means an important reduction of neuro-vegetative nervous system activity (dearousal) and some visceral positive response. We propose an experimental design with a single subject (ABACADA) by interruption treatment and by monitoring Neurophysiological functions through biofeedback instruments to test this neurophyiological hypothesis.

Keywords: Orienting Reflex  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

82. Lazzari, D. (2008, Novembre). L'EMDR in ottica PNEI (interazione corpo-mente) [EMDR in optical PNEI (interaction body-mind)]. Presentazione le Applicazioni Cliniche del EMDR Congresso Nazionale, Milano, Italia.

Language: Italian

Format: Conference

Abstract:
In questi anni l’EMDR si è affermata come trattamento di evidenza nel più classico e più grave dei disturbi direttamente legati allo stress, cioè il PTSD (Bisson & Andrew, 2007) e sono stati evidenziati i suoi effetti sul SNC. Nonostante questo ed il suo progressivo impiego in una ampia varietà di situazioni sono ancora poche le riflessioni sull’EMDR dal punto di vista dell’integrazione mente-corpo, in particolare utilizzando i dati offerti dal campo di ricerca della PNEI. Nel presente lavoro ci soffermeremo su alcuni di questi aspetti per evidenziare come l’EMDR rappresenta una delle terapie più rispondenti alle nuove evidenze scientifiche ed alle esigenze di una scienza integrata della salute. Tre gli elementi salienti offerti dalla ricerca: 1. La vita ha plasmato nel percorso evolutivo strutture altamente integrate, descrivibili come sistemi complessi a rete in retroazione continua con il contesto. In particolare i sistemi nervoso, endocrino ed immunitario costituiscono nel network psicocorporeo un “super-sistema” di relazione e regolazione in grado di assicurare gli equilibri adattativi incorporando l’esperienza e gestendo la dinamica mantenimento-cambiamento (“regolazione allostatica”). Quindi l’organismo non è una macchina fatta di parti autonome tra loro assemblate, ma una realtà che parte dall’unità (zigote) e mantiene tale carattere unitario in tutte le sue articolazioni. 2. Lo stress non è qualcosa di per sé eccezionale e patologico, deve invece essere visto – all’opposto – come l’espressione di un insieme di processi (un sistema) che modulano la regolazione individuo-contesto a fini adattativi. In sostanza il sistema dello stress è sempre attivo e solo in situazioni di eccesso o di carenza (acute o croniche) produce effetti progressivamente dannosi per l’individuo. Le attività legate allo stress producono un “carico allostatico” (peso biologico, energetico) che – in relazione a fattori soggettivi ed esterni – può divenire “sovraccarico” innescando una catena di successive alterazioni nel funzionamento dell’organismo. Parallelamente vi è un “carico” ed un “sovraccarico psicologico” legati al primo da processi circolari. 3. Nel network corporeo e nel sistema dello stress, ovvero nei processi di regolazione generale interni e individuo-contesto, la mente svolge un ruolo cruciale di modulazione come dimensione nella quale i segnali (interni ed esterni) vengono trasformati in informazioni (assegnazione di significati) in base ai percorsi ed alle esigenze individuali di adattamento. La mente rappresenta così la più alta espressione dell’evoluzione della vita e delle sue strategie adattative e ciò spiega il suo ruolo rispetto al funzionamento complessivo dell’organismo. Le recenti acquisizioni delle neuroscienze hanno mostrato l’interdipendenza tra attività psichica, espressione genica e plasticità cerebrale che rende possibile il ruolo della mente. Il sovraccarico allostatico e psicologico legati allo stress dipendono in gran parte dall’attività mentale e costituiscono il principale fattore di rischio per la salute nelle società occidentali, antecedenti accertati delle patologie più diffuse. Se guardiamo a quanto detto sinora nell’ottica dello sviluppo individuale (fase intrauterina, processi di attaccamento, eventi significativi successivi) possiamo avere una idea di come mente, corpo e contesto interagiscono nella strutturazione dell’individuo ed il ruolo condizionante e de-strutturante delle situazioni e degli eventi che provocano una alterazione da stress. Le ricerche sul rapporto tra stress e sviluppo psicobiologico, tra modalità di attaccamento, strutturazione dei circuiti cerebrali, o tra queste e salute, confermano tali assunti (Lazzari, 2007). Venendo più da vicino all’EMDR, gli studi sulla psicobiologica del PTSD stanno mostrando che siamo di fronte sostanzialmente ad una manifestazione (particolarmente complessa ed accentuata) degli effetti dello stress sul network psicocorporeo (Iribarren et al., 2005). La ricerca sul PTSD (e gli altri disturbi da stress del DSM) deve incrociare necessariamente i filoni di studio sopra richiamati ed utilizzare la cornice concettuale che ne scaturisce. Gli effetti psicobiologici dello stress estremo e del trauma vanno inquadrati nell’ambito delle interazioni mente-corpo e della regolazione allostatica (carico vs sovraccarico allostatico). A nostro avviso, al di là degli specifici effetti sul SNC, l’EMDR si è mostrata efficace nel PTSD in relazione alla sua caratteristica generale di ricercare ed utilizzare come “target” non singoli aspetti di una esperienza, bensì l’esperienza nei suoi diversi aspetti: cognitivi, emotivi, fisiologici e relazionali. Il lavoro dell’EMR va a recuperare una integrazione perduta e lavora su questa. Si deve tenere presente infatti che, in via generale e preminente, lo stress compromette i livelli di integrazione, coerenza e flessibilità del sistema: lo stress cronico per processi progressivi di disregolazione, quello acuto per “rotture”, blocchi e sconnessioni. Pertanto l’elaborazione dell’informazione (e delle conseguenze) legata ad eventi e situazioni stressanti passa attraverso una re-integrazione di tutti gli aspetti psicobiologici correlati per giungere ad una ristrutturazione. Il livello di “penetrazione” (efficacia) di un approccio terapeutico è molto legato alla sua omogeneità con la realtà su cui interviene,cioè al fatto di parlare lo stesso linguaggio. E questo è un punto di forza notevole per l’EMDR. I dati disponibili sono coerenti con quanto enunciato: l’EMDR modifica i parametri fisiologici riducendo ed annullando l’attivazione da stress, spostando la bilancia dall’inibizione simpatica all’attivazione parasimpatica (Sack et al. 2007) e risulta associata l’abbassamento dell’arousal fisiologico, cioè con pattern di attività regolari e trofiche (Sack et al. 2008), mostrando similarità con quanto accade durante il sonno REM (Elofsson et al., 2008). L’EMDR incide altresì su disturbi fisici legati al sistema dello stress, come ad esempio hanno mostrato ricerche su patologie dermatologiche (Gupta, 2002).

In recent years, EMDR has established itself as the treatment of evidence in the most classical and most serious of disorders directly related to stress, that is, PTSD (Bisson & Andrew, 2007) and were highlighted its effects on the CNS. Despite this and its progressive use in a wide variety of situations are still few reflections from the perspective sull'EMDR mind-body integration, in particular using data provided by the search of PNEI. In this work we will focus on some of these issues to highlight how EMDR is one of the therapies are more responsive to new scientific evidence and the needs of an integrated science of health. Three main elements of research are: 1. Life has shaped the evolutionary highly integrated structures, we describe how systems complex feedback network continues with the context. In particular, the nervous, endocrine immune network and provide psycho in a "super-system" of relationship and adjustment able to ensure the balance incorporating adaptive expertise and managing the dynamic maintenance-change ( "regulation allostatica"). Then the body is a machine made of autonomous parts, assembled together, but a reality that leaves the unit (zygote) and maintains that unitary in all its joints. 2. Stress is not something in itself exceptional and pathological, but must be seen - in contrast -- as the expression of a set of processes (a system) that modulate the individual-regulation framework for adaptive. In essence, the system of stress is always on and only in situations of excess or deficiency (acute or chronic) effects progressively damaging to the individual. The Stress-related activity produces a "load allostatico" (weight biological energy) that -- relation to subjective factors and external - can become "overloaded" by triggering a chain of subsequent alterations in the functioning of the organism. In parallel there is a "load" and a "Overload psychological" processes related to the first round. 3. In the network system and body of stress, or in the process of setting general internal and individual-context, the mind plays a crucial role as a dimension of modulation in which signals (internal and external) are transformed into information (assigning meanings) depending on the paths and individual needs of adaptation. The mind is so the highest expression of the evolution of life and its adaptive strategies, which explains its role in relation to the overall functioning of the organism. The recent acquisitions of neuroscience have shown the interdependence of psychic activity, gene expression and plasticity brain that makes the role of the mind. Overload allostatico and psychological stress-related depend in large part by activism mental and constitute the main risk factor for health in Western societies, antecedents established disease spreading. If we look to the foregoing view of personal development (stage intrauterine attachment process, significant events later) we can have an idea of how mind, body and environment interact in the structuring the individual and the role conditioning and de-structuring of situations and events that cause an alteration by stress. Research on the relationship between stress and psychobiological development, including mode of attachment, structure of brain circuits, or between them and health, confirmation of these given (Lazzari, 2007). Coming closer all'EMDR, psychobiological studies of PTSD are showing that we are dealing essentially an event (especially complex and pronounced) the effects of stress on the network psycho (Iribarren et al., 2005). Research on PTSD (and other stress disorders DSM) must necessarily cross the strands study mentioned above and use the conceptual framework that arises. Psychobiological effects of extreme stress and trauma should be classified within mind-body interactions and regulation allostatica (load vs. overload allostatico). In our view, beyond the specific effects on the CNS, EMDR has been shown effective in PTSD in connection with his characteristic broad research and use as a "target" rather than individual aspects of an experience, but experience in its different aspects: cognitive, emotional, physiological and relational. Work dell'EMR goes to retrieve a lost and working on this integration. It should be remembered that, in general, and prominent, stress affects the levels of integration, consistency and flexibility of the system: chronic stress for progressive process of dysregulation, the acute "broken", blocks and disconnections. Therefore processing information (and consequences) related to events and stressful situations through a re-integration of all aspects related to psychobiological reach a restructuring. The level of "penetration" (effectiveness) of a therapeutic approach is very attached to his homogeneity with the reality on which it operates, namely the fact of speaking the same language. And this is a great asset for EMDR. The available data are consistent with the statement: EMDR change physiological parameters reducing and canceling the activation by stress, shifting the balance from the inhibition nice parasympathetic activation (Sack et al. 2007) and is associated with lowering dell'arousal physiological, ie regular patterns of activity and trophic (Sack et al. 2008), showing similarities with what happens during REM sleep (Elofsson et al., 2008). EMDR also impacts on physical ailments related to the system of stress, such as have Show searches on dermatological (Gupta, 2002).

Keywords: Body-Mind Interaction  PNEI  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

83. Rogers, S. (2002, June). Latest findings in EMDR process research and component analyses. In L. Beutler, Discussant, EMDR research and its future: Ecological validity, process research, outcome findings, and socio-political context (Panel Discussion, June 24) (SPR) Society for Psychotherapy Research, International Conference, Santa Barbara, CA .

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
EMDR has gained recognition as an effective PTSD treatment, with effects comparable to prolonged exposure or combinations of exposure with cognitive restructuring. Attempts to dismantle EMDR have led some reviewers to conclude that the eye movements are an inert treatment component and that EMDR is simply a form of exposure therapy. However, several studies have shown that eye movements are associated with decreased subjective distress during treatment sessions, decreased vividness and emotionality of mental imagery, decreased physiological arousal and enhanced episodic memory. These findings have implications for clinicians who are interested in ‘ease of use�Eas well as treatment outcome. They also have implications for the habituation/extinction model of anxiety reduction. Limitations of the group design approach to the dismantling of psychotherapies will be discussed, along with the results of two recently completed studies.

Keywords: CBT  Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy  Component Analysis  Process Research  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

84. Rogers, S. (2003, August). Latest findings in EMDR process research and component analysis. Presentation at the 111th annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, Ontario Canada.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
EMDR has gained recognition as an effective PTSD treatment, with effects comparable to prolonged exposure or combinations of exposure and cognitive restructuring. Attempts to dismantle EMDR have led some reviewers to conclude that the eye movements are an inert treatment component and that EMDR is best regarded as a form of exposure therapy. However, several studies have shown that eye movements are associated with decreased subjective distress during treatment sessions, decreased vividness and emotionality of mental imagery, decreased physiological arousal and enhanced episodic memory. These finding have implications for clinicians who are interested in 'ease of use' as well as treatment outcome. They also have implications for the habituation model of anxiety reduction. This presentation provides a review of the results of group and single-case EMDR component analyses, methodological issues and suggestions for future research.

Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

85. Yordy, J. (2013, May). Making the brain/body connection: Using brain gym techniques to enhance child EMDR processing. Presentation at the annual EMDR Canada Conference, Banff, Alberta CAN.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This workshop is a presentation which encompasses the Triune Brain Theory, Educational Kinesiology and recent research on trauma and how it effects brain development and functioning. Information will be presented on the Triune Brain Theory and how “bottom up” processing can block EMDR from working with traumatized children. A description of the energy blockages in the brain and how they can be detected and then eliminated through Brain Gym exercises will comprise the second part of this educational workshop. The difference between hyper arousal and dissociative responses and which brain centers are involved will be explained in order to understand the adaptive, evolutionary response of the brain when the child/adult is experiencing trauma. Throughout the workshop will be experiential Brain Gym exercises. This format is designed to encourage greater understanding of the whole brained effects of the exercises as participants learn these tools. Several other exercises which reduce stress and connect the three levels of the brain for efficient, whole-brained processing will also be incorporated. Several case examples will be shared to illustrate how the Brain Gym exercises become part of the child’s coping resources and eventually facilitate the processing of his/her traumaLearning Objectives: • The participants will be able to demonstrate and describe the benefits of a Brain Gym Warm Up to create full brain activation and a relaxed processing state. • Participants will be able to describe the Triune Brain Theory and how trauma creates “bottom up” processing instead of “top down” processing. • Participants will be able to demonstrate specific exercises for reducing stress/trauma within the Central Nervous system thus enhancing a child’s sense of safety. • Participants will be able to identify 5 brain/energy imbalances and how they block EMDR processing. • Participants will be able to identify and explain the Brain Gym exercises which correct each of the 5 brain/ body/energy imbalances.

Keywords: Brain Gym  Children  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

86. Dunn, T. M., Schwartz, M., Hatfield, R. W., & Wiegele, M. (1996, September). Measuring effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in non-clinical anxiety:  A multi-subject, yoked-control design. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 27(3), 231-239. doi:10.1016/S0005-7916(96)00034-1.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
28 subjects from a university's subject pool were paired on sex, age, severity, and type of stressful or traumatic incident. 1 subject in each pair was selected to receive EMDR; the experimental partner spent the same amount of time receiving a visual (non-movement) placebo. Subjective units of discomfort (SUD) scores and physiological measurements were taken prior to and following treatment. Analysis of physiological measurements and self-reported levels of stress were performed within and between each group. While the EMDR group showed significant reductions of stress, EMDR was no better than a placebo. This suggests EMDR's specific intervention involving eye movement may not be a necessary component of the treatment protocol. [Author Summary]

Keywords: Americans  Arousal  College Students  Effects  Empirical Study  Stressors  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  Young Adults  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

87. Fisher, J. A. (2008, June). Minding the body: Somatic interventions for enhancing EMDR effectiveness. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The use of EMDR is often complicated with traumatized clients who cannot modulate arousal, stay present rather than dissociating, tolerate positive or negative affect, or differentiate past and present. Beset with an array of baffling, intense symptoms that “tell the story” without words, they become uncertain both of what happened and how they endured it. To make sense of the sensations and overwhelming emotions, clients rely upon trauma-related cognitive schemas to interpret their experience: “I am still not safe,” “I am a marked woman,” “I am worthless and unlovable.” These cognitive schemas often increase the bodily dysregulation, resulting in looping or inability to fully process and integrate the traumatic events. With such clients, the use of body-centred techniques in preparation for or during EMDR processing can help to increase affect and autonomic tolerance, strengthen both somatic and psychological resources, and increase EMDR effectiveness by facilitating optimal levels of autonomic arousal, which is neither too high nor too low, however is necessary for successful desensitization and integration. This workshop will introduce a number of interventions for working with traumatically encoded somatic experience derived from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a bodycentred talking therapy for trauma developed by Pat Ogden, Ph.D. that addresses the non-verbal, autonomic components of PTSD by using the body both as a source of information and a reservoir of resources. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy offers simple body-oriented interventions for tracking, naming, and safely exploring trauma-related experience, modulating a dysregulated autonomic nervous system, creating new resources and competencies, and restoring a somatic sense of self. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can be easily integrated into EMDR treatments, used during stabilization to prepare clients for more effective EMDR processing, during processing to ensure effective and complete desensitization, or to enhance installation of positive cognitions and facilitate integration.

Keywords: Somatic Psychotherapy  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

88. Fisher, J. A. (2009, April 18). Minding the body: Somatic interventions for enhancing EMDR effectiveness. Plenary presented at the Western Massachusetts EMDRIA Conference "EMDR and the Body," Amherst, MA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The use of EMDR is often complicated with traumatized clients who cannot modulate arousal, stay present rather than dissociating, tolerate positive or negative affect, or differentiate past and present. Beset with an array of baffling, intense symptoms that “tell the story” without words, they become uncertain both of what happened and how they endured it. These clients often rely upon trauma-related cognitive schemas to interpret their experience. This plenary will introduce a number of interventions for working with traumatically encoded somatic experience derived from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), a body-centered talking therapy for trauma developed by Pat Ogden, Ph.D. SP offers simple body-oriented interventions for tracking, naming, and exploring trauma-related experience, modulating a dysregulated autonomic nervous system, creating new resources and competencies, and restoring a somatic sense of self. SP can be easily integrated into EMDR.

Keywords: Plenary  Somatic Interventions  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

89. Fisher, J. A. (2003, September). Minding the body: Integrating EMDR and somatic psychotherapy. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Denver, CO.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The need to address subcortical components of PTSD is critical to trauma work, especially with clients who cannot modulate arousal, tolerate positive affect, or maintain mindful states. With such clients, the use of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in conjunction with EMDR can enhance the effectiveness of both treatments. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy techniques can be utilized to increase affect and autonomic tolerance, to embody EMDR-acquired resources, and to increase the effectiveness of EMDR processing by facilitating an optimal level of arousal. This workshop will introduce participants to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and describe the integrated use of both modalities to enhance trauma processing.

Keywords: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy  Somatic Psychotherapy  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

90. Glans, E., & Dahlberg, U. O. (2004). Minne efter påverkan, Bilateral stimulering och dess effekt på episodiskt minne [Memory after impact: Bilateral stimulation and its effect on episodic memory]. Umeå Universiter, Institutionen för psykologi Psykologprogrammet.

Language: Swedish

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Ett kognitivt minnesexperiment med mellangruppsdesign genomfördes i syfte att undersöka auditiv bilateral stimulerings inverkan på episodiskt minne. Bakgrunden till studien var att många kliniska iakttagelser gjorts i den psykoterapeutiska behandlingsmetoden Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, (EMDR) angående den bilaterala stimuleringens effekt på minnesprocesser. Frågeställningen var: Har auditiv bilateral stimulering någon positiv effekt på det episodiska minnet? Ett randomiserat urval bestående av 110 universitetsstuderande försökspersoner (55 kvinnor och 55 män), jämnt fördelade över fem grupper, i åldrarna 19-46 år, deltog. Auditivt stimulus gavs i fyra av grupperna. Den beroende variabeln var episodiskt minnesprestation och mättes med hjälp av meningstest och ordtest. Någon generell effekt av bilateral stimulering på episodiskt minne kunde inte påvisas. Bilateralt stimuli vid inlärning visade dock på signifikanta resultat avseende minnesprestation i förhållande till de två grupper som erhöll bilateralt stimuli vid återgivning. Signifikans erhölls även avseende prestation i förhållande till försökspersonernas upplevelse av stimulus. Resultaten diskuterades utifrån försökspersonernas upplevelse av stimulus samt inflytande av arousal. Avsaknad av emotionella komponenter, som i förlängningen bidragit till skillnader i minnesprocessande, antogs vara huvudsaklig förklaring till utebliven positiv effekt av bilateral stimulering.

A cognitive memory experiment with between group design was conducted to investigate the auditory bilateral stimulation effect on the episode of animal memory. The background to study was that many clinical observations made in the psychotherapeutic treatment Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) regarding bilateral stimulation effect on memory processes. The issue was: Did auditory bilateral stimulation a positive effect on the episodic memory? A randomized sample of 110 university student volunteers (55 women and 55 males), evenly distributed over five groups, aged 19-46 years, participated. Audi TIVE stimulus was given in four groups. The dependent variable was episode-Semitic memory performance and measured with the help of meaningful test and ordtest. A general effect of bilateral stimulation of episode animal memory could not be demonstrated. Bilateral stimuli at learning, however, showed the significant results relating to memory performance in relation to the two groups who received bilateral stimulation at reproducing. Significance was obtained including performance in relation to the trial subject's experience of stimulus. The results are discussed from the trial subject's experience of stimulus and the influence of arousal. Lack of emotional components, which ultimately contributed to differences in memory processing, was adopted as the primary explanation for non - positive effect of bilateral stimulation.

Keywords: Auditory Bilateral Stimulation  BLS  Episodic Memory  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

91. Tokunaga, H., Ikejiri, Y., Kazui, H., Masaki, Y., Hatta, N., Doronbekov, T. K., Honda, M., Oku, N., Hatazawa, J., Nishikawa, T., & Takeda, M. (2006). Neural correlates of symptom improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder: Positron emission tomography study. In N. Kato; M. Kawata, & R. K. Pitman, (Eds.), PTSD: Brain mechanisms and clinical implications (pp. 247-254). Tokyo: Springer-Verlag.

Language: English

Format: Book Section

Abstract:
We studied the neural basis of reexperiencing in patients with PTSD using positron emission tomography (PET) and investigated the change in the neural activities from before to after improvement of PTSD symptoms. As a therapy for PTSD, we used the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) procedure. Although the mechanism by which EMDR acts is unclear, its efficacy for PTSD is comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy. [Text pp. 247-248][Pilots]

Keywords: Adults  Arousal  Brain Imaging  Crime  Neurophysiology  Japanese  Survivors  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Reexperiencing  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

92. Vojtova, H., & Hasto, J. (2009). Neurobiology of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Activitas Nervosa Superior, 51(3), 98-102.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing represents a promising approach to treatment of posttraumatic disord-ers. The specific factors underlying its effectiveness rely particularly on bilateral stimulation, which seems to provoke a specific neurobiological response during traumatic recall particularly in individuals with PTSD. The empirical findings provide evidence for the effect of BLS on autonomic nervous system shifting the balance towards parasympathetic acti-vation (reducing arousal) as well as the effect on subjectively perceived vividness and emotional burden of autobiograph-ic memories (decrease). The most credible hypotheses derive the effects from neurobiological mechanisms employed in dual focus attention, orienting reflex and REM sleep. Further research is needed to explore the processes included in the EMDR therapy in more detail and clarify the role of bilateral stimulation.

Keywords: Brain  Dissociation  Neurobiology  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Psychotherapy  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

93. Fernandez, I., & Solomon, R. M. (2001, October). Neurophysiological components of EMDR treatment. In International CIANS Conference (CIANS: Collegium Internationale Activitatis Nervosae Superioris; International Association for Integrative Nervous Functions, Neurobiology of behaviour and Psychosomatics), (pp 137-140) Palermo, Italy.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The research on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has had a significant development in the last 10 years. The EMDR consists on a dual focalization activity (the use o eye movements or other forms of left/right rhythmical stimulation, while focusing on personal disturbing material). Many hypotheses have been made on how EMDR works and why the clinical results are so significant. One of the most possible reasons may regard the fact that there seems to be an innate information processing system that is physiologically configured to facilitate mental health in much the same way the rest of the body is designed to heal itself when injured (Shapiro, 1995). When operating appropriately, this system takes the perceptual and emotional information from a traumatic event to an adaptive resolution - useful information is stored with appropriate affect and is available for future use. The physiological and emotional arousal stemming from a traumatic event may disrupt the information processing mechanism. The blocked processing prevents the traumatic information from progressing through the normal steps of adaptive integration. The physiological stimulation appears to activate the innate information processing systems and may be linked to the mechanisms inherent in memory storage. EMDR apparently intervenes in brain functions, especially in the limbic system and amygdale, which have been already identified as actively involved in traumatic experiences.

Keywords: Information Processing System  Neurophysiology  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

94. Hedstrom, J. (1991, March). A note on eye movements and relaxation. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 22(1), 37-38. doi:10.1016/0005-7916(91)90031-Y.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye movements and certain visual mechanisms appear to be related to states of relaxation and levels of wakefulness. The hatha yoga tradition in its historical and contemporary forms uses certain eye 'exercises' or postures to induce relaxation and reduce arousal. Visual correlates of the alpha state are well known. These phenomena may be involved in the success of the new eye desensitization procedure.

Keywords: Eye Movements  Relaxation  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

95. Raynaud, P., Boxus, A., Renoir, V., & Sanchez, S. (2012, January). P-975 - From mind to brain: Event-related potentials and EMDR treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. European Psychiatry, 27(Supplement 1), 1-1. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(12)75142-8.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Introduction: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relevant technique to improve post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Objectives: To compare the electrophysiological profile of patients suffering post traumatic stress disorder before and after EMDR treatment. Aims: The authors are in search of a specific event-related brain potentials profile for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Eight patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a severe traumatic event, were assessed with event-related brain potentials (ERPs) in a modified oddball paradigm containing auditory standard, target, and novel tones. ERPs were assessed before and after a treatment session using the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing method. Results: Psychometric assessment revealed a marked improvement of the PTSD symptoms after treatment. Compared to a control group that underwent sham treatment, ERPs of the patients showed morphological changes in the post-treatment recording, suggesting a reduced orienting to novel stimuli and reduced arousal level after the treatment. Conclusions: EMDR therapy provides clinical improvement and event-related potentials changes that could be used in clinical practice as an interesting marker to assess diagnosis and successful treatment of PTSD.

Keywords: Event-Related  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

96. 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

97. Kreyer, A. K., & Egon, S. (2008, June). Physiological effects of eye movements of different speeds and eye fixation during engagement in negative autobiographical memories: Experimental research regarding EMDR. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract: The aim of the study was to explore the working mechanism of the bilateral stimulation component in EMDR in relation to current hypotheses. Physiological hypotheses (of orienting response and relaxation response) were tested in an analogous experimental setting. Moreover, the clinical advice to use different stimulation speeds for different phases of EMDR was examined at the autonomic level, exploring two different speeds of eye movements. In a within-subject design 42 female students performed 7 short sets each of rapid eye movements (1 Hz), slow eye movements (0.3 Hz) and eye fixation while engaging in negative autobiographical memories. Order of the tasks was counterbalanced. Electrooculogramm (EOG), electrocardiogramm, electrodermal activity and distal pulswave were recorded continuously. Skin conductance level (SCL), heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (RMSSD) and pulse wave transit time (PWTT) were calculated. Performance of the eye movement tasks were controlled through EOG. All three conditions showed a clear-cut de-arousal at stimulation onset, which was 30 indicated by a decrease in HR and SCL and an increase in RMSSD and PWTT. That means, fast and slow eye movements as well as eye fixation initiated a moderate, but clear relaxation response with increased parasympathetic and reduced sympathetic activity. These results suggest that the speed of eye movements do not influence autonomic functions. Furthermore, the results of this study do not support most of the current hypotheses regarding the working mechanism of the bilateral stimulation in EMDR. Alternative explanations are discussed

Keywords: Autobiographical Memories  Research  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

98. van der Kolk, B. A. (2000). Posttraumatic stress disorder and the nature of trauma. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 2(1), 7-22.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
The role of psychological trauma (e.g., rape, physical assaults, torture, motor vehicle accidents) as an etiological factor in mental disorders, anticipated as early as the 19th century by Janet, Freud, and Breuer, and more specifically during World War I and II by Kardiner, was "rediscovered" some 20 years ago in the wake of the psychlogical traumas inflicted by the Vietnam war and the discussion "in the open" of sexual abuse and rape by the women's liberation movement. 1980 marked a major turning point, with the incorporation of the diagnostic construct of PTSD into DSM-III and the definition of its main diagnostic criteria (reexperiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, and symptoms of increased arousal). Initially described as resulting from a onetime severe traumatic incident, PTSD has now been shown to be triggered by chronic multiple traumas as well. This "state-of-the-art" article discusses past and current understanding of the disorder, with particular emphasis on the recent explosive developments in neuroimaging and other fields of the neurosciences that have highlighted the complex interrelationships between psychological, psychiatric, biological, and neuroanatomical components of the disorder, and opened up entirely new therapeutic perspectives on how to help the victims of trauma overcome their past. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Etiology  Historical Account  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

99. Hasto, J., & Vojtova, H. (2012). Posttraumatická stresová porucha, bio-psycho-sociálne aspekty EMDR a autogénny tréning pri pretrvávajúcom ohrození: Prípadová stúdia [Post-traumatic stress disorder, bio-psycho-social aspects of EMDR and autogenic training with ongoing risk: A case study]. (1.vyd) Olomouc: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci.

Language: Slovak

Format: Book

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desenzibilizácia a prepracovanie predstavuje sľubný prístup k liečbe poúrazových porúch. Medzi špecifické faktory, z ktorých jej účinnosť spoliehajú predovšetkým na bilaterálnej stimulácie, ktorá ako sa zdá, vyvolať špecifickú neurobiological odpoveď počas traumatické odvolanie najmä u jedincov s PAS. Empirické poznatky poskytujú dôkazy o vplyve BLS na autonómneho nervového systému dosiahnuť rovnováhu smerom aktivácia parasympatiku (zníženie vzrušenie), ako aj vplyv na subjektívne vnímanú živosťou a emocionálne záťaž z autobiographic pamätí (pokles). Najdôveryhodnejší hypotézy odvodiť účinky z neurobiologických mechanizmov pracujúcich v duálnom zamerať pozornosť, orientujúca reflex a REM spánok. Ďalší výskum je potrebné preskúmať procesy zahrnuté v terapii EMDR podrobnejšie a objasniť úlohu bilaterálne stimulácie. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, všetky práva vyhradené)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing represents a promising approach to treatment of posttraumatic disorders. The specific factors underlying its effectiveness rely particularly on bilateral stimulation, which seems to provoke a specific neurobiological response during traumatic recall particularly in individuals with PTSD. The empirical findings provide evidence for the effect of BLS on autonomic nervous system shifting the balance towards parasympathetic activation (reducing arousal) as well as the effect on subjectively perceived vividness and emotional burden of autobiographic memories (decrease). The most credible hypotheses derive the effects from neurobiological mechanisms employed in dual focus attention, orienting reflex and REM sleep. Further research is needed to explore the processes included in the EMDR therapy in more detail and clarify the role of bilateral stimulation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords: Autonomic Nervous System  Bilateral Stimulation  Neurobiology  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  REM Sleep  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

100. Aasen, B. (2010, July). Practical work with dissociated parts with EMDR. Presentation at the 1st EMDR Asia Conference, Bali, Indonesia.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
When working with complex trauma, where there is secondary or tertiary or dissociation, the EMDR therapist must be cautious or emotional parts that are overwhelming to the client can be evoked. Care must be taken to provide sufficient assessment and stabilization and knowledge of the personality system or there is the risk of opening Pandora’s box and overwhelming the client. However, there are ways to safely work with emotional parts of the personality. If the ANP is able to stay present, the client has sufficient emotional stabilization and strategies to lower emotional arousal, then integration can place. This workshop will provide guidelines on assessment and stabilization, and then discuss strategies to work with EPs. Video tapes of client sessions will illustrate teaching points.

Keywords: Dissociation  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

101. Veerbeek, H. (2013, June). Processing anger and revenge with EMDR. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Geneva, Switzerland.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Until now, best practise regarding treatment of anger seems to be mostly focused on improving control over angry outbursts. The treatment as usual is cognitive and behaviour oriented. For trauma related internalizing symptoms (anxiety, panic, nightmares, avoidance, intrusions), we know that EMDR is much more effective than a standard cognitive behavioural approach. Anger, embitterment and revenge are, more often than we think, also trauma-related symptoms and can be viewed as externalizing reactions to severe maltreatment, powerlessness and/or humiliation. A lot of our veterans have to deal with a permanent elevated arousal and an aggressive response style after they return from war. These externalizing symptoms can have devastating effects on marriage, work and daily live. In trauma-literature, there has been a lack of attention to this debilitating and externalizing side of PTSD.
In the workshop, after a brief review of the literature on anger and revenge, a new perspective will be presented in understanding anger and revenge. An EMDR-based protocol will be demonstrated, which can be used as a cognitive interweave and also as a “stand-alone” tool to process anger- and revenge symptoms. Extensive video footage will be used to illustrate the effect of this treatment on a patient with severe, dangerous and obsessive revenge symptoms. The question, when this add-on tool can be used and when it will be preferable to stick to the standard EMDR protocol, will be discussed. In conclusion, questions from the audience will hopefully lead to an inspiring discussion.
Learning objectives: Being able to apply the theoretical framework of Posttraumatic Anger in understanding anger symptoms in clients; Being able to detect which experiences en people from the past contributed to current anger – and anxiety symptoms and know when to apply the standard EMDR protocol or the Rage, Resentment and Revenge Protocol; and Being able to apply the Rage, Resentment and Revenge Protocol to process and resolve the anger symptoms.

Keywords: Anger  Revenge  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

102. van der Kolk, B. A., Burbridge, J. A., & Suzuki, J. (1997, June). The psychobiology of traumatic memory:  Clinical implications of neuro imaging studies. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 821, 99-113. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.1997.tb48272.x .

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Whereas most patients with PTSD construct a narrative of their trauma over time, it is a characteristic of PTSD that sensory elements of the trauma itself continue to intrude as flashbacks and nightmares, altered states of consciousness in which the trauma is relived, unintegrated with an overall sense of self. Because traumatic memories are so fragmented, it seems reasonable to postulate that extreme emotional arousal leads to failure of the central nervous system (CNS) to synthesize the sensations related to the trauma into an integrated whole. Earlier models for a biological substrate of these phenomena have become rapidly outdated with the availability of new information derived from neuroimaging studies of patients with PTSD. The emerging body of knowledge from these studies has stimulated a gradual shift in emphasis away from the neurochemicals involved in the organisms' response to overwhelming threat to a focus on the neuronal filters concerned in the interpretation of sensory information: the interactions between the various parts of the CNS that process and interpret the meaning of incoming information, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, corpus callosum, anterior cingulte, and prefrontal cortex. [Text, p. 99]
Review Article: 58 references. This volume of the Annals was published as "Psychobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder," edited by Rachel Yehuda and Alexander C. McFarlane (New York: New York Academy of Sciences, 1997; ISBN 1-57331-078-6). These papers are the result of a conference entitled "Psychobiology of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder" sponsored by the New York Academy of Sciences, New York, 1996 September 7-10.

Keywords: Brain Imaging  Dissociative Amnesia  Etiology  Literature Review  Neuroanatomy  Neuroendocrinology  Psychobiology  PTSD  Stressors  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

103. Sack, M., Nickel, L., Lempa, W., & Lamprecht, F. (2003). Psychophysiologische regulation bei patienten mit PTSD: Veränderungen nach EMDR-behandlung [Psychophysiological regulation in patients with PTSD: Improvement after EMDR-treatment]. Zeitschrift für Psychotraumatologie und Psychologische Medizin (ZPPM), 1(3), 47-57.

Language: German

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Behandlung psychotraumatischer belastungsstörungen mit EMDR
Uns interessierte die Frage, ob die EMDR-Behandlung bei Patienten mit Posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung (PTSD) neben einer Symptomreduktion auch mit einer verbesserten psychophysiologischen Regulationsfähigkeit einhergeht. 15 Patienten (9 w, 6 m) mit PTSD nach Einzeltraumatisierung wurden vor und nach einer EMDR- Behandlung sowie in einer 6-Monate Katamnese per Fragebogen (PDS, IES, STAI, SCL-90-R) sowie mit psychophysiologischen Parameter (HR, HRV) während Konfrontation mit der individuellen traumatischen Erinnerung (Traumaskript) untersucht. Im Vergleich Prä-/Post, sowie Prä-/Katamnese kam es zu einer signifikanten Abnahme der Beschwerden in allen Symptombereichen. Gleichzeitig konnte nach Behandlung und in der Katamnese eine signifikante Verminderung des Anstiegs der Herzfrequenz während Konfrontation mit dem Traumaskript beobachtet werden. Der HF-Anteil der Herzratenvariabilität als Indikator für den Parasympathikotonus nahm im Vergleich Prä-/Katamnese unter Ruhebedingungen sowie während Traumaskript signifikant zu. Die EMDR-Behandlung erwies sich als wirksam hinsichtlich einer Reduktion der traumaassoziierten Symptomatik und einer Reduktion des psychophysiologischen Arousals bei Konfrontation mit der belastenden Erinnerung. Die Zunahme der HRV im Behandlungsverlauf im Sinne eines höheren Parasympathikotonus lässt auf eine Verbesserung der psychophysiologischen Regulationsfähigkeit schließen.

Our question was whether PTSD-patients would show a decrease of trauma associated symptoms as well as improved psychophysiological regulatory capacities after EMDR-treatment. 15 patients (9 female, 6 male) with PTSD after single traumatizations underwent psychometric assessment including questionnaires (PDS, IES, STAI, SCL-90-R) and psychophysiological variables (HR, HRV) during presentation of their individual trauma script before and after treatment and in a 6-month follow-up. Pre-/post as well as pre-/follow-up comparison showed significant decreases in all symptom measures. At the same time HR acceleration during trauma script decreased significantly after treatment. HF-HRV, an indicator for parasympathetic tone, increased significantly during baseline as well as during trauma script in pre-/post comparison. EMDR treatment led to an effective and lasting symptom reduction as well as to a reduction of the psychophysiological arousal associated with the traumatic memory. Enhancement of HRV after treatment in terms of a higher parasympathetic tone might be the result of improved psychophysiological regulatory capacities after successful EMDR treatment. [Author Summary]

Keywords: Adults  Effects  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  Psychophysiology  PTSD  Stressors  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

104. Knipscheer, J. (2011, March). Psychosociale problematiek na eenmalig trauma bij migranten: De casus van een Marokkaanse man met PTSS [Psychosocial problems after a single trauma among migrants: The case of a Moroccan man with PTSS]. Psychologie & Gezondheid, 39(3), 159-162.

Language: Dutch

Format: Journal

Abstract:
In this paper, the case and treatment of a 43-year-old Moroccan man is described who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSS) following an accident at the workplace. In addition to his PTSS symptoms, he reported anger and embitterment. Treatment consisted of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive therapy. Attention was paid to culturally sensitive aspects of the interventions, including allowing additional time for psycho-education and explanation of the therapy rationale, optimizing homework exercises, cognitive restructuring concerning the regaining of authority, and affect regulation to endure arousal during EMDR-sessions.

Keywords: Moroccans  Posttraumatic Stress Disoder  PTSD  Single Incident  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

105. McFarlane, A. (2010, June). PTSD as an information processing disorder. Keynote presented at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Hamburg, Germany.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a challenging condition, as people become captured by their past experiences and have difficulty engaging with the present. At the core of this condition is the role of traumatic memories, which orientate the individual's awareness and reactivity to reminders of the instigating traumatic event. The role of traumatic events has not been fully understood and grappled with in the full range of psychopathological conditions. This has important implications for the application of EMDR as a treatment for disorders above and beyond posttraumatic stress disorder.
However, the problems with information processing in PTSD go above and beyond the fear circuitry and reactivity to traumatic memories. Individuals with PTSD also have major difficulties with their self-orientation, which is reflected in deficits in default networks, the idling systems of the brain. These changes are indicative of problems in self-registration and free-floating reflection. Dissociative symptoms may relate to these abnormalities of individuals resting states as they reflect a sense of disconnection and integration of internal states into consciousness.
Secondly, posttraumatic stress disorder is associated with major problems in dealing with neutral environmental information. This is reflected in the symptoms of difficulty with concentration and emotional numbing. The underlying neurobiology of the working memory abnormalities in posttraumatic stress disorder will be highlighted. These studies show that, in PTSD, relatively simple attentional tasks recruit neural networks normally reserved for more demanding and higher order tasks. When confronted with more demanding challenges, individuals with PTSD do not have any further capacity to allocate to processing complex environments.
Individuals with PTSD also demonstrate a problem with switching their attentional focus from an idling to active state. The data suggests that they continue to use visio-spatial networks more than language-based systems for dealing with verbal tasks. This observation is in keeping with a broad body of literature, which suggests that there are problems with the processing of verbal memory tasks in PTSD. EMDR, as a treatment, may have an advantage, as it is not so dependent on verbal representations of traumatic experiences as other treatment approaches.
Finally, an important development in the field is a better understanding of the patterns of abnormal cortical arousal that accompany the peripheral arousal abnormalities in PTSD. Quantitative EEG has given insights into the instability of the cortical neural networks. Neurotherapy represents a treatment that can further assist clinicians in the management of these patients. It is important to consider the underlying psychosomatic aspects of posttraumatic stress disorder and ensure that treatment addresses these components as well the traumatic memories. Treatment should be thought of as a staged process where the processing of traumatic memories is only one component of a disorder that impacts on a range of information processing domains.

Keywords: Information Processing  Keynote  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

106. Gomez, A. (2011, August). Repairing the attachment system through the use of EMDR, play and creativity. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Orange County, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This practical and hands on presentation is designed to provide fresh, creative and effective strategies for clinicians working with insecurely attached children and adolescents. The focus of this presentation is placed on the reprocessing phases of EMDR treatment (4-6), the healing of the attachment system and the use of reparative interweaves. This includes interweaves designed to promote integration at different levels of human experience: Cognitive, emotional, somatic and spiritual. Interweaves directed to complete defensive responses, meet attachment needs, modulate arousal and maintain the social engagement system active will be demonstrated. Several video clips will be presented to provide a very concrete and tangible experience.

Keywords: Attachment  Creativity  Play  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

107. Veerbeek, H. (2012, June). Revenge fantasy and revengefulness [Fantasía de venganza y plenitud de venganza]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
In this workshop the focus will be on the EMDR treatment of problems concerning aggression and revenge as a result of damaging experiences in the past. First of all, the pitfalls in the therapeutic relation, which could obstruct the trauma oriented treatment of aggression and revenge will be dealt with. An important question is when to choose for cognitive behavioral therapy techniques such as Anger Replacement Treatment and when EMDR treatment can be expected to be more effective, in treating aggression and revenge. A model introduced by Ogden will be presented to clarify this. It is essential that the aggressive client will be taught first how to be able to diminish the sometimes dangerous arousal, using the so-­‐called safe place. Only then we can get started with processing the traumatic experiences and/or revenge fantasies. Video recordings will illustrate all this. After explaining the origin of revenge fantasies and revengefulness, extensive video footage will show how this can be treated effectively by means of an adjusted EMDR protocol. A plea will be made for paying more attention to and also treating the externalizing side (anger and revenge) of PTSD and in the case of treating aggression, to concentrate more on revenge and its traumatic origin.

En este taller nos centramos en los problemas referentes al tratamiento EMDR en la agresión y la venganza como resultado de experiencias dañinas en el pasado. En primer lugar, las dificultades en la relación terapéutica pueden obstruir el tratamiento orientado al trauma de la agresión y la venganza, y habrá que lidiar con ello. Una cuestión importante es la elección de las técnicas cognitivo conductuales como el tratamiento de remplazo de la ira, y donde el tratamiento EMDR espera ser más efectivo en el tratamiento de la agresión y la venganza. Un modelo introductorio de Ogden será presentado para aclarar esto. Es esencial que en el cliente agresivo se enseñe primero como ser capaz de bloquear la respuesta peligrosa, usando el también llamado lugar seguro. Solo entonces puede empezarse con el procesamiento de experiencias traumáticas o fantasías de venganza. Todo esto será mostrado mediante videos grabados. Después de explicar el origen de las fantasías de venganza y la venganza propiamente dicha, una filmación de video extensivo mostrará como esto puede ser tratado de manera efectiva, lo que supone un ajuste en el protocolo estándar del EMDR Se rogará una mayor atención para tratar el lado externalizador (ira y venganza) del síndrome de estrés post-­‐traumático y en el caso de tratam

Keywords: Revenge Fantasy  Revengefulness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

108. Giovannozzi, G. (2013, June). Safety, regulation, self-regulation and eye contact: New challenges for EMDR therapy. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Geneva, Switzerland.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Porges’ polivagal theory of the hierarchical interpretation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), in addition to extending the range of human beings’ possible responses to environmental demands, links the first line ventral-vagal response with the regulation of important viscera as well as that of facial and head muscles, mediating social interactions, and associates its activation with the feeling of safety, identifying this latter condition as essential for a person’s well-being.
Without safety no social relations, physiological regulation or healing are possible. Hence the importance for EMDR therapists to lead their clients to this condition: lacking the activation of the ventral-vagal circuit there can be no processing. EMDR therapists will be provided with tools to keep their clients in safe conditions within the setting.
Clients exposed to trauma and/or insecure attachment do not have a good ANS regulation and maintain inadequate defensive attitudes – as demonstrated by Porges’ results, easily comparable with Schore’s on affective development and with those of several multi-disciplinary scholars.
Exploring this dysfunction provides EMDR therapists with useful elements to guide their clients in the difficult task of confronting what they did not/could not process at that time. We propose a three-pronged cross-sectional assessment, regardless of the pathology, aimed at identifying the defensive arousal state of the ANS needed to face the dysregulating impact at that time, focusing on the prevalent activation style of the client, when meeting environmental challenges, and that emerging in the session. Starting from this assessment, EMDR therapists will be provided with tools to help clients recognize and master their defenses to increase their flexibility.
Using the regulation as a healing instrument and goal, and given the two-directional psychophysiological approach, where psychological and physiological processes meet, a new intervention model, stemming from the AIP-EMDR approach, is proposed, acting directly on the missing or impaired developmental stages of the self-regulation ability, consistently with what Porges hoped for.
The intervention focuses on Eye Contact (EC), because, as confirmed by several scholars, this is a privileged communication pathway, in particular in the mother-child dyad, to learn self-regulating skills and is easily impaired in psychiatric clients.
Learning objectives: Raise EMDR therapists’ awareness of the importance of safety for their clients, based on Porges’ Polyvagal Theory; Provide therapists with tools to maintain clients’ safety during the session; Help EMDR therapist to recognize and modulate clients’ Autonomic Nervous System activation; and Present an EMDR Protocol to regulate Eye Contact

Keywords: Eye Contact Protocol  Regulation  Safety  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

109. Parker, C., Doctor, R. M., & Selvam, R. (2008, September). Somatic therapy treatment effects with tsunami survivors. Traumatology, 14(3). 103-109. doi:10.1177/1534765608319080.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
This is an uncontrolled field study of the outcome effects of a somatically based therapy with tsunami victims in southern India. One hundred and fifty (150) participants, prescreened for trauma symptoms, received 75 minutes of somatic therapy and training in affect modulation and self-regulation. The results indicate a reliable and significant treatment effect at immediate, 4-week, and 8-month follow-up assessments. At the 8-month follow-up, 90% of participants reported significant improvement or being completely free of symptoms of intrusion, arousal, and avoidance. The results support the effectiveness and reliability of this modified version of Somatic Experiencing Therapy in working with trauma reactions and invite future controlled trials of this therapy.

Keywords: IES  Impact of Event Scale  Posttraumatic Stress  Post-Tsunami Symptoms  PTSD  Somatic Therapy  Somatic Experiencing Therapy  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

110. Ricci, R. J., Clayton, C. A., & Shapiro, F. (2006, December). Some effects of EMDR on previously abused child molesters: Theoretical reviews and preliminary findings. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, 17(4), 538-562. doi:10.1080/14789940601070431.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Ten child molesters with reported histories of childhood sexual abuse underwent eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) trauma treatment as an adjunct to standard cognitive-behavioural therapy-relapse prevention (CBT-RP) group treatment. Trauma resolution produced significant pre/post changes on all relevant subscales of the Sexual Offender Treatment Rating Scale (SOTRS). One unanticipated benefit was a consistent and sustained decline in deviant sexual arousal compared to the control condition. As measured by the SOTRS, decrease in arousal was also correlated with a decrease in sexual thoughts, increased motivation for treatment, and increased victim empathy. Deviant arousal is strongly associated with sexual recidivism. Clinical observations support the notion that those sexual offenders with histories of childhood sexual abuse may be left with aberrant sexual arousal, which is one pathway to sexual offending. The adaptive information processing model offers an explanation of the decreased and sustained deviant arousal observed in this study. This preliminary evidence supports a call for further research into this phenomenon.

Keywords: Child Molester  Childhood Sexual Abuse  Emotional Trauma    Empirical Study  Eye Movements  Pedophilia  Phallometry  Quantitative Study  Sex Offenders  Sexual Abuse  Trauma Treatment  Treatment  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

111. Vaughan, K. (1992, July). The specificity of symptom change in post-traumatic stress disorder treated with eye movement desensitisation. Presentation at the Fourth World Congress on Behaivour Therapy, Queensland, Australia .

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Since official recognition of post-traumatic stress a number of ways. These include intrusive recollections, indicated by nightmares or “flashbacks” to the event, avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, and increased arousal (DSM-III-R, 1987). Behavioural approaches have been somewhat successful in treatment (e.g.., Cooper & Clum, 1989; Keane & Kalouped, 1982) however, such methods have been time consuming, require intense effort by the patient, and symptom improvement can be slow.

Keywords: Practice  Theory  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

112. Pagani, M., Lorenzo, Gd., Verardo, A., Nicolais, G., Monaco, L., Niolu, C., Fernandez, I., & Siracusano, A. (2012, March-April). Substrato neurobiologico della terapia con EMDR [Neurobiological correlates of EMDR therapy]. Rivista di Psichiatria,47(2 Supp 1):16S-18S. doi: 10.1708/1071.11734.

Language: Italian

Format: Journal

Abstract:
I EEG in un gruppo di dieci soggetti con grave trauma psicologico trattati con EMDR e in dieci controlli sono stati registrati sia durante l'ascolto del racconto autobiografico del trauma indice (script) e nel corso di una intera sessione EMDR. Gli EEG sono stati eseguiti nuovamente durante l'ultima sessione di EMDR quando i pazienti erano liberi da sintomi. Durante l'ascolto uno script di attivazione prevalente delle regioni limbiche corrispondenti alla corteccia prefrontale e orbitofrontale è stato registrato, essere spiegato come l'eccitazione emotiva durante trauma rivivere nella fase sintomatica. La diminuzione significativa di tali attivazioni durante la fase tardiva asintomatica rappresenta il correlato neurobiologico del recupero. Inoltre, l'evidenza di una significativa attivazione corticale nelle aree temporo-parieto-occipitale, durante l'ultima sessione, suggerisce uno switch del segnale elettrico dominante verso aree corticali con funzione prevalente cognitiva.

The EEGs in a group of ten subjects with major psychological trauma treated with EMDR and in ten controls have been registered both during the listening of the autobiographical narrative of the index trauma (script) and during a whole EMDR session. The EEGs have been performed again during the last EMDR session when patients were free of symptoms. During script listening a prevalent activation of the limbic regions corresponding to prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex has been registered, being explained as the emotional arousal during trauma reliving at the symptomatic phase. The significant decrease of such activations during the late asymptomatic phase represents the neurobiological correlate of recovery. Moreover, the evidence of significant cortical activation in the parietal-temporo-occipital areas, during the last session, suggests a switch of the dominant electrical signal towards cortical areas with a prevalent cognitive function.

Keywords: Neurobiology  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

113. Lipke, H. (1995, June). Theoretical understanding of EMDR:  Examples from treatment of veterans. Presentation at the EMDR Network Conference, Santa Monica, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The rapidity and thoroughness of EMDR therapeutic effectiveness, compared to more traditional methods of psychotherapy, calls for a general reconceptualization of the field. As EMDR and, perhaps, other new methods continue to demonstrate what Francine Shapiro has referred to as "accelerated information processing" these new therapeutic effects will undoubtedly become better understood. In an initial effort to systematically integrate EMDR with other methods of treatment, the following four categories of psychotherapeutic activity are proposed: 1. Accessing of present associative networks - the bringing forward of information (distressing, dysfunctional, comforting, adaptive, etc.) already stored in both procedural and non-procedural systems. 2. Introduction of new information - the teaching of facts and skills, which form new or add to old associative networks. 3. Inhibition of information accessing - the tuming of attention away from dysfunctional information, with the goal of decreasing arousal, such as with relaxation training. 4. Facilitation of the processing of information - abstract activity that makes it more likely information networks will connect in an adaptive way, leading to the dissipation of unwarranted negative emotion and the attainment of adaptive understanding. Methods of psychotherapy may be distinguished by the ways in which they use or don't use activities in each of these categories. EMDR like other methods can be so distinguished. While the proposed categorization system can be used to clarify the differences and similarities among the various methods of psychotherapy, more relevantly to clinical practice, this conceptualization may promote more efficient intervention choices when progress during therapy sessions has slowed or stopped. Examples of the theoretical and clinical value of the proposed model are offered, especially in the treatment of combat related psychological trauma.

Keywords: Veterans  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

114. Ricci, R. J., & Clayton, C. A. (2006, September). The therapeutic effects of EMDR on deviant sexual arousal in child molesters. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Philadelphia, PA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Keywords: Child Molesters  Deviant Sexual Arousal  Poster  Sex Offenders  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

115. Grand, C., & Grant, D. (2003, September). Toolkits for the every body:  Working with the physiology of emotion. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Denver, CO.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Learn how to work more directly with the body and the physiology of emotion during key phases of EMDR treatment with individuals, including assessment, case conceptualization, affect tolerance work, resource development and trauma/standard protocol processing. Celia Grand, LCSW; and Deborah Grant, LCSW; will introduce workshop panicipants to the Four Panes Model as a treatment model for using somatically-based work in the context of EMDR therapy. They will present psychophysical techniques and protocols for managing and regulating arousal states, giving special attention to when to use these techniques and why using them may best support clients in working with complex PTSD.

Keywords: Four Panes Model  Physiology of Emotion  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

116. Gimenez, A., Bonet, M. D., Gonzalez, L., & Santos, L. (2011, Julio). Tratamiento preventivo con EMDR del trastorno por estres postraumatico y el duelo patologico: caso clinico [Preventive treatment with EMDR of posttraumatic stress disorder and pathological grief: Case report]. En Casos clínicos: varios. Simposio realizado en el IX Congreso Nacional de Psicología Clínica, San Sebastián, España.

Language: Spanish

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Introducción: La desensibilización y reprocesamiento por movimientos oculares (EMDR) es un abordaje psicoterapéutico que acelera el tratamiento de diversas patologías fóbicas y traumáticas, especialmente del Trastorno por estrés postraumático (TEPT). En el abordaje de duelos traumáticos , derivados de una situación excepcionalmente impactante para el paciente, puede prevenir el desarrollo de un TEPT grave. Se pretende realizar una investigación sobre cómo una intervención temprana y breve con EMDR en un caso de síndrome por estrés agudo reactivo a duelo puede paliar los síntomas característicos del TEPT y complicaciones psicológicas del duelo. Permitiendo la elaboración temprana de la situación traumática para que no devenga patológica en el futuro. Material y métodos Paciente de 50 años diagnosticada de estrés agudo reactivo a duelo que acude a consulta de salud mental por muerte brusca de su pareja en una situación violenta y muy traumática. Método: 2 sesiones de EMDR en dos semanas (sesiones de 90 minutos). Instrumentos: Escala de gravedad del TEPT (Echeburúa), Escala de depresión de ZUNG y Escala de ansiedad‐estado (STAI). Resultados: Se observa mejoría significativa en Escala de gravedad del TEPT, con disminución en síntomas de reexperimentación, evitación y aumento de la activación. Se aprecia un leve incremento en síntomas ansioso‐ depresivos más característicos de un proceso de duelo normal. Conclusiones: Con el tratamiento con EMDR podemos reducir los síntomas del TEPT, así como la prevención de un duelo patológico. Que el paciente sea derivado tempranamente a la unidad de salud mental, y que se intervenga con esta herramienta, puede ser un recurso muy valioso, rápido y breve con unos beneficios importantes para su salud.

Introduction: Desensitization and reprocessing eye movement (EMDR) is a psychotherapeutic approach that accelerates the treatment of various diseases and phobic traumatic, especially posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In dealing with traumatic grief, derived from an exceptionally impressive to the patient, can prevent the development of severe PTSD. It aims to conduct research on how early intervention and EMDR brief in a case of acute stress syndrome, reactive to grief may alleviate the characteristic symptoms of PTSD and psychological complications of grief. Allowing early development of the trauma accrues not to be pathological in the future. Material and methods: 50 year old patient diagnosed with acute stress reactive to grief that comes to mental health consultation sudden death of his partner in a violent situation and very traumatic. Method: 2 sessions of EMDR in two weeks (90 minute sessions). Instruments: Scale of severity of PTSD (Echeburúa), Scale for Depression Zung scale and state anxiety (STAI). Results: Observed significant improvement in PTSD severity scale, with a decrease in symptoms of reexperiencing, avoidance and increased arousal. It shows a slight increase in anxiety-depressive symptoms more characteristic of a grieving process normal. Conclusions: With EMDR therapy can reduce symptoms of PTSD and the prevention of pathological mourning. That the patient be referred to early mental health unit, and to intervene with this tool, you can be a resource very valuable, quick and short with significant benefits to your health.

Keywords: Pathological Grief  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  Preventive Treatment  PTSD  Symposium  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

117. Mastronardi, C. (2007). Trauma da abuso e EMDR: Presentazione di una ricerca in corso [Abuse trauma and EMDR: A presentation of current research]. Universita Degli Studi di Milano, Italia.

Language: Italian

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
La tesi “Trauma da abuso e EMDR: presentazione di una ricerca in corso” mira ad esplorare il trauma in un’ottica sia psicologica che neurobiologica. Recenti ricerche dimostrano che i sopravvissuti affetti da Disturbo Post-traumatico da Stress (PTSD) non solo manifestano dei sintomi post traumatici – come intrusività, evitamento ed arousal – ma hanno anche livelli più bassi di cortisolo rispetto ai sopravvissuti senza Disturbo Posttraumatico da Stress. In questa tesi viene riportato uno studio su un caso singolo nel quale sono stati misurati i livelli di cortisolo urinario pre e post-trattamento EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in una ragazzina di quindici anni affetta da Disturbo Post-traumatico da Stress. L’obiettivo è determinare se il trattamento produce un decremento dei sintomi, misurati attraverso una valutazione testistica, e se a questo decremento è associato un aumento dei livelli di cortisolo urinario. I risultati indicano una diminuzione dei sintomi che ha comportato una remissione del PTSD. Questo miglioramento è confermato anche da un aumento dei livelli di cortisolo urinario. Questi risultati confermano l’efficacia dell’EMDR (trattamento evidence-based) per la cura del Disturbo Post-traumatico da Stress e suggeriscono l’utilità di includere misurazioni neuroendocrine nella valutazione dei risultati.

The thesis “Trauma da abuso e EMDR: presentazione di una ricerca in corso” aims at exploring the trauma from a psychological and neurobiological point of view. According to the latest studies, trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been shown to have not only posttraumatic symptoms - as Avoidance, Intrusion and Arousal - but also lower basal cortisol levels than in trauma survivors without PTSD. In this thesis a single case study, in which pre and post–Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment urinary cortisol levels have been measured in a 15-year old female with PTSD, has been reported. The aim of this study is the assessment of the EMDR treatment effectiveness in symptom reduction measured with psychological instruments; besides, the assessment of the changes in the urinary cortisol levels following the symptom reduction. Results show a symptom reduction with a PTSD remission associated with higher urinary cortisol levels. These results confirm the EMDR treatment effectiveness with PTSD and the utility of including neuroendocrine measures in the assessment of treatment outcome in PTSD.

Keywords: Abuse  Research  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

118. Ricci, R. J., & Clayton, C. A. (2008). Trauma resolution treatment as an adjunct to standard treatment for child molesters: A qualitative study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(1), 41-50. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.2.1.41.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
A literature review of current treatment models for child molesters and contemporary theories of etiology suggests a gap between theory and practice. Despite emerging recognition of the importance of addressing etiological issues in sexual offender treatment, many programs resist addressing the trauma sequelae of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in those sex offenders where it is present. Adding trauma treatment to standard sexual offender treatment was identified as a means to closing some of that gap. 10 child molesters with reported histories of CSA were treated with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Subsequent to adding this trauma resolution component, there was improvement on all six subscales of the Sex Offender Treatment Rating Scale as well as decreased idiosyncratic deviant arousal as measured by the penile plethysmograph. The current study reviews qualitative data collected during treatment and at posttreatment interviews. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Abuse Propensity  Adults  Child Abuse  Child Molester  Clinical Trial  Cognitive Therapy  European Americans  Males  Qualitative  Perpetrators  Rape  Sex Offenders  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

119. Fisher, J. (2012, June). Trauma, body and neurobiology EMDR and sensorimotor psychotherapy in treatment of dissociative disorders [Trauma, neurobiología y el cuerpo: EMDR y la psicoterapia sensoriomotriz en el tratamiento de los trastornos disociativos]. Presentation at the annual meeting of EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Although most patients respond well to EMDR treatment, those with dissociative disorders often become more fragmented: they experience flooding of memory, or they become disconnected and numb. Faced with the dissociative patient who cannot tolerate emotions, who cannot manage self-­‐destructive impulses, differentiate past and present, or create a Safe Place—is there any way that EMDR can be helpful? The answer is, “Yes.” With an understanding of post-­‐traumatic neurobiology and the Structural Dissociation model, the responses of dissociative disorder patients to EMDR become logical rather than surprising. If we understand their purpose and meaning, we can better address the responses that interfere with successful EMDR processing. Then if we use simple body-­‐centered interventions drawn from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy that modulate autonomic arousal and address the needs and fears of each part of the personality, EMDR treatments can help even our most de-­‐stabilized and dissociative clients. This workshop will introduce a neurobiological model for understanding how and when EMDR treatments can be effective even with dysregulated and dissociative clients and offer an introduction to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a body-­‐centered therapy developed specifically to treat post-­‐traumatic symptoms. Participants will be taught simple, body-­‐centered interventions that can be woven into both trauma processing and Resource Development protocols. Using lecture, videotape, session demonstration and actual practice, participants will have an opportunity to integrate these simple but effective techniques into their EMDR practice.

Si bien la mayoría de los pacientes responden bien al tratamiento con EMDR, con frecuencia aquellos que sufren trastornos disociativos se vuelven más fragmentados: sienten una inundación de la memoria o se vuelven desconectados y “anestesiados”. Ante el paciente disociativo que no es capaz de tolerar las emociones, que no puede gestionar los impulsos auto-­‐destructivos, distinguir entre pasado y presente o crear un Lugar Seguro, ¿existe alguna manera en la cual puede resultar útil EMDR? La respuesta es, “Sí.” Con una comprensión de la neurobiología post traumática y del modelo de disociación estructural, las respuestas de los pacientes con trastorno disociativo a EMDR se vuelven lógicas en lugar de sorprendentes. Si entendemos su propósito y significado, estaremos mejor situados para abordar las respuestas que interfieren con el éxito del procesamiento con EMDR. De ahí, si aplicamos intervenciones sencillas centradas en el cuerpo derivadas de la psicoterapia sensoriomotriz que modulan la excitación autonómica y abordan las necesidades y miedos de cada parte de la personalidad, los tratamientos con EMDR pueden ayudar a nuestros clientes, incluso a los más desestabilizados y disociativos. Este taller introducirá un modelo neurobiológico para comprender el cómo y cuándo los tratamientos basados en EMDR pueden resultar efectivos aún en los clientes desregulados y disociativos y ofrece una introducción a la psicoterapia sensoriomotriz, una terapia que se centra en el cuerpo desarrollada específicamente para tratar los síntomas post-­‐traumáticos. Se les enseñará a los participantes intervenciones sencillas y centradas en el cuerpo que pueden entretejerse en los protocolos tanto de procesamiento del trauma como de desarrollo de recursos. Mediante la conferencia, vídeos, demostraciones de sesiones y prácticas reales, los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de integrar estas técnicas sencillas a la vez que efectivas en su ejercicio de EMDR.

Keywords: Dissociative Disorder  Neurobiology  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

120. Kavakcı, Ö., Yildirim, O., & Swan, N. (2010). Travma sonrası stres bozukluğu ve sınav kaygısı için EMDR: Olgu sunumu [EMDR for post traumatic stress disorder and test anxiety: A case report]. Klinik Psikiyatri Dergisi, 13(1), 42-47.

Language: Turkish

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Travma sonrası stres bozukluğu (TSSB) gelişmesine yol açan etkenlerden biri de trafik kazalarıdır ve Türkiye'de oldukça yaygındır. Göz hareketleri ile duyarsızlaştırma ve yeniden işleme (EMDR) son yıllarda özellikle travma sonrası stres bozukluğunda (TSSB) etkili olduğu gösterilmiş bir yaklaşımdır. Sınav kaygısı; öğrenciler için sıklıkla akademik alanda performans düşüklüğü ve psikolojik problemlerle birlikte olan önemli bir sorundur. Sınav kaygısı olanlar; değerlendirileceği zaman gerilim, endişe ve santral sinir sisteminin aşırı uyarılmasını içeren istenmeyen bir durum yaşarlar. Endişe içeren tekrarlayıcı düşünceler, kendini eleştiren felaketleştirici düşünceler, fizyolojik uyarılmışlık ve belirgin duygusal sıkıntı sınav kaygısına eşlik eder. Sınavlarla ilgili olumsuz deneyimler sınav kaygısının oluşmasına neden olabilmektedir. Sınav kaygısının tedavisi için çeşitli psikoterapi yöntemlerinin yararlı olduğu bildirilmiştir. Sınav kaygısı tedavisinde EMDR denediğini bildiren az sayıda yayın vardır. Bu çalışmada trafik kazası sonrası TSSB gelişen ve EMDR uygulanması sonucunda iyileşen 17 yaşında bir olgu sunulmuştur. TSSB belirtilerinin düzelmesinin ardından üniversite giriş sınavı ile ilgili yoğun korku ve kaygı bildiren hastada, bu kaygının önceki olumsuz sınav yaşantıları ile ilişkili olduğu belirlenmiş, bu yaşantılarına yönelik EMDR tedavisi sonunda sınav kaygısı belirtilerinde belirgin düzelme görülmüştür.

Prevalence of traffic accidents is very high in Turkey and traffic accidents are one of the underlying reasons of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a new therapeutic method which is effective for PTSD. Test anxiety is a significant problem for students which leads to a decline in academic performance and cause severe psychological problems. People with test anxiety experience undesirable symptoms like tension, worry and overstimulation of the central nervous system when they are under evaluation. Recurrent worried, self-critical and catastrophic thoughts and physiologic arousal accompany test anxiety. Negative experiences about examinations can lead to test anxiety. Various psychoterapeutic approaches have been reported that are beneficial in the treatment of test anxiety. Few publications have reported trial of EMDR in the treatment of test anxiety. We describe a 17 year-old girl who had PTSD following a traffic accident and who was treated by EMDR. After treatment of PTSD, the girl reported intense fear and anxiety about the university entrance examination. This anxiety was associated with negative experiences about previous examinations. EMDR treatment focused on these negative experiences and significant improvement was obtained.

Keywords: Case Report  Posttraumatic Stress Disorer  PTSD  Test Anxiety  Traffic Accidents  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

121. Kavakci, O., Yildirim, O., & Kugu, N. (2010). Travma sonrasý stres bozukluðu ve sýnav kaygýsý için EMDR: Olgu sunumu [EMDR for postraumatic stress disorder and test anxiety: A case report]. Klinik Psikiyatri Dergisi[Journal of Clinical Psychology], 13(1), 42-47.

Language: Turkish

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Travma sonrası stres bozukluğu (TSSB) gelişmesine yol açan etkenlerden biri de trafik kazalarıdır ve Türkiye'de oldukça yaygındır. Göz hareketleri ile duyarsızlaştırma ve yeniden işleme (EMDR) son yıllarda özellikle travma sonrası stres bozukluğunda (TSSB) etkili olduğu gösterilmiş bir yaklaşımdır. Sınav kaygısı; öğrenciler için sıklıkla akademik alanda performans düşüklüğü ve psikolojik problemlerle birlikte olan önemli bir sorundur. Sınav kaygısı olanlar; değerlendirileceği zaman gerilim, endişe ve santral sinir sisteminin aşırı uyarılmasını içeren istenmeyen bir durum yaşarlar. Endişe içeren tekrarlayıcı düşünceler, kendini eleştiren felaketleştirici düşünceler, fizyolojik uyarılmışlık ve belirgin duygusal sıkıntı sınav kaygısına eşlik eder. Sınavlarla ilgili olumsuz deneyimler sınav kaygısının oluşmasına neden olabilmektedir. Sınav kaygısının tedavisi için çeşitli psikoterapi yöntemlerinin yararlı olduğu bildirilmiştir. Sınav kaygısı tedavisinde EMDR denediğini bildiren az sayıda yayın vardır. Bu çalışmada trafik kazası sonrası TSSB gelişen ve EMDR uygulanması sonucunda iyileşen 17 yaşında bir olgu sunulmuştur. TSSB belirtilerinin düzelmesinin ardından üniversite giriş sınavı ile ilgili yoğun korku ve kaygı bildiren hastada, bu kaygının önceki olumsuz sınav yaşantıları ile ilişkili olduğu belirlenmiş, bu yaşantılarına yönelik EMDR tedavisi sonunda sınav kaygısı belirtilerinde belirgin düzelme görülmüştür.

Prevalence of traffic accidents is very high in Turkey and traffic accidents are one of the underlying reasons of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a new therapeutic method which is effective for PTSD. Test anxiety is a significant problem for students which leads to a decline in academic performance and cause severe psychological problems. People with test anxiety experience undesirable symptoms like tension, worry and overstimulation of the central nervous system when they are under evaluation. Recurrent worried, self-critical and catastrophic thoughts and physiologic arousal accompany test anxiety. Negative experiences about examinations can lead to test anxiety. Various psychoterapeutic approaches have been reported that are beneficial in the treatment of test anxiety. Few publications have reported trial of EMDR in the treatment of test anxiety. We describe a 17 year-old girl who had PTSD following a traffic accident and who was treated by EMDR. After treatment of PTSD, the girl reported intense fear and anxiety about the university entrance examination. This anxiety was associated with negative experiences about previous examinations. EMDR treatment focused on these negative experiences and significant improvement was obtained.

Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Test Anxiety  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

122. Dohrmann, M. (2009). Treatment effects of EMDR on risk to re-offend by sexual offenders traumatized as children. Colorado School of Professional Psychology, The University of the Rockies, Colorado Springs. AAT 3344547.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
This study examined the effects of EMDR (Shapiro, 2002) and DeTUR (Popky, 2005) on three sexual offenders' risk to re-offend. Participants were given pretests and treatment outcomes were measured post treatment and 90 days thereafter using the IES-R (Weiss & Marmar, 1997), the TSI (Briere, 1995), the SOI (Kafka, 1997), the ACUTE 2007 (Hanson, Harris, Scott, & Helmus, 2007), and the Monarch 21 PPG Assessment (Byrne, 2006). The Reliable Change Index (RCI; Jacobson, Follette, & Revenstorf, 1984; as cited by Wise, 2004) was used to measure reliable differences. The results suggest there was no significant change in the level of trauma symptoms; however there was significant change in deviant arousal which lowered the risk level of two offenders. One offender experienced an increase in his risk level due to an increase in trauma symptoms. [Author abstract]

Keywords: Good Lives Model  Recidivism  Sex Offenders  Sexual Deviance  Trauma  Treatment  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

123. Swatzyna, R. (1997). The treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder utilizing biofeedback relaxation training with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. University of Texas, Arlington, TX. AAT 1387189.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
This study evaluates a protocol incorporating Biofeedback Assisted Relaxation (BAR) training with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for the treatment of PTSD. Based on Everly & Benson's strategic metatherapeutic approach for PTSD, a tactical therapeutic protocol was developed with specific attention to both neurologic and psychologic arousal factors. A single-subject design (A-B-C) was utilized for the three PTSD experimental subjects. The A phase consisted of three baseline psychophysiological assessments; the B phase consisted of four BAR training sessions; and, the C phase consisted of four sessions of EMDR therapy. The study results indicate resolution of PTSD attained by all three subjects, and psychologic and neurologic desensitization accomplished. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: BFB  Biofeedback Training  Posttraumatic Stress Diosrder  PTSD  Stressors  Survivors  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

124. Cohena, J. A.,  Mannarino, A. P., & Rogal, S. (2001, January). Treatment practices for childhood posttraumatic stress disorder. Child Abuse and Neglect, 25(1), 123-135. doi:10.1016/S0145-2134(00)00226-X.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Objective: This study surveyed practices in treating childhood PTSD among child psychiatrists and non-M.D. therapists with self-identified interest in treating traumatized children. Method: An anonymous survey was mailed to 207 child psychiatrists ("medical") [members of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry] and 460 nonphysician ("non-medical") therapists [members of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies] inquiring about current interventions used to treat children with PTSD. Results: 247 responses were received: of 77 medical and 82 nonmedical respondents who currently treat children with PTSD, a wide variety of modalities are used. Most preferred modalities among medical responders were pharmacotherapy, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Most preferred modalities among nonmedical respondents were cognitive-behavioral, family, and nondirective play therapy. 95% of medical respondents used pharmacotherapy for this disorder; most preferred medications to treat childhood PTSD were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and alpha-adrenergic agonists. Several significant differences between medical and nonmedical practices were identified. Conclusions: There is little clinical consensus regarding the effectiveness of the many modalities used to treat traumatized children who have PTSD symptoms; empirical research is particularly needed to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacotherapy and EMDR. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Adolescents  Arousal  Avoidance  Children  Drug Therapy  Mental Health Personnel  Reexperiencing  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Treatment Effectiveness  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

125. Bilal, M. S., & Rana, M. H. (2008, June). Use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in battle hardy soldiers after sustaining psychological trauma in various suicide bomb blast: A series of cases of post traumatic stress in terrorist acts. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of the study is to show the impact of the use of EMDR in survivors of suicide bomb blasts in North of Pakistan. Design and Settings: The study involves an ongoing compilation of clinical data and the study of therapeutic responses to various interventions including EMDR, at a tertiary mental health facility and Centre for Trauma Research and Psychosocial Interventions (CTRPI), Rawalpindi /Islamabad, Pakistan. This mental health facility is the catchment area of patients from Northern areas of Pakistan, currently the part of the country, worst affected by series of suicide bombings targeting military and civil population. Method: Families of the victims and those who survive suicide bombings without physical injuries are referred to CTRPI from peripheral areas / hospitals for assessment for psychosocial consequences of facing a man made disaster. Patients are interviewed at the point in time of referral and scoring is done on Impact of Event Scale (IES). Those who fulfill the criteria of Post traumatic Stress Disorder according to ICD-10 are registered for further studies and appropriate interventions. The individuals who fulfil the criteria for PTSD or any other psychiatric morbidity are then enrolled for regular psychiatric follow up. The patients are first offered the use of EMDR and all who give an informed consent are then assigned to a psychiatrist trained in EMDR (Level 2). Sessions of EMDR as per the protocol of 8 stages are carried out. Scoring on IES is recorded serially. According to the degree of improvement and severity of illness, sessions of EMDR are carried out using the bilateral stimulation during the hospital stay. Results: The three individuals who have completed EMDR treatment had survived the suicidal bombing attacks and fulfilled the entry criteria were administered 8 stage protocol EMDR. They all improved in their symptoms of intrusive images, hyper-arousal, autonomic instability and avoidance. Their sleep improved and nightmares diminished. Their social and interpersonal functioning improved. There was marked reduction of basal anxiety levels in all three. Scores on IES done after intervention (EMDR) improved from initial pre EMDR score of 41, 38 and 40 respectively to post EMDR scores of 18, 15 and 14 for the three subjects who completed EMDR protocol of 8 stages. On reporting to their respective units their occupational effectiveness has returned to previous levels of functioning. Conclusions: EMDR proves to be an effective non pharmacological intervention in terms of post traumatic stress disorder in special circumstances of acts of terrorism involving suicide bombing. The data presented is only preliminary and is based on a small number out of a larger sample.

Keywords: Military  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PTSD  Terrorism  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

126. Goldwasser, N. (2005, September). Utilizing EMDR to heal undesired sexual attractions and to help actualize sexual potential. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Seattle, WA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The utilization of EMDR will be discussed within the context of a multi-modal treatment paradigm to treat unwanted sexual attractions and to help to actualize sexual potential in an individual desiring to alter their sexual arousal patterns. Specifically, focus will be place on the ways in which childhood and adolescent traumas can derail psychosexual development and contribute to the development of these attractions. Applications of standard EMDR protocols to this treatment paradigm will be described, in terms of healing the traumas that may have contributed to the developmental of undesired sexual attractions. Furthermore, speicifc EMDR components that can enhance the actualization of sexual potential will be identified and discussed. Specific focus will be placed on parameters of utilizing this paradigm, ensuring that all treatment goals are client-driven and not reflecting the values of the therapist, and ensuring that all APA Ethical Guidelines are carefully considered.

Keywords: Sexual Potential  

Accuracy Verified: Yes

127. 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

128. Scaer, R. (1999, February). Whiplash, pain and PTSD: The gain in pain comes mainly from the brain. Presentation at the Winter Brain Meeting, Palm Springs, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The whiplash syndrome is a complex, poorly understood and controversial cluster of symptoms including spinal pain, cognitive dysfunction, neurologic symptoms and emotional complaints consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder. Perhaps its most perplexing feature is the fact that symptoms frequently are far out of proportion to the severity of the accident itself. The frequency of emotional symptoms has led many physicians to attribute symptoms of whiplash to somatization. The typical syndrome of whiplash includes chronic headaches, spinal and jaw pain, usually classified as myofascial pain. Neurologic symptoms include cognitive dysfunction, positional vertigo, balance disturbance, blurring of vision, photophobia and phonophobia, all of which are attributed to minor traumatic brain injury. Emotional complaints include driving phobias, irritability, hypervigilence, exaggerated startle, flashbacks, depression, nightmares and sleep disturbance. DSM IV compatible or subsyndromal forms of PTSD occur in up to 60% of patients. I began to question the traumatic basis for whiplash when I discovered that most of my patients with delayed recovery had remarkable past histories of trauma, especially child abuse. I discovered that early and rigorous use of somatically based trauma therapies, especially EMDR and Somatic Experiencing resulted in clearing not only of emotional symptoms, but also neurologic and pain-related complaints in many cases. I have concluded that the neurophysiological basis for traumatization includes not only kindled arousal, explicit and procedural memory circuits, but also automatic patterns of neuromuscular bracing, stored in procedural memory analogous to motor skill memory. Bracing patterns of involved muscles represent protective motor reflexes from the moment of injury. Linked to memory and arousal, this kindled circuit leads to perpetuation of regional myofascial pain. Dissociation plays a major role in perpetuation of this phenomenon, and accounts for many of the unusual neurologic symptoms of whiplash. This model conforms to current theories of PTSD as a model of kindling, but includes the somatic element that I believe is a universal part of the syndrome of traumatization. The pervasive neurohormonal effects of trauma account for the remarkable amount of somatic complaints in this syndrome, and may be the basis for many poorly understood chronic idiopathic disease processes. Incorporation of the neuromuscular system in the process of traumatization pleads for the study of somatically-based therapies for PTSD.

Keywords: Pain  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PSTD  Whiplash  

Accuracy Verified: Yes