Francine Shapiro Library - EMDR Bibliography Links
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1. Kapoula, Z. (2010, April). EMDR effects on pursuit eye movements. In Research. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Hamburg, Germany.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
This study aimed to objectivize the quality of smooth pursuit eye movements in a standard laboratory task before and after Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) session. EMDR was applied on subject’s autobiographic worries causing moderate distress. The EMDR session was complete in 5 out of 7 cases; distress measured by SUDS (Subjective Units of Disturbance scale) decreased to near zero value. Smooth pursuit eye movement was recorded by Eyelink II video system before and after EMDR. For these five subjects, pursuit eye movement improved after EMDR session, namely the number of CUS (Catch-up saccades) decreased and reciprocally, the gain of the smooth components of the pursuit increased. Such improvement of the smoothness of the pursuit presumably reflects better employment of visual attention needed to follow the target accurately. Perhaps EMDR reducing distress activates a cholinergic effect known to improve ocular pursuit. This approach is novel, Eye movement semiology is known to be a great tool for exploring brain function and plasticity. This preliminary study might be a starting point for further studies of other types of eye movements bringing together neuroscience and psychotherapy.
Learning objectives: Learn the physiologic correlates of EMDR. During EMDR practice observation of the quality of eye movement (smooth and saccadic) can provide to the practitioner valuable, non-verbal feedback.
EMDR can stimulate different types of research, including laboratory research.
Keywords: Eye Movements Research Symposium
Accuracy Verified: Yes
2. Blore, D. C. (2011, September). An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) investigation of positive psychological change (PPC), including post traumatic growth (PTG). School of Health and Population Sciences, The University of Birmingham, UK.
Language: English
Format: Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract:
Positive Psychological Change (PPC) following trauma is a developing field for which
there is no standard terminology. The plethora of labels, of which Post Traumatic
Growth (PTG) is probably the most common descriptor, arguably masks a significant
gap in clinical and theoretical understanding of the phenomenon. One specific gap
addressed by this study is PPC following psychological trauma stemming from a
Road Traffic Accident (RTA) in which the person involved has subsequently received
Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR). To investigate this gap in knowledge, an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
(IPA) approach was used and twelve participants recruited via a snowball sampling
method. The participants were then interviewed using a Semi-structured Interview
Questionnaire (SSIQ) and the interviews were then transcribed for IPA analysis. Key
themes that emerged included Navigational Struggle (NS) to describe Negative
Psychological Change (NPC), and Network Growth (NG), to describe PPC. At any
one post-RTA/EMDR point there was a preponderance of one over the other,
however, NS and NG were inseparable and found to co-exist along an NS-NG
continuum. In addition, Figurative Language Use (FLU) had a significant role in both
NS and NG yet was independent of both and apparently driving change towards the
development of NG. Whilst NS and NG were both post-trauma phenomena, FLU
seemed to hallmark expansion of memory networks as part of a general maturation
process post-RTA. Furthermore, there was evidence that participants were
incorporating their traumatic experiences via FLU into the rebuilding of their
assumptive worlds.
To account for these findings, an extension to Adaptive Information Processing (AIP)
– the theory widely accepted to underpin EMDR - is proposed based upon a
hypothesised Plasticity of Meaning (PoM), which is observable through FLU. PoM
predicts which, why and how memory networks connect resulting in the adaptive
processing predicted by AIP. The study’s findings are re-examined in terms of
consequential modifications to the clinical use of EMDR. Extensive suggestions for
further research are provided.
Keywords: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis IPA PPC Positive Psychological Change
Accuracy Verified: Yes
3. 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
4. Greene, J. (2010, April/Mayl). Mindfulness and EMDR. Presentation at the annual meeting of EMDR Canada, Toronto, Ontario.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
This session explores the synergy of Mindfulness and EMDR, specifically in relation to strengthening client affect tolerance, body awareness, observer capacity and self-acceptance. These skills are particularly useful in the Preparation phase of EMDR in order to build a strong foundation for the Desensitization phase of the Trauma Protocol. We will look at Mindfulness techniques, combined with Resource Development and Installation (RDI), that are useful for both rigid/conceptualizing clients and chaotic/overemotional clients. Research linking Mindfulness with neural plasticity and neural integration will be highlighted. The session includes lecture, case review and short experiential Mindfulness exercises.
Keywords: Mindfulness
Accuracy Verified: Yes
5. Bossini, L., Poliziotto, N., Tavanti, M., Calossi, S., Lombardelli, A., Vatti, G., & Castrogiovanni, P. (2006, Febbraio). Neuroimaging e PTSD: Dati morfovolumetrici e loro variazioni dopo trattamento [Neuroimaging and PTSD: Facts morfovolumetrici and their changes after treatment]. Presentazione al Congresso XI SOPSI (Società Italiana di Psicopatologia), Roma, Italia.
Language: Italian
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Introduzione: molti studi concordano sulla riduzione del volume ippocampale nei pazienti affetti da PTSD 1 e che tale alterazione anatomica è correlata con deficit cognitivi e
con la gravità dei sintomi. Comunque ad oggi non è stato ancora chiarito se l’atrofia ippocampale rappresenta l’esito di un effetto neurotossico del trauma o, piuttosto, una condizione
preesistente che predispone allo sviluppo di alcune patologie psichiatriche. Già da tempo studi su animali dimostrano
come lo stress causi atrofia ippocampale e inibizione della
neurogenesi, con meccanismi verosimilmente legati ai glucocorticoidi, all’increzione del fattore corticotropo, all’aumento degli aminoacidi eccitatori, all’inibizione fattore
neurotrofico cerebrale con perdita della plasticità neuronale. Nell’uomo, tuttavia, i risultati non sono così lineari. Da un
lato alcuni studi hanno individuato come fattore principale l’aumento dei glucocorticoidi 2, dall’altro tale teoria è stata fortemente criticata 3. Secondo Yehuda il meccanismo di
atrofia ippocampale è dovuto ad un’alterazione dell’asse
Ipotalamo-Ipofisi-Surrene (HPA), ma in termini di una bassa
increzione di glucocorticoidi che determina un aumento del
feedback negativo dell’asse stesso ed un’ipersensibilità recettoriale.
Indipendentemente dal meccanismo d’azione, la perdita di neuroni a livello ippocampale nei soggetti che hanno subito eventi traumatici sembra sufficientemente dimostrata e, fino a poco tempo fa, era considerata irreversibile. In realtà l’ippocampo sembra presentare una inusuale e spontanea capacità rigenerativa. Questo dato è stato individuato in molte specie animali e, in un unico studio, anche nell’uomo 4. Inoltre recenti evidenze pre-cliniche e cliniche hanno indicato che gli SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) promuovono la neurogenesi e riducono l’atrofia ippocampale
indotta dallo stress nell’animale 5 e nell’uomo sono in grado
di ridurre i sintomi del PTSD, incrementare le dimensioni
dell’ippocampo e ridurre i deficit mnesici tipici della patologia
6 7. Un altro fattore che sembra essere in grado di stimolare la neurogenesi negli animali sembra essere “l’ambiente arricchito” verosimilmente tramite i meccanismi molecolari dell’apprendimento che sembrano in grado di attivare la trascrizione dell’mRNA per il Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Questo dato della letteratura supporta il razionale dell’efficacia della psicoterapia anche se l’unico studio
che valuta le modificazioni morfostrutturali dopo psicoterapia non ha riportato risultati positivi 8. Gli scopi di questo studio sono:
– valutare la presenza di atrofia ippocampale nei pazienti affetti da PTSD (T0-drug-free);
– valutare l’effetto della terapia: farmacologica con SSRI e
psicoterapica con EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) sia sul piano clinico e neuropsicologico,
che sul volume ippocampale, sia sulla memoria (T1). Metodologia: abbiamo analizzato un campione di 20 pazienti, di età compresa tra i 15 ed i 65 anni, reclutati nell’ambulatorio psichiatrico del Policlinico universitario di
Siena affetti da PTSD e un gruppo di controllo di soggetti
sani appaiati per sesso, età, peso e altezza. I soggetti di entrambi
i gruppi sono stati sottoposti ad uno studio morfovolumetrico
computerizzato dell’Ippocampo tramite RM (Risonanza Magnetica). Inoltre, i diciassette pazienti con PTSD sono stati valutati tramite la somministrazione di test neuropsicologici
e scale psicometriche per approfondire il quadro
psicopatologico e valutare l’eventuale presenza di deficit cognitivi. Nei soggetti affetti da PTSD dopo un periodo di sei mesi di
terapia psicofarmacologica sono stati ripetuti i test neuropsicologici,
le scale psicometriche e l’analisi morfovolumetrica dell’ippocampo tramite RM.
Tre pazienti, dopo le valutazioni al T0, hanno effettuato un protocollo terapeutico con solo EMDR e sono stati rivalutati
dopo 8 sedute (due mesi).
Risultati: i risultati della prima parte sperimentale (T0-drug-free) evidenziano che le dimensioni dell’ippocampo di
sinistra nei soggetti affetti da PTSD sono significativamente minori rispetto ai controlli sani. Dai risultati osservati al follow-up (T1-post-terapia) è possibile
evincere che la terapia nei soggetti considerati è associata ad un miglioramento della sintomatologia e ad un aumento
dei volumi ippocampali, pari al 9,87% per l’ippocampo di destra e dell’8,37% per l’ippocampo di sinistra. Questi dati
sono concordi con i dati presenti in letteratura, anche se la percentuale di recupero su base neuroplastica nel nostro studio
risulta sensibilmente superiore rispetto ai due studi presenti in letteratura incremento pari al 4,6% 6; pari al 5% 7. I tre pazienti che hanno effettuato terapia con EMDR hanno
anch’essi mostrato al T1 un miglioramento sintomatologico (CAPS non più positiva per i criteri diagnostici) ed un aumento
medio dei volumi ippocampali pari a 338,25 mm3 per
l’ippocampo DX e 357,93 mm3 per l’ippocampo SN.
Conclusioni: la terapia nei soggetti considerati si è associata ad un aumento dei volumi ippocampali (9,87%-8,37%).
L’aumento dei volumi ippocampali appare rilevante, consistente con i dati in letteratura, sebbene quantitativamente superiore, sottolineando l’efficacia degli SSRI verosimilmente tramite il meccanismo di attivazione della neurogenesi;
è ipotizzabile che l’aumento di volume non sia da imputare ad un aumento delle cellule gliali ma ad un aumento di neuroni ippocampali visto il contemporaneo miglioramento clinico. Particolarmente interessante ci sembra il dato relativo all’efficacia clinica e sulla plasticità neurale della EMDR.
Questa osservazione su solo tre casi, necessita chiaramente di essere confermata su un campione più ampio ma rappresenta la prima evidenza in letteratura di un’azione della psicoterapia
diretta alla struttura cerebrale.
Introduction: Many studies agree on the reduction of hippocampal volume in patients with PTSD and that an anatomical alteration is correlated with cognitive deficits and the severity of symptoms. However to date has not yet been clarified whether hippocampal atrophy is the result of a neurotoxic effect of trauma or, rather, an underlying condition that predisposes to the development of some psychiatric disorders. For some time animal studies show that stress causes hippocampal atrophy and inhibition of neurogenesis, by mechanisms probably related to glucocorticoids, all'increzione corticotropo factor, increased excitatory amino acid, inhibition of brain neurotrophic factor with loss of neuronal plasticity. In humans, however, the results are not so linear. On the one hand, some studies have identified as the main factor increasing glucocorticoid two other such theory was strongly criticized 3. According to Yehuda mechanism of hippocampal atrophy is due to an alteration of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), but in terms of a low secretion of glucocorticoids leading to an increase of negative feedback axis and the same receptor hypersensitivity . Regardless of the mechanism of action, loss of neurons in hippocampus in people who have suffered traumatic events seems sufficiently established and, until recently, was considered irreversible. In fact, the hippocampus appears to be an unusual and spontaneous regenerative capacity. This figure has been identified in many animal species and in one study in humans 4. Moreover, recent evidence pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) promote neurogenesis and reduce stress-induced hippocampal atrophy in animals 5 and humans are able to reduce symptoms of PTSD, increase the size of the hippocampus and reduce the deficit mnesic typical of the disease 6 7. Another factor that seems to be able to stimulate neurogenesis in animals seems to be "enriched environment" probably through molecular mechanisms of learning that seem able to activate the transcription of mRNA for Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor. This finding supports the rationale of the literature of the effectiveness of psychotherapy, even if the only study that evaluates changes morphostructural after psychotherapy has shown positive results 8. The aims of this study are: - To evaluate the presence of hippocampal atrophy in patients with PTSD (T0-drug-free) - to assess the effect of therapy: pharmacological SSRI and psychotherapy with EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is a clinical and neuropsychological, and on hippocampal volume, and memory (T1). Methods: We analyzed a sample of 20 patients, aged between 15 and 65, recruited nell'ambulatorio Psychiatric University Hospital of Siena with PTSD and a control group of healthy subjects matched by sex, age, weight and height. Subjects in both groups were subjected to a computerized study morfovolumetrico dell'Ippocampo using MRI (Magnetic Resonance). In addition, seventeen patients with PTSD were assessed through administration of psychometric scales and neuropsychological tests to study the psychopathological picture and evaluate the possible presence of cognitive deficits. In subjects with PTSD after a period of six months of pharmacological therapy were repeated neuropsychological tests, scales psychometric analysis morfovolumetrica hippocampus by MRI. Three patients at T0 after assessments, carried out a treatment protocol with only EMDR and were reassessed after eight sessions (two months). Results: The results of the first experiment (T0-drug-free) show that the size of the left hippocampus in patients with PTSD are significantly lower compared to healthy controls. The results observed during the follow-up (T1-post-therapy) can be inferred that therapy in patients considered to be associated with improvement in symptoms and an increase in hippocampal volume, equal to 9.87% for the right hippocampus and 8, 37% for the left hippocampus. These data are consistent with the data in the literature, although the recovery rate based on neuroplastic in our study is significantly higher than in the two studies in the literature increase of 4.6% 6; 5% 7. The three patients who have treatment with EMDR have also shown an improvement in symptoms at T1 (CAPS no longer positive for the diagnostic criteria) and an average increase in hippocampal volume amounted to 338.25 mm3 for the hippocampus and DX 357, 93 mm3 for the hippocampus SN. Conclusions: Therapy in patients considered was associated with an increase in hippocampal volume (9.87% -8.37%). The increase in hippocampal volume appear to be relevant, consistent with the literature data, although quantitatively greater, stressing the effectiveness of SSRIs probably through the mechanism of activation of neurogenesis, it is conceivable that the increase in volume is attributable to an increase glial cells but an increase of hippocampal neurons seen the simultaneous clinical improvement. Seems particularly interesting given the relative clinical effectiveness of EMDR and neural plasticity. This observation on only three cases, clearly needs to be confirmed on a larger sample but represents the first evidence in the literature of action of psychotherapy directed at brain structure.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
6. Park, S.-C. (2011, February). Plasma levels of neurotrophic factors predict responses to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in complex posttraumatic stress disorder. Hanyang University, Graduate School, Seoul, Korea.
Language: English
Format: Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract:
Complex PTSD is a proposed diagnosis that describes psychological sequelae of survivors with prolonged, repeated, and interpersonal trauma, including childhood physical abuse, incest, and other forms of family violence (Herman, 1992). The diagnostic criteria for complex PTSD are composed of the functional alterations in six areas: (1) regulation of affect and impulses; (2) attention or consciousness; (3) self-perception; (4) relations with others; (5) somatization; and (6) system of meaning (Pelcovitz et al., 1997). Recently, a morphometric study showed that patients with childhood abuse-related complex PTSD had more extensive involvements of neural substrates (reduced anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal volumes) than those with classical PTSD (Thomaes et al., 2009). Changes in the neural substrates of patients with complex PTSD may reflect the relationship, established in critical developmental phases, between traumatic experiences and neurobiological factors.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative and comprehensive psychotherapy that contains various effective elements of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and body-centered therapies (Shapiro and Maxfield, 2002). It was originally developed to resolve symptoms of psychic trauma, and has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Bradely et al., 2005; van der Kolk et al., 2007). It has been also proposed as a rapid and effective application for treating the core symptoms of complex PTSD (Korn and Leeds, 2002; Kim and Choi, 2004; Kim, 2003). Thus, the investigation of the effects of treatment of complex PTSD by EMDR may reveal aspects of neurobehavioral plasticity dependent on neurotrophic factors.
Keywords: Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Complex PTSD C-PTSD Neurotrophic Factors Plasma Levels
Accuracy Verified: Yes
7. Blore, D. (2012, June). Plasticity of meaning: A proposed AIP theory extension to explain the totality of psychological change in EMDR [Plasticidad del Significado: Una extensión a la teoría del modelo PAI (AIP) para explicar la totalidad del cambio psicológico en EMDR]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
There
is
some
debate
(Greenwald
&
Shapiro
2010)
as
to
the
usefulness
of
AIP,
the
theory,
(which
is
more
correctly
a
hypothesis),
widely
accepted
to
underpin
EMDR.
On
the
one
hand
AIP
is
seen
as
redundant
because
of
the
extensive
evidence
base
for
EMDR.
In
essence:
EMDR
works
therefore
what
role
does
AIP
have?
On
the
other
hand
theorising
results
in
research
hypotheses,
the
expansion
of
knowledge
and
thus
further
understanding.
The
current
author
supports
the
latter
position,
but
believes
AIP
does
not
fully
account
for
psychological
change
in
EMDR.
I
shall
argue
that
AIP,
as
it
stands,
actually
constricts
research
into
EMDR
as
it
is
essentially
a
theory
of
the
reduction
of
negative
psychological
change,
although
it
does
‘leave
the
door
open’
to
the
possibility
of
positive
psychological
change
(PPC).
However,
negative
psychological
change
and
its
reduction
is
by
no
means
the
only
effect
of
EMDR.
This
suggests
that
AIP
is
a
‘partial
theory’
of
psychological
change.
It
also
means
more
fundamentally
that
there
is
a
‘blind
spot’
in
research
and
that
the
full
potential
of
EMDR
is
being
consistently
–
and
considerably
–
underestimated.
In
the
current
form
of
AIP,
the
use
of
words
such
as
‘digested’
or
‘metabolised’
whilst
extending
the
physiological
corollary
central
to
AIP,
does
little
to
explain
the
How,
Why,
and
When,
of
PPC.
I
shall
propose
a
theory
extension
I
have
coined:
‘Plasticity
of
Meaning’
(POM),
which
is
grounded
in
phenomenological
findings,
superficially
parallels
the
Consolidation
of
Memory
Theory
and
goes
at
least
some
way
to
converting
AIP
into
a
unified
theory
of
psychological
change
and
thus
provide
research
‘pointers’
to
expand
the
appreciation
of
the
potential
of
EMDR.
Existe
algo
de
debate
(Greenwald
&
Shapiro
2010)
con
respecto
a
la
utilidad
del
SPIA,
la
teoría
(mas
correctamente
nombrada
como
una
hipótesis),
ampliamente
aceptada
para
corroborar
el
EMDR.
Por
un
lado
el
procesamiento
adaptativo
de
la
información
se
ha
visto
redundante
debido
a
la
extensiva
evidencia
que
existe
para
el
EMDR.
En
esencia:
EMDR
funciona,
por
lo
tanto
¿Qué
papel
juega
el
procesamiento
de
la
información?
Por
el
otro
lado
teorizando
los
resultados
en
las
hipótesis
de
las
investigaciones,
la
expansión
del
conocimiento
y
mas
profundizado
entendimiento.
El
presente
autor
apoya
la
última
posición
descrita,
pero
piensa
que
SPIA
no
explica
completamente
los
cambios
psicológicos
que
acontecen
en
el
EMDR.
Voy
a
argumentar
que
SPIA,
tal
y
como
esta,
actualmente
reduce
la
investigación
dentro
del
EMDR
como
es
esencialmente
una
teoría
sobre
la
reducción
del
cambio
psicológico
negativo,
aunque
deja
una
puerta
abierta
a
la
posibilidad
de
cambio
psicológico
positivo.
Sin
embargo
el
cambio
psicológico
negativo
y
su
reducción
es
sin
ningún
significado
el
único
efecto
del
EMDR.
Esto
sugiere
que
la
SPIA
es
una
teoría
parcial
del
cambio
psicológico.
También
significa
más,
fundamentalmente
que
existe
un
“punto
ciego”
dentro
de
la
investigación
que
tiene
un
gran
potencial
en
el
EMDR
que
está
siendo
consistentemente
y
considerablemente
ignorado.
En
la
actual
forma
del
SPIA,
el
uso
de
palabras
como
“digerido”
o
“metabolizado”,
mientras
se
extiende
el
corolario
fisiológico
central
para
la
SPIA,
hace
poco
para
explicar
el
cómo
el
porqué
y
el
cuándo
del
cambio
psicológico
positivo.
Yo
propongo
una
extensión
a
la
teoría
que
he
acuñado:
“La
Plasticidad
del
Significado”
(PDS),
que
está
basada
en
hallazgos
fenomenológicos,
superficialmente
paralelos
a
la
Teoría
de
la
Consolidación
de
la
Memoria
y
va
por
lo
menos
de
alguna
manera
convirtiendo
la
SPIA
a
una
teoría
unificada
del
cambio
psicológico
y
que
proporciona
marcadores
de
investigación
para
extender
el
reconocimiento
del
potencial
del
EMDR.
Keywords: Adaptive Information Processing AIP David Blore Plasticity of Meaning
Accuracy Verified: Yes
8. Blore, D. (2012, June). Plasticity of meaning: A proposed AIP theory of extension to explain the totality of psychological change in EMDR. Poster presented at the annual meeting of EMDR Europe, Madrid, Spain .
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract: This poster acts as additional material to the presentation at this conference on the same topic. The proposal for an extension to Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) (Shapiro 1995, 2001) is derived from the author’s doctoral thesis (Blore 2012a) – a phenomenological study of positive psychological changes experienced by survivors of road traffi c accidents in the post Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment context. It is argued that AIP does not fully account for the totality of psychological change following EMDR, partly due to lack of knowledge and partly because of the emphasis on explaining the reduction of negative psychological change (rNPC). The main presentation expands on this reasoning, whilst this poster focuses on the proposed theory extension a: ‘Plasticity of Meaning’ (PoM). To illustrate this theory extension, three examples of fi gurative language use (FLU) obtained during interviews with participants are subjected to microtextual analyses (see Smith 2004, p51). It is argued that FLU is a phenomenological (i.e. observable) event that suggests a ‘trading of words’ in turn suggesting neurological networks connecting – a central tenet of AIP. The phrase ‘PoM’ has been coined because of hypothesised similarities to Frey & Morris’ (1997) synaptic plasticity and Cahill & McGaugh’s (1998) reconsolidation of memory theory.
Keywords: Neurobiology Poster
Accuracy Verified: Yes
9. Pearson, H. J. (2009). Present and accounted for: Sensory stimulation and parietal neuroplasticity. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(1), 39-49. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.3.1.39.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
There are commonalities between neurologic syndromes arising from lesions of the parietal cortex and psychiatric syndromes secondary to psychological trauma. Additionally some posttraumatic syndromes may reflect functional disruption of parietal areas. Directional or bilateral alternating peripheral sensory stimulation appear to assist in the amelioration of a wide range of clinical conditions, including the neglect syndrome and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. It is posited that the stimulation may exert its effect through activation of parietal higher-order functions. The activation may result in an integration of sensory information and an updating of the current representation of person and space, which incorporates an awareness of current body reality, sense of self, and world view. It is hypothesized that the EMDR procedure is ideally constructed to facilitate parietal activation through multimodal sensory stimulation, attention and episodic memory retrieval and focus on internal and external body, space, and self. Further investigations and an integration of data between disciplines are suggested, in order to expand our range of effective treatments.
Keywords: Neglect Parietal Lobe Plasticity
Accuracy Verified: Yes
10. Liggan, D. Y., & Kay, J. (1999, Spring). Some neurobiological aspects of psychotherapy: A review. Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, 8(2), 103-114.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Ever since the idea was accepted that memory is associated with alterations in synaptic strength, studies on the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the plastic changes in neurons have attracted wide interest in the scientific community. This article explores the process of memory consolidation leading to persistent modifications in synaptic plasticity as a mechanism by which psychotherapy facilitates changes in the permanent storage of information acquired throughout the individual's life. The psychobiological interrelationships of affect, attachment, and memory offer a perspective regarding the etiology and treatment of clinical disturbances of affect. Analogies between brain physiology and modes of psychotherapy provide the foundation for a review of psychiatric disorders involving the inability to control fear, obsessions, compulsions, and delusions, all of which respond to psychotherapeutic interventions.
Keywords: Brain Physiology Compulsions Delusions Fear Modes of Psychotherapy Obsessions
Accuracy Verified: Yes
11. Morton, B. E., & Paulsen, S. L. (1993). Stress disorders: Cortical plasticity, eye saccades, and multiple personalities. Paper presented at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine and Pacific Institute for Behavioral Medicine. Honolulu, HI.
Language: English
Format: Other
Abstract:
Origin and Nature of Stress Disorders:
The Defense Response occurs as part of the switch from fearful flight (Ego) to cornered, fearless fight (Id) whereby the individual attempts to obtain freedom from restraint through the violence of defensive attack. The activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is part of this response. Stress Disorders are pathological states resulting in inappropriate, repeated activation of the Defense Response. They appear to be produced from a maladaptive cortical plasticity that occurred whenever the Defense Response failed to protect the organism from trauma.
Keywords: Cortical Plasticity Defense Response Eye Saccades HPA Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Multiple Personalities Stress Disorders
Accuracy Verified: Yes
12. Blore, D. (2011, March). Which, how and why memory networks combine: A plasticity of meaning (PoM) extension to adaptive information processing (AIP). Presentation at the 9th annual Conference of the EMDR UK & Ireland, Bristol.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), the theory that underpins EMDR may seem
somewhat redundant given the burgeoning clinical database and numerous international
recommendations all of which effectively point to ‘because EMDR works, it therefore works’. Put
succinctly, does AIP serve any further purpose? The author argues that it does, but that its current
bias toward explaining the reduction of Negative Psychological Change (NPC) needs to change.
The author’s recent research has highlighted the extensive role of Figurative Language Use (FLU)
in PPC resulting in participants’ increased ability to express him/herself following EMDR. To explain
these observations, a ‘Plasticity of Meaning’ extension to AIP is proposed to account for PPC and
thus convert AIP into a unifying theory of change. The result is to propose a ‘total beneficial
outcome’ of EMDR that combines both existing evidence-based practice together with the
optimisation of the Maslowvian concept of a client’s ‘full psychological height’.
Keywords: Adaptive Information Processing AIP Figurative Language Use FLU Plasticity of Meaning PoM
Accuracy Verified: Yes