Francine Shapiro Library - EMDR Bibliography Links
Choose any combination of the search options below. If you do not wish to include an option in your search, leave the box blank, or select "Any."
Your Results - you searched for the keyword Subcortical Volumetric Changes 23 Results
1. Paulsen, S. (2012, October). Attachment repair and temporal integration: EMDR for early 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:
Progress in neuroscience reveals that attachment learning, affect dysregulation, and traumatic experience are predominantly held in the right hemisphere (Schore, 2009). Therapists can access trauma and neglect held in the right hemisphere using EMDR, somatic awareness, imaginal excursions, and the therapists mirror neuronal experience. This workshop summarizes the Early Trauma approach of EMDR (O'Shea, 2009; and its variations for the dissociative client (Paulsen, in press). Of note is a new stabilization procedure that appears to work directly on the subcortical affective circuits (Panksepp, 1998).
The Early Trauma approach to EMDR processes preverbal implicit memory in sequential time periods, while attending to the nuances of somatic and affective experience as they emerge both in the clients subjective report and in the relationship field. As the infants story is told with the deciphering of these nuances, the therapy repairs developmental milestones imaginally. This enables integration from the bottom up, by time frame, called Temporal Integration (Paulsen, 2009), which contrasts with Strategic and Tactical Integration. Preliminary clinical findings are that the procedure helps repair injuries of attachment, structural dissociation, affect dysregulation and personality. The workshop will interest both EMDR and non-EMDR practitioners because of its significant implications for theory and practice
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to list a modification of the ET procedure for dissociative clients for each of the four steps.
Participants will be able to list the seven hardwired subcortical affective circuits described by Panksepp.
Participants will be able to name four steps of the Early Trauma procedure for non-dissociative clients.
Keywords: Attachment Repair Early Trauma Temporal Integration
Accuracy Verified: Yes
2. van der Kolk, B. A. (2002). Beyond the talking cure: Somatic experience and subcortical imprints in the treatment of trauma. In F. Shapiro (Ed.), EMDR as an integrative psychotherapy approach: Experts of diverse orientations explore the paradigm prism (1st ed.) (pp. 57-83). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Language: English
Format: Book Section
Abstract:
Subcortical nature of traumatic memories (Freud and trauma; the processing of experience); Trauma and physical sensations (the neurobiology of trauma; the tyranny of language); Clinical dilemmas for therapists of patients who have been traumatized (the therapeutic challenge; top-down versus bottom-up emotional processing); Learning about EMDR; Further experiences with EMDR; Integrative capacity of EMDR: transcript of one session; EMDR and the transformation of experience; What does EMDR do? [Pilots]
Keywords: Adults Cognitive Processes Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Psychotherapeutic Processes Stressors Survivors
Accuracy Verified: Yes
3. Pagani, M., Salmaso, D., Looi, J., & Hogberg, G. (2008, June). Brain functional and volumetric analyses post traumatic stress disorder treated by EMDR. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Neuro-imaging investigations in PTSD have reported findings for either functional or structural modifications.
Only two studies have investigated the changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) following EMDR therapy and one
single-patient study recently reported EMDR-related structural changes. The aim of this study was to analyse the
structural and functional changes occurring in brain regions implicated in the patho-physiology of PTSD along
with the impact on CBF and volumetric data after EMDR treatment. Thirty six train drivers having being exposed
to traumatic experiences at work were assigned to different two groups: symptomatic (S, n=17) or nonsymptomatic
(NS, n=19), according to PTSD diagnosis. SPECT, following administration of an individualised
35
trauma script, and MRI were performed and EMDR therapy was administered to S. According to EMDR outcome S
were further subdivided in responders (R, n=11) and non-responders (NS, n=5). One patient was not treated. CBF
and volumetric analyses were performed on temporal lobes, hippocampi and nuclei caudati. ANOVA showed a
significantly higher CBF distribution in the left temporal lobe of S as compared to NS and the right nc.caudatus
was significantly larger in S. The R group had larger hippocampi and nc.caudati as compared to NR and the size of
hippocampi correctly identified 81% of R and NR. The increased left temporal lobe CBF distribution among
symptomatic PTSD subjects may reflect the affective significance of higher effort in emotional episodic memory
stimulation among symptomatic individuals. Hippocampi volume as measured before EMDR was shown to
predict with high accuracy the therapy outcome.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PSTD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
4. Hase, M. H. (2006, September). EMDR applied to reprocess the addiction memory in alcohol addicted in-patients – Outcome and follow-up data of a clinical study. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Philadelphia, PA.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Substance abuse and its sequels often mean
intense suffering for the individual and huge costs for society. Established treatment modalities, as good as they are, lack effectiveness. Comorbid PTST with substance abusers is more the rule,
than the exception. So the integration of
traumatherapy, especially EMDR, into addiciton therapy seems necessary. Recent research in the
field of neuroscience has shown that most
experience is automatically processed on
subcortical levels, i.e., by "unconscious"
interpretations that are made outside of conscious
awareness. Insight and understanding have only
a limited influence on the operation of these
subcortical processes. The concept of an addiction memory is helpful. It can be understood as a form maladaptive memory and EMDR could be the
tool for resolution. Targeting the addiction
memory and reprocessing should lead to a
reduction in craving. Date of a study on
alcohol addicted inpatient support the hypothesis. Data shown include outcome and follow-up data. Reprocessing of the addiction memory could lead to EMDR protocol beyond the EMDR Chemical Dependency Treatment Manual. Participants will be able to understand the concept of the addiction memory and its implications for therapy. They will be able to identify targets for EMDR. Video of treatment sessions illustrate common principles
and differences.
Keywords: Addiction Memory Substance Abuse
Accuracy Verified: Yes
5. Shapiro, F. (2002). EMDR as an integrative psychotherapy approach: Experts of diverse orientations explore the paradigm prism. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association Books.
Language: English
Format: Book
Abstract:
Beyond the talking cure: somatic experience and subcortical imprints in the treatment of trauma; The developing mind and the resolution of trauma: some ideas about information processing and an interpersonal neurobiology of psychotherapy; EMDR and psychoanalysis; EMDR and cognitive-behavior therapy: exploring convergence and divergence; Combining EMDR and schema-focused therapy: the whole may be greater than the sum of the parts; EMDR: an elegantly concentrated multimodal procedure?; EMDR and hypnosis; EMDR and experiential psychotherapy; Feminist therapy and EMDR: theory meets practice; EMDR in conjunction with family systems therapy; Transpersonal psychology, eastern nondual philosophy, and EMDR; Integration and EMDR.
Keywords: Adults Psychotherapy Psychotherapeutic Processes Stressors Survivors
Accuracy Verified: Yes
6. Santarnecchi, E., & Bossini, L. (2011, June). EMDR research on special populations - Cortical and subcortical volumetric changes after EMDR treatment in PTSD. Presentation at the 12th European Conference on Traumatic Stress (ECOTS), Vienna, Austria.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Keywords: Cortical Volumetric Changes Research Subcortical Volumetric Changes Special Populations
Accuracy Verified: Yes
7. Hase, M. (2006, November). EMDR toegepast op de addicition geheugen in alcohol verslaafde patiënten opnieuw te verwerken in - Resultaten en follow-up gegevens van een klinische studie [EMDR applied to reprocess the addicition memory in alcohol addicted in-patients – Outcome and follow-up data of a clinical study]. Keynote gepresenteerd aan de tweede congres van de Vereniging EMDR Nederland, Amersfoort, The Netherlands.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Alcohol afhankelijkheid en haar gevolg op betekenen vaak intens lijden voor het individu en enorme kosten voor de samenleving. Gevestigde behandelmethoden, zo goed als ze zijn, gebrek aan effectiviteit. Uit recent onderzoek op het gebied van de neurowetenschappen is gebleken dat de meeste ervaring wordt automatisch verwerkt op subcorticaal niveau, dat wil zeggen door 'onbewust' interpretaties die buiten bewustzijn gemaakt. Inzicht en begrip hebben slechts een beperkte invloed op de werking van deze subcorticale processen. Deze bevindingen zijn ook van toepassing op verslaafde mensen een bijdragen aan een nieuwe aanpak te creëren. Het concept van een addicition geheugen is behulpzaam (Wolffgramm 2000; Wolffgramm 2002). Het kan worden opgevat als een vorm van onaangepast geheugen en EMDR is het hulpmiddel voor de resolutie (Shapiro 2001). De presentatie richt zich op theorie en praktijk van een EMDR aanpak van de verslaving opwerken geheugen (Hase 2006). Gegevens van een klinische studie zullen worden gepresenteerd en besproken.
Alcohol dependency and its sequela often mean intense suffering for the individual and huge costs for society. Established treatment modalities, as good as they are, lack effectiveness. Recent research in the field of neuroscience has shown that most experience is automatically processed on subcortical levels, i.e. by “unconscious” interpretations that are made outside of conscious awareness. Insight and understanding have only a limited influence on the operation of these subcortical processes. These findings are also applicable on addicted people an help to create a new approach. The concept of an addicition memory is helpful (Wolffgramm 2000; Wolffgramm 2002). It can be understood as a form of maladaptive memory and EMDR is the tool for resolution (Shapiro 2001). The presentation focusses on theory and practice of an EMDR approach to reprocess the addiction memory (Hase 2006). Data of a clinical study will be presented and discussed.
Keywords: Addiction Memory Inpatients
Accuracy Verified: Yes
8. Bossini, L., Tavanti, M., & Costrogiovanni, P. (2008, June). EMDR treatment for PTSD: Effect on hippocampal volume. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Animal and human subjects studies have shown that psychotropic drugs promote hippocampus neurogenesis
and block or modulate the effects of stress on the hippocampus. However, the only study that has investigated
the effects of psychotherapy on hippocampus volume failed to show any volumetric increase (1). Purpose of the
Study: Aim of the study is to assess the effects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
treatment on hippocampal volume and on PTSD symptoms in ten drug-free patients with Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD). Methods Used: First, we have compared hippocampal volumes of 10 drug-free patients with
chronic PTSD to 10 case-matched non-PTSD comparison subjects. PTSD diagnosis and severity were established
by the administration the Clinician Administered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale (CAPS) (Phase 1). Second,
we have assessed the effect of three months of EMDR treatment on hippocampal volumes and on PTSD
symptoms of 10 outpatients with PTSD (Phase 2). Results: Phase 1 -A p less than .05 was chosen to indicate
statistical significance. The results showed that patients had significantly smaller hippocampal volumes at
baseline compared to the control subjects. Phase 2 - EMDR treatment resulted in a significant increase of right
and left hippocampal volumes and in a significantly decrease of CAPS total score. Conclusions: The first part of
this study confirmed that PTSD patients have smaller hippocampal volumes if compared to comparison subjects.
The second part suggests that EMDR treatment is associated with a significant improvement of PTSD symptoms
and an increase in hippocampal volumes.
Keywords: Hippocampal Volume Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
9. Wintersperger, S. (2008, September). EMDR und psychoanalyse [EMDR and psychoanalysis]. Pre-Congress am 11. Kongress der European Society of Hypnosis in Psychotherapie und Psychosomatische Medizin, Wien, Österreich.
Language: German
Format: Conference
Abstract:
EMDR wurde als ein Verfahren entwickelt, um belastende/traumatische Erinnerungen nachträglich zu verarbeiten/integrieren. Phase 4 des EMDR- Standardprotokolls, das sogenannte „Prozessieren“ hat hierbei eine zentrale Bedeutung, es ist ein spezifisches Kernstück in der EMDR-Behandlungstechnik.
Es handelt sich dabei um eine gezielt in Gang gesetzte besondere Form des assoziativen „Denkens“, (das neurobiologisch gesprochen ein „subkortikales Denken“ ist), welches an das Freie Assoziieren in der Psychoanalyse erinnert.
EMDR was developed as a method to integrate process stressful / traumatic memories later /. Phase 4 of the EMDR standard protocol, the so-called "litigation" has a central role here, there is a specific key instrument in the EMDR treatment technology.
This is a deliberately set in motion particular form of associative "thinking" (which is spoken a neurobiological "subcortical thinking"), which commemorates the free associating in psychoanalysis.
Based on this observation I would make the attempt, on the one hand against the background Psychotraumatological concepts of integration and the other along the dimension of psychoanalytic concepts of insight and change illustrate this phenomenon.
My working hypothesis is: The KH-views and treatment concepts of psychoanalysis and the neurobiological findings of psycho trauma are not incompatible in the focal point of change, he is now litigating or free association, faces some of the ways.
As a conclusion I'm going to answer the question, can be combined if and under what conditions the EMDR treatment technique of psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Keywords: Psychoanalysis
Accuracy Verified: Yes
10. van der Kolk, B. A. (2009, December). Frontiers of trauma treatment. Presentation at the 6th Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference, Anaheim, CA.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
The study of psychological trauma has been accompanied by an explosion of knowledge about how experience shapes the
central nervous system and the formation of the self. We have learned that most experience is automatically processed on
a subcortical level, i.e. by “unconscious” interpretations that take place outside of awareness. Insight and understanding
have only a limited influence on the operation of theses subcortical processes. When addressing the problems of traumatized
people who, in a myriad of ways, continue to react to current experience as a replay of the past, there is a need for therapeutic
methods that do not depend exclusively on understanding and cognition. This workshop surveys current research on how
people’s brains, minds and bodies respond to traumatic experiences, and will specifically address the use of affect modulation
techniques, EMDR, yoga, theater, and neurofeedback in overcoming various aspects of the destabilization and disintegration
caused by trauma.
Educational Objectives
1) To describe three new approaches in the treatment of trauma.
2) To describe the differences between how ordinary memories are stored contrasted with the memory
processing of traumatic experiences.
Keywords: Trauma Treatment
Accuracy Verified: Yes
11. Pagani, M., Nardo, D., Höberg, G., & Larson, S. (2009, November). Gray matter changes in limbic cortex in PTSD are associated with trauma load and EMDR outcome. Presentation at the 25th annual meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Atlanta, GA.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Psychophysiological Research
There is converging evidence of gray matter (GM) structural
alterations in different limbic structures in Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients. The aim of this study was to
evaluate GM reduction in PTSD in relation to trauma load, and to
assess the volumetric differences between responders (R) and
non-responders (NR) to EMDR therapy. Magnetic Resonance
Imaging scans of 21 subjects exposed to occupational trauma,
who developed PTSD (S), and of 22 who did not (NS), were
compared by means of an optimized Voxel-Based Morphometry
(VBM) analysis as implemented in SPM. Within S, further
comparisons were made between 10 R and 5 NR. A regression
analysis between GM density and the Traumatic Antecedents Questionnaire (TAQ) was also performed on all 43 subjects.
Results showed a highly significant GM volume reduction in S
as compared to NS, bilaterally in posterior cingulate and in the
left hemisphere in precuneus, lingual and parahippocampal
gyri. Moreover, NR showed a highly significant GM volume
reduction as compared to R in bilateral posterior cingulate, as
well as insula, parahippocampal gyrus and amygdala in the
right hemisphere. Regression analysis showed that GM volume
reductions positively correlated with trauma load in bilateral
anterior and posterior cingulate and right parahippocampal
gyrus. In conclusion, GM volume reductions in posterior cingulate
and parahippocampal cortex were associated with PTSD
diagnosis, trauma load, and EMDR treatment outcome.
Keywords: Limbic Cortex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Outcome Trauma Load
Accuracy Verified: Yes
12. van der Kolk, B. A. (2006). Más allá de la cura por el diálogo: Experiencia somática, impront as subcorticales y tratamiento del trauma [Beyond dialogue cure: Somatic experience, subcortical imprints and the treatment of trauma]. Presentación en la Asociación EMDR Espańa, Madrid.
Language: Spanish
Format: Conference
Abstract:
La investigación realizada en los laboratorios orientada a aclarar los procesos de la memoria en el hombre han mostrado de manera coherente que la memoria es un proceso activo y constructivo: la mente está reensamblando de manera constante las antiguas impresiones, agregándolas a la nueva información. Los recuerdos no son considerados como hechos precisos sino que son transformados en relatos que nos contamos a nosotros mismos y a los demás, con el fin de transmitir una narración coherente de nuestra experiencia en el mundo. En raras ocasiones genera nuestra mente imágenes, olores, sensaciones o acciones musculares precisas que reproduzcan exactamente experiencias previas. De hecho, los más renombrados investigadores de la memoria tales como Elizabeth Loftus, Dan Schachter y John Kihlstrom niegan de manera enfática que la mente sea capaz de reproducir de manera precisa las improntas de experiencias previas.
Research conducted in laboratories oriented to clarify the processes of memory in humans have consistently shown that memory is an active and constructive process: the mind is constantly reassembling the old prints, adding to the new information. The memories are not considered precise facts that are transformed into stories we tell ourselves and others, to convey a coherent narrative of our experience in the world. On rare occasions our mind creates images, smells, feelings or actions that reproduce exactly precise muscle experiences. In fact, the best known memory researchers such as Elizabeth Loftus, Dan Schachter and John Kihlstrom emphatically deny that the mind is able to accurately reproduce the imprints of past experiences.
Keywords: Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
13. 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
14. Bossini, L., Fagiolini, A., & Castrogiovanni, P. (2007, November). Neuroanatomical changes after eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 19(4), 475-476.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Several authors have found smaller
hippocampal volumes in patients
with PTSD and some have suggested
that psychotropic drugs may
promote hippocampus neurogenesis
and reverse the decrease in hippocampus
volume.1 However, the
only study that has investigated the
effects of psychotherapy on hippocampus
volume failed to show a
volumetric increase after effective
psychotherapy. The authors evaluated the hippocampus volumetric changes after successful EMDR treatment of a 27-year-old man with a chronic PTSD related to the suicide of his mother. After 8 weeks of EMDR treatment the patient had an increase in both left and right hippocampus volumes.[Adapted from Text] [Pilots]
Keywords: Adults Brain Imaging Brain Volume Brain Size Case Report Clinical Case Study Death of Parent Death by Suicide Effectiveness Evaluation Hippocamal Volume Hippocampus Letter Males Neuroanatomy Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Psychotherapy PTSD Survivors Treatment Treatment Effectiveness Treatment Outcome/Clinical Trial
Accuracy Verified: Yes
15. Pagani, M. (2010, Novembre). Neurobiologia e nuovi concetti fisiopatologici dell’EMDR [Neurobiology and new concepts pathophysiological EMDR]. Presentazione al "Convegno La psicotraumatologia Oncologica, Roma, Italia.
Language: Italian
Format: Conference
Abstract:
La sindrome da stress post-traumatico (PTSD) causa nel cervello cambiamenti sia anatomici sia funzionali in specifiche aree cerebrali associate alla risposta emotiva al trauma ed alla relativa insorgenza dei sintomi. Studi di immagini funzionali (tomografia ad emissione di fotone singolo, SPECT, e a emissione di positroni, PET) e strutturali (risonanza magnetica, RM) hanno evidenziato significative variazioni neuropatologiche in pazienti con PTSD durante la rivisitazione del trauma.
L’impiego di queste tecniche ha consentito di fare luce sui correlati neurali della psicoterapia, rivelando i suoi effetti neurobiologici sulle funzioni cerebrali. Nell’ambito dei diversi approcci psicoterapeutici, l’EMDR (Desensibilizzazione e rielaborazione attraverso i movimenti oculari) č emerso come promettente risorsa per il trattamento del trauma e di altri disturbi d’ansia, sebbene ancora non sia stata completamente chiarita la sua modalitŕ di azione sui circuiti neurali. Tuttavia solo un numero esiguo di studi ha indagato il substrato neurobiologico di questa psicoterapia. Verranno discussi studi che il nostro gruppo ha recentemente pubblicato su riviste internazionali e che hanno dimostrato con la SPECT come l’EMDR normalizzi il flusso ematico cerebrale nelle aree limbiche implicate nel PTSD (1) e con la RM come nei pazienti che non rispondono a terapia molte di queste aree presentino una diminuzione rilevante della densitŕ della sostanza grigia (2). Verranno inoltre presentati i risultati preliminari del primo studio che monitora completamente con EEG una seduta EMDR e dimostra le attivazioni che i cicli di desensibilizzazione per se provocano a livello corticale e subcorticale sia durante la prima seduta che durante l’ultima quando il soggetto ha elaborato il trauma.
1. Nardo D et al. J Psychiat Res 2010; 44:477-485
2. Pagani M et al. Nucl Med Commun 2007; 28: 757-765
The syndrome of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes changes in the brain is anatomical and functional in specific brain areas associated with emotional response to trauma and the related onset of symptoms. Studies of the functional (single photon emission computed tomography, SPECT, and emission tomography, PET) and structural (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) have shown significant neuropathological changes in patients with PTSD during revisiting the trauma.
The use of these techniques has allowed to shed light on the neural correlates of psychotherapy, revealing the neurobiological effects on brain function. Under the different psychotherapeutic approaches, EMDR (Desensitization and reprocessing through eye movements) has emerged as a promising resource for the treatment of trauma and other anxiety disorders, although still not been fully elucidated its mode of action neural circuits. However, only a small number of studies have investigated the neurobiological substrate of this psychotherapy. They will discuss studies that our group has recently published in international journals and who have demonstrated with SPECT as EMDR normalize cerebral blood flow in the limbic areas implicated in PTSD (1) and with MRI as in patients who do not respond to therapy many of these areas present a significant decrease in the density of gray matter (2). We will also present the preliminary results of the first study that monitors completely with EEG and demonstrates an EMDR session activations and cycles of desensitization if they cause in the cortex and subcortical both during the first session that during the last when the subject has developed the trauma.
1. D Nardo et al. J Psychiat Res 2010; 44:477-485
2. Pagani M et al. Nucl Med Commun 2007; 28: 757-765
Keywords: Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
16. Pagani, M., Flumeri, F., Salmaso, D., Nardo, D., Sanchez-Crespo, A., Danielsson, A. M., Brolin, F., Jacobsson, H., Larsson, S. A., & Hogberg, G. (2008, October). Neurobiological changes in post traumatic stress disorder following treatment with eye movement desensitisation reprocessing. Presentation at the European Association of Nuclear Medicine Congress, Munich, Germany, European Journal of Nuclear Medical and Molecular Imaging, 35(Supp 2).
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Background: Only few studies have reported functional or structural modifications in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients following pharmacological treatment or psychotherapy. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a novel eclectic psychotherapy utilising, among other techniques, relaxation and safe place exercises, cognitive restructuring, future projections, and imaginal exposure of the trauma combined with sensory stimulation. The aim of the study was to analyse the differences in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) distribution and in brain volumetry before and after EMDR therapy.
Subjects and Methods: Fifteen subjects with chronic PTSD following occupational health hazards were treated with five sessions of EMDR. They were assessed with psychometric scales and diagnostic interviews before and directly after treatment. SPECT, during administration of an individualised trauma script, was performed using 99mTc-HMPAO. After EMDR, the subjects were subdivided into responders (R, n=10) and non-responders (NS, n=5), based on the absence or presence, respectively, of full PTSD diagnosis. SPECT and volumetric data (MRI) analyses were carried out by Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM2). SPECT and MRI data were covaried by age and by time elapsed from trauma to SPECT. SPECT data were further covaried by the amount of grey matter normalised by the total intracranial volume.
Results: Immediate significant post-treatment changes towards normality in all scales measuring psychological status were found in responders. As compared to NR, R showed a significantly decreased tracer uptake in parieto-occipital (Brodmann Area, BA, 37, fusiform gyrus) and in primary visual cortex (BA17) and in the hippocampus (p<0.001). The opposite comparison highlighted an increased tracer uptake in left frontal cortex (BA 44; p<0.05). Structural grey matter modifications were found in visual, posterior cingulate and parieto-temporal cortex, paralleling the functional changes.
Conclusion: The positive EMDR outcome corresponded to increased 99mTc-HMPAO uptake in the left dorsolateral frontal cortex, processing attention and self confidence and exerting an inhibitory effect on the amygdala whose firing is supposed to be responsible for PTSD. After successful treatment significant decreases were found in primary visual cortex, processing images of traumatic memories and flashbacks; in fusiform gyrus, processing the memories of faces, bodies and words and in the hippocampi, involved in episodic and autobiographical memories. Volumetric changes paralleled the ones in tracer uptake in all regions Taken as a whole these findings suggest that the positive clinical outcome following EMDR therapy causes functional and structural neurobiological changes towards normality.
Keywords: Brain Volumetry Neurobiological Changes Posttraumtic Stress Disorder PTSD rCBF Regional Cerebral Blood Flow
Accuracy Verified: Yes
17. Paulsen, S., & Lanius, U. (2011, November). Neurobiology and dissocation: Information processing and the embodied self. Presentation at the 28th annual meeting of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, Montreal, Quebec.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Neuroscience research can guide trauma treatment including EMDR, ego state, somatic, and attachment therapies (Lanius, Paulsen & Corrigan, in press). Traumatic memories tend to be encoded somatically and affectively in implicit memory. Lower brain structures, particularly basic affective circuits and the periaqueductal gray (PAG) (Panksepp, 1998), are essential to understanding of both traumatic memory and and dissociation. The polyvagal nervous system (Porges, 2001) is key to understanding the activation of different affective circuits, including the interplay between social engagement and connection, fight/flight and dissociation. A model is proposed that links alterations in consciousness to failure of integration and ultimately to structural dissociation (van der Hart et al., 2006). It is suggested that attachment trauma contributes to the failure of horizontal integration of the columnar organization of affective states, which, over time, become the foundation of discontinuous self-states: Discontinuity of self-states, amnesia barriers and dissociative state switching develop in lieu of smooth state transitions. Somatic interventions can enable sensory integration and personification (Janet, 1929), prior to trauma processing with EMDR that engages brain processing inter-hemispherically and across cortical and subcortical levels. The workshop will highlight implications of recent neurobiological findings for clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
Articulate the role of the periaqueductal gray (PAG) in the expression and experience of emotion.
Identify two brain structures implicated in integrating affective and sensory information.
Name three branches of the polyvagal nervous systems described by Porges.
Keywords: Dissociation Embodies Self Information Processing Neurobiology
Accuracy Verified: Yes
18. Pagani, M., Nardo, D., Flumeri, F., Salmaso, D., Looi, J., Sanchez-Crespo, A., Larsson, S.A., Sundin, Ö., Hogberg, G., & Bejerot, S. (2009, January). P03-58 Volumetric changes in PTSD and in a subgroup of PTSD patients not responding to EMDR psychotherapy. European Psychiatry, 24(Supplement 1), S1057-S1057. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(09)71290-8.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Background: Several studies have reported limbic structures volume decrease in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, in PTSD the effect of therapy on brain structures has seldom been investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the grey matter (GM) loss in occupational related PTSD and to assess the volumetric differences between patients responding (R) and non-responding (NR) to psychotherapy.
Methods: Pre-EMDR MRI data of 21 train drives who did develop PTSD (S) and 22 who did not develop PTSD (NS) after person-under-the-train accidents were compared. Within S further comparisons were made between 10 R to Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and 5 NR. Data were analysed by optimised voxel-based morphometry as implemented in Statistical Parametric Mapping.
Results: As compared to NS, S showed a significant GM volume reduction in precuneus, lingual gyrus, posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. The R>NR comparison highlighted a significant GM reduction in NR in bilateral posterior cingulate, left middle frontal cortex and right parahippocampal, insular and temporal cortices.
Conclusions: Comparing two large groups of subjects significant GM volumetric reductions were found in PTSD in posterior limbic structures. NR showed, as compared to R, volume reduction in cortical structures including posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. These latter two structures seem to be the hallmark for both PTSD diagnosis and therapy outcome prediction.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
19. Commons, M. L. (2000, August). The power therapies: A proposed mechanism for their action and suggestions for future empirical validation. Traumatology, 6(2), 119-138. doi:10.1177/153476560000600205 .
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Power Therapies claim to achieve rapid results in reducing fear elicited by a large number of situations. This paper presents a theory of how competition among stimuli may be the basis for how the Power Therapies work. The compelling features of these therapies are that they all interrupt old habits and conditioned reflexes and provide new habits and conditioning. Therefore, many of the protocols involve overcoming prior-stimulus dominance. In addition to proposing a mechanism for these therapies, this article also reveals that, despite superficial differences, power therapies fundamentally accomplish the same thing. These therapies reduce the intensify of emotional responses elicited by stimuli associated with trauma. It is proposed that they accomplish this end through working at the subcortical level of brain activity to interrupt the negative emotional responses elicited by the trauma stimuli. [Author Abstract]
Keywords: Conditioned Emotional Responses TFT Thought Field Therapy Neurolinguistic Programming NLP: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD TIR: Traumatic Incident Reduction
Accuracy Verified: Yes
20. Pagani, M., Nardo, D., Flumeri, F., Salmaso. D., Looi, J., Sanchez-Crespo, A., Larsson, S. A., Sundin, Ö., Hogberg, G., Bejerot, S. (2009, January). PW04-01 Volumetric changes in PTSD and in a subgroup of PTSD patients not responding to EMDR psychotherapy. European Psychiatry, 24(Supplement 1), S355. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(09)70588-7.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
(1)Background:
Several studies have reported limbic structures volume decrease in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, in PTSD the effect of therapy on brain structures has seldom been investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the grey matter (GM) loss in occupational related PTSD and to assess the volumetric differences between patients responding (R) and non-responding (NR) to psychotherapy.
(2)Methods:
Pre-EMDR MRI data of 21 train drives who did develop PTSD (S) and 22 who did not develop PTSD (NS) after person-under-the-train accidents were compared. Within S further comparisons were made between 10 R to Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and 5 NR. Data were analysed by optimised voxel-based morphometry as implemented in Statistical Parametric Mapping.
(3)Results:
As compared to NS, S showed a significant GM volume reduction in precuneus, lingual gyrus, posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. The R>NR comparison highlighted a significant GM reduction in NR in bilateral posterior cingulate, left middle frontal cortex and right parahippocampal, insular and temporal cortices.
(4)Conclusions:
Comparing two large groups of subjects significant GM volumetric reductions were found in PTSD in posterior limbic structures. NR showed, as compared to R, volume reduction in cortical structures including posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. These latter two structures seem to be the hallmark for both PTSD diagnosis and therapy outcome prediction.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PSTD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
21. Bates, B. (2003, August). Sensory-based PTSD therapy may prove more calming than words. Clinical Psychiatry News, 31(8), 53.
Language: English
Format: Newspaper
Abstract:
Vancouver, BC — Terror registers most sharply in the subcortical brain, not the prefrontal cortex, explaining why talk-based therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder often have limited success, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk said at a meeting on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder sponsored by Vancouver General Hospital. [Elsevier]
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
22. van der Kolk, B. (2011, November). Treating trauma: Helping the entire organism feel safe and live in the present. Presentation at the 27th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Baltimore, MD.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Trauma affects the entire human organism, which gets stuck in neruobiological, immunological and relational survival modes. Neuroscience research shows that the brain regions most affected by trauma are involved in attention and perception, biasing the organism into preceiving threat and annihilation. The subcortical process are independent from conscious appraisal and conscious control. This presentation will focus on evidence based treatments that address basic issues of safety, threat appraisal and embodied awareness, illustrated by EMDR, meditation, yoga, theater, martial arts and sensory integration.
Accuracy Verified: Yes
23. Pagani, M., Nardo, D., Flumeri, F., Salmaso, D., Looi, J., Sanchez-Crespo, A., Larsson, S. A., Sundin, Ö., & Hogberg, G. (2009, January). Volumetric changes in PTSD and in a subgroup of PTSD patients not responding to EMDR psychotherapy. Poster presented at the 17th European Congress of Psychiatry, Lisbon Portugal.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Keywords: Poster Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes