Francine Shapiro Library ~ EMDR Bibliography

Francine Shapiro Library - EMDR Bibliography Links

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Your Results - you searched for the keyword Thalamo-Cortical-Temporal Binding 75 Results

1. Paulsen, S. (2012, October). 31 secrets of the embodied self: Hearing baby’s story in EMDR for trauma in implicit memory. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Arlington, VA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
EMDR targeting relies on explicit memory images and verbalization of cognitions, but attachment trauma is held in the right hemisphere’s implicit memory. Any therapy purporting to treat attachment trauma must meet four criteria (Fosha) (Objective 1). This workshop draws from ego state therapy, somatic therapy, and the Early Trauma protocol of EMDR (Paulsen, in press, O’Shea & Paulsen, 2007) to provide a range of techniques to meet the Fosha criteria (Objective 2). Efficient resolution of attachment injuries can occur through temporal integration, targeting time periods instead of explicit memory (O’Shea & Paulsen, 2007, Paulsen, 2009 and in press) (Objective 3).Transforming early trauma requires listening to reenactment material, the baby state’s only “voice” to tell the non-verbal story.

Keywords: Embodied Self Implicit Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

2. Huber, M., Siol, T., Herholz, K., Lenz, O., Köhle, K., & Heiss, W. D. (2001, December). Activation of thalamo-cortical systems in post-traumatic flashbacks: A positron emission tomography study. Traumatology, 7(4), 131-141. doi:10.1177/153476560100700402.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Trauma victims with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience ‘flashbacks’ that are described as being different from memories of other fearful biographic situations. We used Positron Emission Tomography and Statistical Parametric Mapping to compare in the same subject brain activation patterns during induced flashbacks with recall of fearful non-traumatic situations. During fearful recall there were significant activations of right precuneus. When traumatic memories were compared to neutral, right lingual gyrus, right thalamus / mamillary bodies, and right cerebellum were significantly activated. When brain activation during flashbacks was compared to simple fear, right mediodorsal thalamus (MD), right precuneus, and right cerebellum were significantly more active. With respect to recent experimental evidence concerning the function of thalamo-cortical systems, we hypothesize that post-traumatic flashback experiences are based on hyperactive thalamo-cortical ‘closed loop’ networks.

Keywords: Flashbacks Mediodorsal Thalamus PET Positron Emission Tomography Post-Trauamtic Stress Disorder PTSD Statistical Parameter Mapping Thalamo-Cortical Systems Trauma Victims

Accuracy Verified: Yes

3. Amano, T., Selyama, A., & Toichi M. (2012, June). The activity of the brain cortex measured by NIRS during EMDR session of phantom limb pain [La actividad del cortex cerebral medida por espectroscopía casi infrarroja (NIRS) durante una sesión de EMDR en Dolor de Miembro Fantasma]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
We are reporting the case of a female patient with severe chronic pain, which was successfully treated applying a phantom limb pain (PLP) protocol of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The patient is a seventy-‐ year-‐old female, who suffered from paralysis in the left lower limb due to an accident during an orthopedic operation for herniated disc. After the operation, she began to experience sharp pain in the paralyzed limb, and neither nerve blocks nor trials of medicine were effective for this pain. It continued for 8 years until a PLP protocol was applied. During the sessions of the protocol, her sharp pain gradually diminished and virtually disappeared at the end of the EMDR sessions. A follow-‐up interview, held three years after the sessions, confirmed no recurrence. The study was designed to examine the changes of frontal and temporal cortices in the blood flow in brain by NIRS during sessions of EMDR. During the recall of her trauma-‐related events, her heart rate and the blood flow increased in the area of the right superior temporal sulcus. Eye movement with the recall of traumatic events leads to a generalized decrease in brain blood flow. The results suggest that a PLP protocol may be an effective option for the treatment of chronic pain. It is probably because the technique, which is effective for post-‐traumatic stress disorder, can potentially dissolve traumatic pain memory. The findings on blood flow seem to suggest that EMDR is effective in treating PTSD by normalizing excessive cerebral activation, particularly in the right hemisphere, which is related to the memory of trauma.

Presentamos el caso de una mujer con dolor crónico severo tratado con éxito mediante un protocolo de desensibilización y reprocesamiento con movimientos oculares (EMDR) para dolor de miembro fantasma (DMF). Se trata de una mujer de setenta y dos años de edad que sufría una parálisis en la extremidad inferior izquierda debido a un accidente durante una intervención quirúrgica ortopédica por una hernia discal. Tras la operación, empezó a experimentar un dolor agudo en el miembro paralizado; ni los bloqueos nerviosos regionales ni las pruebas con fármacos fueron eficaces para tratar su dolor. Así siguió durante 8 años hasta la aplicación de un protocolo para el tratamiento del DMF. Durante las sesiones en las que se seguía el protocolo, el dolor agudo que sufría disminuía progresivamente y desaparición por completo al finalizar las sesiones de EMDR. Durante una entrevista de seguimiento a los tres años se confirmó la ausencia de una recurrencia del dolor. Se diseñó el estudio para examinar los cambios del flujo sanguíneo cerebral en las cortezas frontal y temporal mediante NIRS en las sesiones de EMDR. Durante el recuerdo de los eventos relacionados con el trauma, se aumentó la frecuencia cardiaca y el flujo sanguíneo en el área del sulco temporal superior derecho. Los movimientos oculares que se producen con el recuerdo de los eventos traumáticos conlleva una disminución generalizada del flujo sanguíneo al cerebro. Los resultados sugieren que un protocolo específico para DMF puede representar una alternativa efectiva para el tratamiento del dolor crónico. Probablemente se debe a que esta técnica que es efectiva en el trastorno por estrés post-‐traumático, tiene el potencial de disolver el recuerdo del dolor traumático. Los hallazgos sobre el flujo sanguíneo parecen sugerir que EMDR es efectivo en el tratamiento del TEPT al normalizar la activación cerebral excesiva, sobre todo en el hemisferio derecho, que guarda relación con el recuerdo del trauma.

Keywords: Brain Cortex NIRS Phantom Limb Pain

Accuracy Verified: Yes

4. O'Shea, K. (2009, May). Anger, imagination and EMDR. Presentation at the EMDR Canada Conference, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Anger is typically associated with destructive behavior, yet it is frequently released non-destructively during EMDR sessions, via the imagination. Participants will learn 1) how to help clients accept anger as potentially necessary and valuable when learning from traumatic experiences (including the neuroscience that supports the existence of sub-cortical anger circuitry); 2) how to easily reset clients’ anger circuits; 3) Interweaves that facilitate its nondestructive release; 4) how to ensure anger has been fully released; and 5) ways to facilitate clients’ safe release of anger during and outside sessions.

Keywords: Anger Imagination

Accuracy Verified: Yes

5. Leutner, S. (2012). Arbeit mit inneren anteilen im EMDR-prozess: stärkung der bindungsfähigkeit [Working with inner components in the EMDR process: Strengthening the binding ability]. Präsentation auf EMDRIA Tag, Köln, Deutschland.

Language: Swedish

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Working with EMDR and the AIP-Model have very similar goals in that they aim to strengthen the inner process of the client and overcome the effects of trauma. It is shown that the combination of both methods provides the therapist with a powerful tool. It is discussed which inner parts can play a part in processing trauma. Here we do not only look at the patient's side, but also at the side of the therapist and his or her ego-states, suggesting not only the patient takes care of traumatized ego-states and gets into touch with inner helpers, but the therapist, too takes into consideration which of his/her ego-states may be helpful or need protection whilst applying the emdr protocol.

Keywords: Adaptive Information Processing AIP Attachment Ego State Therapy Ego States

Accuracy Verified: Yes

6. 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

7. Keller, B., Stevens, L. C., Boyce, K., Lui, C., & Murray, J. (2011). Bilateral eye movements and EEG coherence during positive memories: Implications for PTSD and EMDR. Presentation at the American Psychological Association Conference, Washington, DC.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of bilateral eye movements in the processing of long-term emotional memories, especially as it pertains to the treatment method for PTSD known as EMDR. EMDR utilizes methods similar to cognitive therapy and exposure but also employs saccadic eye movements to facilitate the treatment. The saccadic eye movements are theorized by Shapiro and others to decrease emotional valence and vividness of episodic memories allowing for easier reprocessing. There remains some disagreement as to the actual role and importance of the saccadic eye movements as well as to the neurological effects of EMDR. This study used EEG power-spectral analysis and measures of interhemispheric coherence on 30 individuals who underwent one of three conditions while recalling positive episodic memories. The 3 conditions were (1) a solid black dot with no eye movement (control), (2) a low frequency color changing dot with no eye movement, and (3) a bilateral eye movement condition simulating EMDR. After a 5’ eyes-open baseline, participants experienced one of the three conditions while recalling a positive memory for five 1’ episodes. After each episode, each participant had 19-channel EEGs recorded while they stared ahead eyes opened. EEG data were noise artifacted, power spectral analyzed, and statistically analyzed for interhemispheric coherence differences between conditions for clusters of frontal pole (Fp), frontal (F), central (C), parietal (P), and occipital (O) electrodes. ANCOVA analysis of post-treatment coherence values, with baseline values as the covariate, across conditions showed significantly increased Low Beta (12-20Hz) activity in the Frontal region of the brain during the saccadic eye movements condition compared to the low frequency dot condition (p=.012). Also found were significantly increased Low Theta (4-6Hz) coherence values in the Parietal region of the brain in the low frequency dot condition compared to both the eye fixation (p=.017) and saccadic eye movement (p=.022) conditions. Self reports of memory clarity and vividness indicated significantly increased measures across all conditions. LORETA cortical localization analyses revealed Low Beta (12-20Hz) activation during the saccadic eye movements condition occurring primarily in Brodmanns Area 11 (BA11) and Brodmann Area 25 (BA25) and Low Theta (4-6Hz) activation during the low frequency dot condition focused in BA35 and BA36. LORETA neuroimages are presented. Cortical localizations of increased Low Beta interhemispheric coherence in BA11 (VentroMedial Frontal Cortex) and BA25 (Subgenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex) following bilateral eye movements during the recall of positive memories suggest a synchronization of information processing activities in parts of the frontal cortex involved in planning, reasoning, and decision making (11) and in verbal episodic memory retrieval (25). These functions are consistent with the assigned tasks of review of positive episodic memories in this study. Coincident with this pattern of cortical activation was an obtained increase in memory clarity and vividness during episodic memory retrieval. It is possible that the obtained effects on beta activity were an artifact of eye movements; however, the lack of significantly increased signal coherence at the Fp region and the removal of eye movement artifacts prior to data analysis reduce this possibility. These results provide support for an Interhemispheric Coherence Model as an explanation for the positive effects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing of retrieved memories. Additionally, these outcomes suggest that it is the saccadic eye movements, not a repetition of a rhythmic stimulus, that elicits the changes in interhemispheric coherence, and possibly in emotional valence and vividness, highlighting the importance of saccadic eye movements in EMDR.

Keywords: Bilateral Stimulation EEG Coherence Eye Movements: Positive Memories Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: No

8. Christman, S. D., & Stieber, P. (2005, February). Bilateral eye movements lead to a neutralization of affective state. Poster presented at the 33rd annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, St. Louis, MO.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract: Engaging in bilateral eye movements (EM) leads to increases in Stroop interference, improvements in episodic memory, and decreases in false memories in a converging semantic associates paradigm. These results are interpreted as reflecting EM-induced equalization of cortical activation and subsequent enhancement of interhemispheric interaction. Since increased right versus left hemisphere activation is associated with negative versus positive affect, respectively, it was hypothesized that EMs following a mood-induction procedure should result in neutralization of affect. Seventy three right-handed participants engaged in happy or sad mood induction procedures, providing mood ratings on a 1-9 scale, followed by 30 seconds of either bilateral EMs or, as a control, watching a dot change color repeatedly. Participants then supplied a second mood rating. Analyses of the Happy condition showed no mood differences after mood induction, with all participants yielding scores significantly happier than neutral. After administration of the visual condition, participants in the Colored Dot condition showed no change in mood. In the EM condition, however, participants showed a significant reduction in positive affect. Analyses of the Sad condition showed that the mood induction procedure failed, with participants reporting neutral moods after mood induction. Post hoc analyses of only those participants reporting sad moods after induction showed that participants in the EM condition exhibited a marginally greater neutralization of affect than in the Colored Dot condition. The results provide tentative support for the hypothesis that bilateral EMs result in neutralization of emotional states, reflecting an equalization of cortical activation in the left and right hemispheres.

Keywords: Bilateral Stimulation Eye Movements

Accuracy Verified: Yes

9. Christman, S., & Garvey, K. (2001, June). Bilateral eye movements reduce cortical activation asymmetries. Presentation at the 2001 EMDR International Association Conference, Austin, TX.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Alternating left-right eye movements (EMs) have been shown to enhance episodic memory recall (Christman & Garvey, 2000). In turn, enhanced recall of episodic, or autobiographical, memories has been linked to increased interhemispheric interaction (Christman & Propper, 2001; Propper & Christman, 1997). Since leftward versus rightward EMs induce right versus hemisphere activation, respectively (Bakan & Svorad, 1969), bilateral EMs may facilitate interhemispheric interaction by balancing hemispheric activation levels. In other words, asymmetries in cortical activation may impair interhemispheric communication. Christman and Garvey (2000), however, demonstrated only that bilateral EMs enhance episodic memory performance; they did not directly measure hemispheric activation. To test this hypothesis directly, participants were administered two behavioral tests that are sensitive to variations in hemispheric activation. The Chimeric Faces Test (Levy, Heller, Banich, & Burton, 1983) involves mirror-image pairs of faces, with one smiling hemiface and one neutral hemiface, presented under conditions of free viewing. Participants are asked to judge which member of a pair looks happier. Right versus left hemiface biases are associated with relative increases in left versus right hemispheric activation. Line bisection tasks also tap into hemispheric activation, with leftward versus rightward bisection errors reflecting increased right versus left hemisphere activation. Bisection tasks, however, are also influenced by premotor asymmetries (e.g., Luh, 1995), and thus represent a less pure measure of hemispheric activation.
METHODS Participants performed blocks of chimeric face and line bisection trials. They then engaged in 30 seconds of alternating left-right saccades (2 eye movements per second). Participants then performed a second block of trials for both tasks.
RESULTS Results showed that behavioral asymmetries in the chimeric face task were significantly reduced after the EMs (p<.029). This supports the hypothesis that bilateral EMs reduce hemispheric activation asymmetries. Performance on line bisection task, however, was unaffected by EMs (F<1), perhaps reflecting the fact that this task is a less direct measure of hemispheric activation.
DISCUSSION These results provide further insight into mechanisms underlying EMDR therapy used for PTSD patients. Reduction in hemispheric activation asymmetry arising from bilateral EMs employed in the current study (and in EMDR) may enhance interhemispheric communication. This interpretation is consistent with Ramachandran (1995), who showed that vestibular stimulation (inducing optokinetic nystagmus and resulting in involuntary left-right EMs) reduces the denial of deficit found in anosagnosia patients. Ramachandran (1995) suggested that the procedure benefits the hypoaroused right hemisphere, bringing its activation level up to par with the left hemisphere. Similarly, EMs used in EMDR may balance hemispheric activation levels, in turn enhancing interhemispheric communication and retrieval of episodic memories.

Keywords: Bilateral Stimulation Eye Movements

Accuracy Verified: Yes

10. Brisch, K.-H. (2012). Bindung und EMDR: Grundlagen für die therapeutische bindungsbeziehung und die behandlung von bindungstraumatisierungen [Binding and EMDR: Basic principles for the therapeutic relationship and the bond treating attachment traumas]. Präsentation auf EMDRIA Tag, Köln, Deutschland.

Language: German

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Bindung und EMDR III: Prozessieren von Affekten • EMDR Protokoll – Aufrechterhaltung der Beziehung beim EMDR – Therapeut sagt beim Prozessieren mit EMDR • „ja, gut so, hm, oh ja, ich bin da, bleiben sie dabei,….. – Pause zwischen Sets • Reorientierung und Einweben von Sicherheit – Ich bin hier bei Ihnen – Sie sind in Sicherheit [Auszug]

Binding and EMDR III: Processing of emotions • EMDR protocol - Maintaining the relationship with EMDR - Therapist says when processing with EMDR • "Yes, that's good, huh, oh yeah, I'm there, they remain going ..... - Break between sets • Reorientation and weaving in security - I'm here with you - You're safe [Excerpt]

Keywords: Attachment Trauma

Accuracy Verified: Yes

11. 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

12. 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

13. Haour, F. (2009, June). Brain source imaging of the alpha rhythm in PTSD patients using the MEG technique. In K. Zaal (Chair), Research). Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
In anxiety disorders, such as PTSD, brain imaging has demonstrated local modifications of functional activities using various techniques. In the present study the direct neuronal activities were measured in delta, theta and beta frequencies, using Magnetoencephalagraphy (MEG) which provides very fast temporal response. The technique is neither invasive nor stressful for the patients. Nineteen female volunteers with DSM-IV PTSD were included in the study. The protocol was a script-driven imagery provocation test, achieved with the patients sitting in the MEG apparatus. The scenarios, specific for ach patient, were composed of 4 active conditions: neutral image (N) traumatic memory (T), traumatic memory suppression (TS) and positive image (P) corresponding to 3 minutes where the patient had to imagine the corresponding sequence with eyes closed Measures of heat rate and subjective disturbance (SUD) were measured during the recoding. The MEG data were analysed in the source domain using a spatial filtering approach. Measurement of electrophysiological waves of various rhythms: delta: 1-4 Hetz (Hz), theta: 4.8-5.8 Hz, alpha: 8-12 Hz and beta: 12-25 Hz was obtained. Anatomical information was from MRI imaging. Signal of activation during trauma recall (T-N) were limited to the delta and theta waves and mainly found in the left hemisphere (visual, orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal and temporal gyrus (BA 8-9-10-11, 18-19, 22, 28) and in the right supra marginal gyrus (Wernicke BA 40). Signal of inhibition during trauma recall (T-N) were found mainly in the left hemisphere, in the delta, alpha and beta waves (visual, orbitofrontal, dorsolateral prefrontal and temporal gyrus (BA 8-9-10-11, 18-18, 22, 28), cingular cortex (BA 23-24, 31, 32), insula (BA 13) and Broca visual cortex (BA 18-19, 43-44). In conclusion trauma recall mainly induces a hypoactivation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and in the cingular cortices, structures linked to the experience and regulation of emotions.

Keywords: Alpha Rhythm Brain Imaging MEG Technique Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Research Symposium

Accuracy Verified: Yes

14. Haour, F. (2010, June). Brain source imaging using magnetoencephalography (MEG): Modifications in various rhythms during memory recall, in PTSD patients. In Research. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Hamburg, Germany.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Keywords: Magnetoencephalography MEG Memory Recall Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Research Rhythms Symposium

Accuracy Verified: Yes

15. Falaschi, R., & Tizzani, E. (2001, October). Changes in electroencephalographic quantitative analysis in patients treated with EMDR. In International CIANS Conference (CIANS: Collegium Internationale Activitatis Nervosae Superioris; International Association for Integrative Nervous Functions, Neurobiology of behaviour and Psychosomatics), (p 159) Palermo.

Language: English

Format: Other

Abstract:
EMDR’s basic working theory assumes that traumatic memories remain unprocessed because the innate information processing system is stuck by the psychophysiological effects of trauma. Traumatic events are stored in their original form, and the recall of traumatic memories causes a high level of disturbance.
Left-right rhythmic stimulations of EMDR seem to remove the block in the traumatic memories processing and help memories storing mechanism function at an adaptive level. In recent years, many scientific researches have focused on the opportunity to assess the functional connection between different brain areas through quantitative analysis of EEG.
According to the aim of this presentation, our attention was drawn to the correlation between slow bands (4- 7 Hz) and the activity in the sub-cortical areas involved in working memory and, also, high frequency ranges (> 36 Hz) and cortical activities during sensorial stimuli processing. There are a few quantitative EEG studies on patients with PTSD. The EEG analysis of subject with childhood abuse histories revealed less synchronization in the two hemispheres functioning compared to normal control subjects.
EEG quantitative analysis in abused children showed a higher intra-hemispheric left coherence and a lower intra-hemispheric right coherence in comparison with normal control subjects. According to these results, the aim of this presentation is to test if there are recordable changes in the intra and inter hemispheric synchronization between brain areas where information processing occurs (limbic system, prefrontal cortical area, and posterior cortical areas) in patients with PTSD after EMDR treatment.

Keywords: EEG Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

16. Oh, D., & Choi, J. (2004). Changes in the regional cerebral perfusion after EMDR: A SPECT study of two cases. Journal of the Korean Society of Biological Psychiatry, 11(2), 173-180.

Language: Korean

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Over the last decade, EMDR(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has emerged as a promising new treatment for trauma and other anxiety-based disorders. However, neurobiological mechanism of EMDR has not been well understood. Authors report SPECT findings of two patients of PTSD before and after EMDR.Brain 99mTc-ECD-SPECT was performed before and after EMDR treatment. To evaluate the significance of changes in the regional cerebral perfusion, t-test was conducted on the resulting images using SPM99 . In addition, clinical scales(CAPS, CGI, STAI) were employed to asses the changes in the clinical symptoms of the patients. After EMDR treatment, each showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms. The cerebral perfusion increased in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and decreased in the temporal association cortex. The differences in the cerebral perfusion between patients after treatment and normal controls decreased. These changes appeared mainly in the limbic area the and the prefrontal cortex.These results suggest that EMDR may show the therapeutic effect through 1) improvement in the emotional control by increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, 2) inhibited hyperstimuli on amygdala by deactivation of the association cortex, 3) inhibition on past trauma related memory, and 4) keeping the functional balance between the limbic area and the prefrontal cortex. This case report needs further replication from studies with larger sample. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Brain Imagining Adults Females Koreans Motor Vehicle Accidents Neurophysiology Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Psychiatric Inpatients PTSD: Rape SPECT Survivors Treatment Effectiveness

Accuracy Verified: Yes

17. Oh, D. H., & Choi, J. (2007). Changes in the regional cerebral perfusion after eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: A SPECT study of two cases. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 1(1), 24-30. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.1.1.24.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has emerged as a promising new treatment for trauma and other anxiety-based disorders. However, the neurobiological mechanism of EMDR has not been well understood. This study reports changes in the resting regional cerebral blood flow after successful EMDR treatment in 2 patients with PTSD. Brain 99mTc-ECD-SPECT (Technetium 99m-ethyl cysteinate dimmer-single photon emission computerized tomography) was performed before and after EMDR, and, in addition, a pre- and posttreatment comparison was made with 10 non-PTSD participants as a control group. After EMDR, cerebral perfusion increased in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and decreased in the temporal association cortex. The differences between participants and normal controls also decreased. Changes appeared mainly in the limbic area and the prefrontal cortex. These results are in line with current understanding of neurobiology of PTSD. EMDR treatment appears to reverse the functional imbalance between the limbic area and the prefrontal cortex. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Adults Brain Imaging Females Koreans Motor Traffic Accidents Neuroimaging Neurophysiology Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Psychiatric Inpatients PTSD Rape RCBF Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography Survivors Treatment Effectiveness

Accuracy Verified: Yes

18. Williams, K. (2006, August). A comparative experimental treatment outcome study: Female survivors of sexual assault suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and trauma-related guilt – self-report and psychophysiological measures. Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia, CAN.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Diverse psychotherapeutic approaches for treating trauma-related sequelae have emerged over the last several decades in response to the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and resultant posttraumatic stress disorder among women (PTSD). In a recent formal study (Grace, 2003), a newer treatment called one eye integration (OEI) has been shown to be effective for traumatized individuals. The purpose of this study was to build upon those findings by comparing the effectiveness of two treatments for reducing PTSD symptoms with a breathing, relaxation, autogenics, imagery, and grounding (BRAIN) control condition. Twenty-seven female rape or sexual assault survivors who met the criteria for PTSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Text-Revision, (DSM-IV-TR; APA, 2000) were randomly assigned to three groups: (a) a neurologically-based therapy called OEI, (b) an information processing model referred to as cognitive processing therapy-revised (CPT-R), or (c) a control condition (BRAIN), PTSD, depression, and trauma-related guilt symptoms were assessed pretreatment, posttreatment and at 3-month follow up, and qualitative electroencephalography (qEEG) brainwave patterns of two regions of the scalp (frontal and parietal) were measured pre and posttreatment. The following dependent measures were used: Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), and t he Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory (TRGI). Though there were no significant differences in PTSD symptoms between groups from pretreatment to post treatment assessments, a significant difference occurred between pretreatment and 3-month follow up, with OEI manifesting greater reductions than CPT-R or BRAIN. There were no significant differences between groups in depression, but there was a reduction in BDI-II scores over time. Reduction in guilt-related symptoms occurred on several scales and subscales for all three groups over time from pretreatment of posttreatment assessments, though not significantly by group. A significant difference was found for the Global Guilt subscale at 3-month follow up, with greater improvement for the OEI group. Preliminary results from cortical brain activity assessments indicate typical qEEG asymmetry patterns for PTSD and depression, though there were no significant group differences apart from minor post hoc analyses. Implications of these findings for clinical work and directions for future research were discussed.

Keywords: Depression Female Guilt Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Sexual Assault Survivors

Accuracy Verified: Yes

19. Pagani, M., Högberg, G., Fernandez, I., & Siracusano, A. (2013). Correlates of EMDR therapy in functional and structural neuroimaging: A critical summary of recent findings. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 7(1), 29-38. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.7.1.29.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Neuroimaging investigations of the effects of psychotherapies treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), have reported findings consistent with modifications in cerebral blood flow (CBF; single photon emission computed tomography [SPECT]), in neuronal volume and density (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), and more recently in brain electric signal (electroencephalography [EEG]). Additionally in the recent past, EMDR- related neurobiological changes were monitored by EEG during therapy itself and showed a shift of the maximal activation from emotional limbic to cortical cognitive brain regions. This was the first time in which neurobiological changes occurring during any psychotherapy session have been reported, making EMDR the first psychotherapy with a proven neurobiological effect. The purpose of this article was to review the results of functional and structural changes taking place at PTSD treatment and presented during the period of 1999–2012 by various research groups. The reported pathophysiological changes are presented by neuropsychological technique and implemented methodology and critically analyzed.

Keywords: EEG Limbic System MRI Neurobiology SPECT

Accuracy Verified: Yes

20. Egli-Bernd, H. (2012, Januar). Das neue EMDR dialog‐protokoll, die kognitionen und ihre zentrale bedeutung bei der EMDR arbeit mit komplexen problemstellungen [The new dialogue EMDR protocol: The cognitions and their central role in the EMDR work with complex problems]. Präsentation am Institut für Traumazentrierte Therapie und Beratung, Zürich.

Language: German

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Die Erfahrung zeigt, dass die erfolgreiche Arbeit mit EMDR häufig wesentlich von der treffenden und emotional bedeutungsvollen Wahl der Kognitionen abhängt. Die Erfahrung zeigt aber ebenfalls, dass diese richtige Auswahl oft zur schwierigen Hürde werden kann beim Einstieg in komplexe EMDR‐Arbeit in Phase 3, und zwar nicht nur für AnfängerInnen, sondern auch für erfahrene EMDR TherapeutInnen. Dies vor allem dann, wenn der Fokus der Arbeit nicht auf klar definierten klassischen traumatischen Einzelereignissen, sondern auf komplexen, frühen Lebensthemen liegt. Das Herausarbeiten tiefgreifender, emotional bedeutsamer Kognitionen fällt bei solchen Themen den Betroffenen oft besonders schwer. Diese Situation erzeugt häufig Verunsicherung bei den Klienten und Therapeuten und stellt eine Herausforderung für die erfolgreiche und effiziente Anwendung von EMDR dar. Mittlerweile ist in der Bindungs‐ und Traumaforschung herausgearbeitet worden, dass frühe Störungen sehr häufig eine dissoziative Struktur bei den Betroffenen zur Folge haben. Wir müssen also davon ausgehen, dass es in diesen Fällen auch um eine „subtile“ Dissoziation geht, die sich bei der EMDR Arbeit in Phase 3 u.a. durch Probleme mit der Erarbeitung der Kognitionen manifestieren kann. In den letzten Jahren habe ich das EMDR Dialog‐Protokoll entwickelt, das den Umgang mit solch komplexen EMDR Situationen in der Phase 3 wesentlich erleichtert. Im Oktober 2009 wurde eine Kurzversion meiner Arbeit zu diesem speziellen EMDR Protokoll im deutschen EMDR Rundbrief veröffentlicht und im August 2011 wird eine englische Übersetzung im EMDR Journal for Research & Practice veröffentlicht. Der Workshop soll einerseits die Bedeutung der Kognitionen für die erfolgreiche EMDR Arbeit nochmals klären sowie die dazugehörigen theoretischen Grundlagen aus der Neurobiologie, der Bindungstheorie und den Theorien der Strukturellen Dissoziation und Ego‐State Theorie zusammenfassen. Sodann wird das Dialog‐Protokoll im Detail erläutert und mittels Fallbeispielen in der praktischen Anwendung dargestellt. Ein praktischer Teil des Workshops ist dem Üben von Phase 3 mit dem Dialogprotokoll vorbehalten. Die TeilnehmerInnen sollen anhand von konkreten eigenen Beispielen die Phase 3 mit Anwendung des Dialog‐ Protokolls üben, um für die Praxis eine auf Selbsterfahrung basierende praktische Erfahrung mitzunehmen. Es geht dabei um das Erfassen von Phase 3 bis zum VOC, nicht um eine komplette Selbsterfahrung mit EMDR. Dabei soll die emotionale Relevanz der stimmigen und tiefgreifenden Kognition erfahrbar werden. Wenn es der zeitliche Rahmen erlaubt, können eigene Fälle zur Diskussion gestellt werden. Der Workshop soll eine kollegiale Diskussion von Problemen in der EMDR Anwendung ermöglichen und neue Perspektiven eröffnen helfen.

Experience shows that successful work often with EMDR significantly taken from and emotionally meaningful choice of cognition depends. But experience shows also that these Proper selection can often be difficult to hurdle in entering complex EMDR work in phase 3, and not only for beginners but also for experienced EMDR therapists. This especially when the focus of the work of non-traumatic on clearly defined classical Individual events, but on complex, early-life subjects. Working out of profound, emotionally meaningful cognition falls on such topics stakeholders often particularly difficult. This Situation often creates uncertainty among clients and therapists and offers a challenge represents for the successful and efficient use of EMDR Meanwhile, it has been worked into the binding and trauma research that very early interference often have a dissociative structure among those affected the result. We must therefore assume that in these cases, a "subtle" dissociation is, among other things, at the EMDR work in phase 3 may be manifested by problems with the development of cognition. In recent years I have developed the dialogue EMDR protocol, how to deal with such complex EMDR situations in phase 3 easier. In October 2009, a short version of my Work on this specific EMDR protocol in German newsletter published EMDR and in August 2011 an English translation of the EMDR Journal for Research & Practice is published. The workshop on the one hand the importance of cognition in the successful EMDR should work again and clarify the related theoretical principles from neurobiology, attachment theory and summarize the theories of Structural Dissociation and ego state theory. Then, the Dialog protocol described in detail and illustrated using case studies in practical applications. A practical part of the workshop is reserved for the practice of dialogue with the Phase 3 protocol. The By means of concrete examples to own participants, phase 3 of the dialogue with application- Exercise protocol in order for the practice to bring a hands-on experience based on personal experience. This involves having to capturing phase 3 to the VOC, not a complete self-awareness EMDR. It is the emotional relevance of coherent and profound cognition can be experienced. If it is the time frame allowed to own cases are presented for discussion. The workshop should enable a collegial discussion of issues in application of EMDR and new perspectives help open up.

Keywords: Cognitions Dialogue Protocol

Accuracy Verified: Yes

21. Pagani, M., Hogberg, G., Salmaso, D, Tarnell, B., Nardo, D., Sundin, Ö., Jonsson, C., Soares, J., Aberg-Wistedt, A., Jacobsson, H., Larsson, S.A., Hällström, T. (2007, October). Effects of EMDR psychotherapy on 99mTc-HMPAO distribution in occupation-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Nuclear Medicine Communications, 28(10), 757-765. doi:10.1097/MNM.0b013e3282742035.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a derangement of mood control with involuntary, emotionally fraught recollections that may follow deep psychological trauma in susceptible individuals. This condition is treated with pharmacological and/or cognitive therapies as well as psychotherapy with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). However, only a very limited number of studies have been published dealing with work-related PTSD, and investigations on the effect of treatment on cerebral blood flow represent an even smaller number. Aim: To investigate the short-term outcome of occupation-related PTSD after EMDR therapy by 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT. Method: Fifteen patients, either train drivers suffering from PTSD after having been unintentionally responsible for a person-under-train accident or employees assaulted in the course of duty, were recruited for the study. 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT was performed on these patients both before and after EMDR therapy while they listened to a script portraying the traumatic event. Tracer distribution analysis was then carried out at volume of interest (VOI) level using a three-dimensional standardized brain atlas, and at voxel level by SPM. The CBF data of the 15 patients were compared before and after treatment as well as with those of a group of 27 controls who had been exposed to the same psychological traumas without developing PTSD. Results: At VOI analysis significant CBF distribution differences were found between controls and patients before and after treatment (P=0.023 and P=0.0039, respectively). Eleven of the 15 patients responded to treatment, i.e., following EMDR they no longer fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. When comparing only the eleven responders with the controls, the significant group difference found before EMDR (P=0.019) disappeared after treatment. Responders and non-responders showed after therapy significant regional differences in frontal, parieto-occipital and visual cortex and in hippocampus. SPM analysis showed significant uptake differences between patients and controls in the orbitofrontal cortex (Brodmann 11) and the temporal pole (Brodmann 38) both before and after treatment. A significant tracer distribution difference present before treatment in the uncus (Brodmann 36) disappeared after treatment, while a significant difference appeared in the lateral temporal lobe (Brodmann 21). Conclusion: Significant 99mTc-HMPAO uptake regional differences were found, mainly in the peri-limbic cortex, between PTSD patients and controls exposed to trauma but not developing PTSD. Tracer uptake differences between responders and patients not responding to EMDR were found after treatment suggesting a trend towards normalization of tracer distribution after successful therapy. These findings in occupational related PTSD are consistent with previously described effects of psychotherapy on anxiety disorders. [PubMed]

Keywords: 99mTc-HMPAO Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

22. Pagani, M., Hogberg, G., Salmaso, D., Nardo, D., Jonsson, C., Danielsson, A.M., Engelin, L., Jacobsson, H., Larsson, S. A., Hallstrom, T., & Sundin, Ö. (2006, September). Effects of EMDR therapy on 99mTc-HMPAO distribution in Post-traumatic stress disorder. Presentation at the European Assocation of Nuclear Medicine Congress, Athens, Greece. European Journal of Nuclear Medical and Molecular Imaging, 33, S169.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a derangement of mood control with emotional trauma recollections that may follow psychological trauma. It is treated with pharmacological and cognitive therapies as well as with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). However, a limited number of studies have been published dealing with job related PTSD, and an even smaller number have assessed the effects of treatment on CBF. The aim of this study was to investigate the short term outcome of occupation based PTSD after EMDR therapy by 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT. Methods Fifteen patients suffering PTSD after having experienced a person under train accident or having been assaulted at work were included into the study. 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT was performed before and after EMDR therapy while listening to a script portraying the traumatic event. Tracer distribution analysis was performed at VOI level using a 3D standardised brain atlas and at cluster of voxel level by SPM and was subjected to an analysis of treatment as well as contrasted to a group of 27 subjects exposed to the same psychological trauma and not developing PTSD. Results Eleven of 15 patients responded to treatment, i.e. they did no longer fulfil the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD after EMDR. Overall VOI analysis showed significant differences between, both before and after treatment conditions and controls (p<0.05) but no effect of period, i.e. treatment. However, when contrasting responders to controls the significant group difference present after treatment disappeared, indicating a normalization effect due to successful EMDR treatment. SPM analysis showed significant uptake differences in orbitofrontal cortex (Brodmann 11) and temporal pole (Brodmann 38) before as well as after treatment as compared to controls. A significant tracer uptake group difference present before treatment in uncus (Brodmann 36) disappeared after treatment while a significant difference appeared in lateral temporal lobe (Brodmann 21). No tracer uptake differences were found by SPM as an effect of treatment, nor between the 11 responders and controls. Conclusion Significant 99mTc-HMPAO uptake differences, mainly in peri-limbic cortex, between PTSD patients investigated before and after EMDR and subject exposed to trauma not developing PTSD were found. Differences between the tracer distribution in patients before and after therapy were not significant neither at SPM nor at VOI analyses but the latter showed at group level an effect of symptom remission on tracer distribution. The findings underscore the validity of psychotherapy in anxiety disorders and confirm the efficacy of SPECT in psychiatry. [EANM]

Keywords: 99mTc-HMPAO Distribution Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

23. Pagani, M., Hogberg, G., Salmaso, D., Nardo, D., Jonsson, C., Danielsson, A. M., Engelin, L., Jacobsson, H., Larsson, S. A., Hallstrom, T., & Sundin, Ö. (2006, September-October). Effects of EMDR therapy on 99mTc-HMPAO distribution in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Presentation at the European Assocation of Nuclear Medicine Congress, Athens, Greece.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Keywords: 99mTc-HMPAO Distribution Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

24. Horacek, C. (2005, Winter). EMDR as a therapeutic tool. The Conejo Connection, 4(1), 2-4.

Language: English

Format: Newsletter

Abstract:
The main feature of EMDR is that by bilaterally stimulating the brain trauma, phobias and other disturbing experiences are “reprocessed” to move from one part of the brain to the higher-thinking cortical structures of the brain, and seem to lose their power to be disturbing. This is the “eye movement” part. In EMDR, the therapist moves their fingers back and forth in front of the client’s face and the client watches by moving their eyes (not turning their head) left right, left right. However, it has since been discovered that any type of bilateral stimulation works—auditory, tactile, even walking up and down, as the body moves first the left leg and then the right.

Keywords: Practice Theory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

25. Sautai, G. (2011, June). EMDR intensive therapy (EMDRIT). Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Vienna, Austria.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Therapeutic Process seems to be blocked for some patients with strong Developmental Disorders or exposed to Disturbing Early Life Experiences (Bessel A. van der Kolk). A specific approach during EMDR Intensive Therapy (EMDRIT) using the Case Conceptualisation (Andrew Leeds), based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model (Francine Shapiro), the Attachment Theory (John Bowlby) and the Useful and Necessary Renouncement Principe (Judith Viorst) allow those patients to progress. As a pilot experience, we have been able to use this EMDRIT framework with 64 clients. Their complex disorders included, for each of them, at least 3 of the following symptoms: Anxiety, depression, primary structural dissociation, alcohol addiction, eating behaviour disorders, travel phobia, emotional numbing, affective isolation, hypochondria, phantom limb syndrome, fibromyalgia, cancer, psychological or physical abuse survivor, perpetrator of violent aggressions. For the 25 first clients, we have used the PCL-S (pathology threshold > 44) test. Their pre-treatment average score was 70. It dropped to 28 after EMDRIT treatment, down to 26 after 3 months and stabilised at 29 after 1 year. These first results allowed us to define a target population and an adapted protocol that provides client safety, efficiency and result sustainability. For the 39 next clients, we measured a decrease of the SCL-90-R (pathology threshold > 1,5) test score from 3 before treatment down to 1,4 after treatment, 1,2 after 3 months and 1,3 after 1 year. We measure efficiency on 87% of the clients and a suppression of 80% of the symptoms after 1 year. At the same time, a control cohort of 20 people with identical pathologies saw their score drop from 3 to 2,3 with the same treatment time, using the standard EMDR protocol. From this preliminary result, we are developing some research hypothesis: •Selection criteria for EMDRIT, based on the patient ability accessing Adaptive Memory Networks (AMN). •The Targeting Sequence Plan, seen as an expression of the Dysfunctional Memory Networks (DMN). •The importance of the client emotional Window Of Tolerance (WOT) for the efficiency of the Adaptive Information Processing system. •Epigenetic show possible structural brain modifications by rehabilitation of fluid links across the 3 levels of the brain (reptilian, limbic and neo-cortical). These changes are immediate and permanent. •Need to standardize appropriate scale for database, in order to foster international research and results sharing. We sea AIP model as an opportunity to move from an analytic and sequential approach to a systemic and integrative approach based on Complex System for a global understanding.

Keywords: EMDR Intensive Therapy EMDRIT

Accuracy Verified: Yes

26. Saêta, L. B. (2012, Novembro). EMDR no tratamento da dor e das sensações fantasmas [EMDR in the treatment of pain and phantom sensations]. In EMDR e dor crônica. Apresentação no II Congresso Brasileiro de EMDR, Brasília, Brasil.

Language: Portuguese

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Sujeitos vítimas de amputação podem apresentar, imeditamente após a mesma, algum tipo de desconforto no membro ausente, descrito como formigamento, dormência, posição do membro, temperatura, latejamento, choque e apertamento que podem manifestar-se com a presença ou não de dor, tendo sua qualidade de vida reduzida. Observa-se que atualmente, as abordagens terapêuticas usadas no manejo da dor e das sensações fantasmas podem ser organizadas em três modalidades: medicamentosa, de apoio e cirúrgica, feitas em conjunto ou separadamente. Os tratamentos de apoio mais conhecidos incluem estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea, terapia vibratória, acupuntura, hipnose e biofeedback. A proposta desse estudo foi verificar a eficiência do EMDR na redução e/ou eliminação das sensações e da dor fantasmas aplicado a seis sujeitos com amputação de membro inferior, num período de um a três meses de duração (de 4 a 12 sessões de 60 a 90 minutos de duração), utilizando o protocolo EMDR padrão e o protocolo EMDR para a dor, e também exercícios corporais de respiração consciente, aliados, em casos de resistência dos sujeitos ao EMDR, à ativação da visão macular dos dois olhos e a exercícios rítmicos de espernear. Tais procedimentos proporcionaram uma melhor comunicação entre os hemisférios cerebrais, numa reorganização cortical que facilitou o aumento da consciência e aceitação da perda do membro amputado, sendo possível presenciar efeitos terapêuticos positivos e rápidos. Constatou-se que as sensações e as dores fantasmas diminuíram significativamente em três participantes e desapareceram por completo nos outros três, comprovando a eficácia e eficiência do EMDR no processo de inclusão e readaptação social em sujeitos vítimas de amputação.

Subjected victims of amputation may have, immediately after it, some kind of discomfort absent member, described as tingling, numbness, limb position, temperature, throbbing, clenching and shock that may occur with the presence or absence of pain, having a reduced quality of life. It is observed that currently, the therapeutic approaches used in the management of pain and phantom sensations can be organized into three types: medication, and surgical support, made jointly or separately. The most popular treatments include support transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, vibratory therapy, acupuncture, hypnosis and biofeedback. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of EMDR in the reduction and / or elimination of phantom sensations and pain applied to six subjects with lower limb amputation in a period of one to three months duration (4 to 12 sessions of 60 to 90 minutes), using the standard EMDR protocol and the protocol EMDR for pain, and also body conscious breathing exercises, combined, in cases of resistance to the subject of EMDR, the activation of macular vision in both eyes and rhythmic exercises kicking . These procedures allow for a better communication between the cerebral hemispheres, cortical reorganization in which facilitated the increased awareness and acceptance of the loss of the amputated limb, and you can witness the positive therapeutic effects and fast. It was found that the sensations and phantom pain significantly decreased in three participants and disappeared completely in the other three, proving the efficiency and effectiveness of EMDR in the process of inclusion and social rehabilitation of victims subject to amputation.

Keywords: Amputation Phantom Pain Phantom Sensation

Accuracy Verified: Yes

27. 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

28. 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]. VPP - Verhaltenstherapie & Psychosoziale Praxis, 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

29. Hase, M. H. (2005, June). EMDR – Reprocessing of the addiction memory. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Brussels, Belgium.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Substance abuse is always a challenge for the therapist. Substance abuse and its sequelae 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 sub cortical 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 sub cortical processes. These findings are also applicable on addicted people and help to create a new approach. The concept of an addiction 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). In this workshop an overview over theory and the practical aspects of EMDR treatment for substance abusers will be given.
Theory in combination with video demonstration will facilitate the transfer of knowledge into everyday therapy.

Keywords: Addiction

Accuracy Verified: Yes

30. Lanius, U. (2005, April). EMDR, information processing and thalamo-cortical dialogue. Presentation at 3rd Annual Conference of the EMDR Association of UK and Ireland, Jordanstown, Northern Ireland .

Language: English

Format: Conference

Keywords: Information Processing Thalamo-Cortical Dialogue

Accuracy Verified: Yes

31. Stickgold, R. (2002, January). EMDR: A putative neurobiological mechanism of action. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 61-75. doi:10.1002/jclp.1129.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Numerous studies have provided evidence for the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) in the treatment of PTSD, including recent studies showing it to be more efficient than therapist-directed flooding. But few theoretical explanations of how EMDR might work have been offered. Shapiro, in her original description of EMDR, proposed that its directed eye movements mimic the saccades of rapid eye movement sleep (REM), but provided no clear explanation of how such mimicry might lead to clinical improvment. We now revisit her original proposal and present a complete model for how EMDR could lead to specific improvement in PTSD and related conditions. We propose that the repetitive redirecting of attention in EMDR induces a neurobiological state, similar to that of REM sleep, which is optimally configured to support the cortical integration of traumatic memories into general semantic networks. We suggest that this integration can then lead to a reduction in the strength of hippocampally mediated episodic memories of the traumatic event as well as the memories' associated, amygdala-dependent, negative affect. Experimental data in support of this model are reviewed and possible tests of the model are suggested. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Cognitive Processes Mechanism of Action Neurobiology Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Psychophysiology PTSD Review Sleep Behavior Treatment Effectiveness

Accuracy Verified: Yes

32. Christman, S., & Garvey, K. (2000, November). Episodic versus semantic memory: Eye movements and cortical activation. Poster presented at the 41st annual meeting of the Psychonomic Society, New Orleans, LA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Keywords: Cortical Activation Epidosic Memory Eye Movements Poster Semantic Memory

Accuracy Verified: No

33. Doering, S., Bisping, V., Nora Liebergesell, N., Höffkes, B., Junghöfer, M., & Dobel, C. (2012). Erfassung neurobiologischer orrelate der EMDR-behandlung bei patienten mit zahnbehandlungsangst [Detection of neurobiological correlates of EMDR treatment in patients with dental anxiety]. Universitätsklinikum Münster, Kliniken, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Forschung, Munster, Deutschland.

Language: German

Format: Other

Abstract:
Im Rahmen des zuvor dargestellten Projektes werden die Patienten vor und nach der EMDR-Intervention mit einer Magnetencephalografie (MEG) untersucht. Dabei soll erfasst werden, ob die erwarteten angstassoziierten kortikalen Aktivierungen nach der EMDR-Behandlung zurückgehen. Als Angst auslösende Stimuli werden im MEG Bilder, Geräusche und Gerüche dargeboten werden, die in Zusammenhang mit der Zahnbehandlung stehen.

As part of the [Wirksamkeit des Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) bei Patienten mit Zahnbehandlungsphobie, (Doering, Bisping, Bohnke)] project a Magnetencephalografie (MEG) will be presented before the patients were examined before and after the EMDR intervention. It should be recognized that the expected angst associated cortical activations to go back to the EMDR treatment. As fear-inducing stimuli in the MEG images, sounds and smells will be presented, which are associated with dental treatment.

The purpose of this study is to find out whether Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is effective in the treatment of patients with dental phobia. This U.S. National Institues of Health Clinical trial has been completed. (U.S. National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01207960)

Keywords: Dental Phobia

Accuracy Verified: Yes

34. Naccarato, C. (2008). The experience of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing as a therapeutic approach in healing trauma. University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. AAT 3306738.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Grounded theory method was used to explore the experiences of patients suffering the effects of psychological trauma who had received eye movement desensitization and reprocessing approach (EMDR) as treatment. Saturation of the categories was achieved with the analysis of 15 interviews. The basic social psychological process that emerged is transforming suffering and the core category is changes in perception. The three subcategories, relinquishing, presencing and emerging, form the conceptual framework for the stages of transforming suffering. The stages of relinquishing, presencing and emerging contain concepts and their properties to guide practice. The two dimensions of processing subsumed within each stage are temporal perspectives (past, present and future) and processing fields (physical field, cognitive field and transformative field). These concepts help explain the progression of the patient to experience resolution of the trauma and/or related symptoms/behaviors. Transforming suffering: changes in perception using EMDR is the resultant substantive theory. The implications of this theoretical framework for psychotherapeutic practice and future research are reviewed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved) Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering. 69(3-B), 2008, pp. 1571.

Keywords: Empirical Study Grounded Theory Quantitative Study Therapeutic Processes Trauma

Accuracy Verified: Yes

35. MacCulloch, M. J. (1999). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 5, 120-125. doi:10.1192/apt.5.2.120.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) was described by Shapiro (1989a,b)as a new method for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In May 1987, while walking in the park, Shapiro noticed that her own disturbing thoughts changed then disappeared "without any conscious effort" (Shapiro, 1995) when they had been tempor ally paired with diagonal upward to and fro eye movements. Over the next six months Shapiro worked with approximately 70 people to develop a procedure based on the temporal pairing of distressing images and thoughts with various eye movements. Shapiro began to develop strategies to unblock stalled emotional processing, which was initiated by EMDR in non-patients. She successfully tried the method on a Vietnam veteran suffering from severe PTSD and then embarked upon a trial of EMDR on a mixed group of victims of rape, molestation and Vietnam combat trauma. Initially, EMDR achieved wide recognition as a new break through treatment for PTSD. This was, in part, because of very positive early reports (e.g. Wolpe & Abrams, 1991), but also because the EMDR effect appeared to occur with unprecedented speed, often in cases of PTSD that had previously resisted treatment by many other methods over a long period.

Keywords: Practice Theory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

36. Morris-Smith, J. (2012, June). Footsteps into the future: EMDR for children and families using a neurodevelopmental perspective [Pasos hacia el futuro: EMDR para niños y familias desde una perspectiva del neurodesarrollo]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The acquisition of clinical skills in developing successful EMDR therapeutic practices is in itself a journey of discovery. Each step forward brings new clinical puzzles, challenges and insights: why are some individuals able to use the EMDR therapy more smoothly that others; what is the role of attachment; how are preverbal memories made and how do they become accessible to verbal recall with EMDR therapy; what is the developmental role of dissociation and why do some evolve into coherent, integrated individuals whilst others develop pathological dissociation? This paper presents a neurodevelopmental approach to inform our clinical practice of EMDR therapy with children, adolescents and adults. Brain development is affected by both genetic and environmental factors and included in the latter are: the family milieu, physical illness, toxins and developmental opportunities. During development the brain organizes from the bottom to the top with the lower parts of the brain developing earliest. The majority of the brain organization takes place during the first 4 years of life. Development of the brain in childhood unfolds in a series of stages with higher cortical areas entering final developmental processes much later in childhood and into early adulthood. How to integrate neurodevelopmental aspects with our EMDR clinical practice to develop healthier positive future trajectories for children, adolescents and their families is discussed. This paper will be illustrated by the use of video clips and case material.

La propia adquisición de las habilidades clínicas para desarrollar prácticas terapéuticas de EMDR de éxito es de por sí, un viaje de descubrimiento. Cada paso hacia delante nos plantea nuevos rompecabezas, retos, y conocimientos clínicos: ¿Por qué algunos individuos encuentran menos obstáculos en la aplicación de terapia con EMDR que otros?; ¿Cuál es la función del apego?; ¿Cómo se forman los recuerdos preverbales y cómo se accede a ellos mediante el recuerdo verbal con la terapia con EMDR?; ¿Qué papel desempeña la disociación en el desarrollo y por qué algunas personas se convierten en individuos coherentes e integrados mientras que otros desarrollan una disociación patológica? Esta ponencia pretende presentar un planteamiento desde el neurodesarrollo para instruir nuestra práctica clínica de terapia con EMDR con niños, adolescentes y adultos. El desarrollo cerebral se ve afectado por factores tanto genéticos como ambientales; entre éstos últimos se incluyen: el entorno familiar, las enfermedades físicas, las toxinas y las oportunidades de desarrollo. Durante el período de desarrollo, el cerebro organiza desde abajo hacia arriba, siendo las áreas inferiores del cerebros las que primero se desarrollan. La mayor parte del desarrollo cerebral ocurre durante los cuatro primeros años de vida. El desarrollo del cerebro durante la infancia sucede en una serie de etapas, entrando las áreas corticales superiores en los últimos procesos de desarrollo, mucho más tarde en la infancia y al principio de la vida adulta. Se abordan las cuestiones de cómo integrar aspectos de neurodesarrollo en nuestro trabajo clínico con EMDR para poder desarrollar trayectorias más sanas y positivas para el futuro para los niños, adolescentes y sus familias. Se emplearán grabaciones en vídeo y notas clínicas para ilustrar esta ponencia.

Keywords: Children Families Neurodevelopment

Accuracy Verified: Yes

37. Langwig, K. E. (2008, December). A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of the effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder car accident patients: A pilot study. Union College, Schenectady, N.Y.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a novel therapy that has been effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have explored the neurological underpinnings of EMDR effectiveness. Utilizing a symptom provocation study design, this study assessed non-PTSD car accident patients. These pilot participants were scanned for comparison to PTSD patients and to explore the task design effectiveness for the future study of PTSD patients. One pilot participant exhibited activation in the left precuneus, and left medial temporal gyrus, and also in the left medial frontal gyrus. In PTSD patients the medial prefrontal cortex is often hypoactive, and inversely correlated with a hyperactive amygdala. The robust activation of medial frontal gyrus in the pilot subject with a corresponding inactivation of the amygdala indicates the participant's normal processing of the car accident trauma tic memories, and that task design and study parameters are being effectively implemented.

Keywords: Automobile Accidents Car Accidents fMRI Pilot Study Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

38. Ichii, M., Amano, T., & Yoshikawa, H. (2012, June). Hemodynamic responses during EMDR treatment of traumatic memory [Respuestas hemodinámicas durante el tratamiento de memorias traumáticas con EMDR]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
In order to investigate brain activity during EMDR, 52-channel NIRS（near –infrared spectroscopy) and heart rate were measured in treating a traumatic memory of non-clinical twenty five year old woman. A target memory was sexually molestation by a stranger when she was ten years old, and forced to touch penis of perpetrator. And IES-R score was as low as 11. A well-experienced EMDR therapist (=M.I.) applied estandarized EMDR protocol. Negative cognition was “I am shameful person”, and positive cognition was ”I deserve to live.” The body location is both arms and hands. By thirty-seven sets of EM, 7.5 level of SUDs decreased to 0, and VOC went up from 3.5 to 7. The [oxy-Hb] change in right orbitofrontal cortex increased as the negative emotion went up, and decreased rapidly after processing. The [oxy-Hb] change in left orbitofrontal cortex decreased just after cognitive interweave of responsibility was done. The [oxy-Hb] variation in right temporal lobe increased rapidly, and the [oxy-Hb] change in left temporal lobe decreased when direction of EM was changed from horizontal to diagonal movement when negative imagery disappeared. Heart rate data show gradual decreasing tendency throughout the session. Within each set, heart rate also decreased by EM. By monitoring NIRS, various techniques or pivotal processes in EMDR may be supposed to influence brain. In order to confirm the relationship, we should collect data from more subjects.

Para poder investigar la actividad cerebral durante EMDR, se midieron la NIRS (espectroscopia cercana al infrarrojo) de 52 canales y el ritmo cardíaco para tratar los recuerdos traumático de una mujer no clínica de veinticinco años. Un recuerdo diana fue un abuso sexual de un extraño cuando tenía 10 años y el agresor la obligó a tocarle el pene. La puntuación del IES-‐R fue de 11. Un terapeuta EMDR con experiencia (=M.I.) aplicó el protocolo estándar de EMDR. La cognición negativa fue “Soy una persona vergonzosa”, y la cognición positiva fue ”Merezco vivir.” La localización corporal fue en ambos brazos y manos. Después de 37 sets de movimientos oculares, el SUD de 7,5 bajó a 0, y el VOC subió de un 3,5 a un 7. El cambio [oxy-‐Hb] en el córtex órbitofrontal derecho aumentó a medida que aumentaba la emoción negativa, y disminuyó rápidamente después del procesamiento. El cambio [oxy-‐Hb] en el córtex órbitofrontal izquierdo disminuyó justo después de hacerse un entrelazado cognitivo de responsabilidad. La variación [oxy-‐Hb] en el lóbulo temporal derecho aumentó rápidamente, y el cambio [oxy-‐Hb] en el lóbulo temporal izquierdo disminuyó al cambiar la dirección de los movimientos oculares de horizontal a diagonal cuando desapareció la imagen negativa. Los datos del ritmo cardíaco muestran una tendencia decreciente gradual a lo largo de la sesión. En cada una de las tandas, el ritmo cardíaco también disminuyó por los movimientos oculares. A través de monitorear el NIRS, se supone que diversas técnicas o procesos centrales en EMDR influyen en el cerebro. Para poder confirmar esta relación, deberíamos recolectar datos de más sujetos.

Keywords: Hemodynamic Responses

Accuracy Verified: Yes

39. O'Malley, A. (2008, June). The impact of neglect and trauma on the developing infant brain and the implications for EMDR therapy. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England .

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This presentation starts with sensory development in pregnancy. By 22 weeks there is already a high level of brain organisation with touch, taste, hearing and smell already well developed. Balance, vision and motor development follow and the links to learning and states of consciousness are explained. The concept of birth as our first traumatic experience is introduced and the implications for future EMDR therapy are discussed. Infant brain development occurs sequentially implying vulnerabilities during the early years of life. This has a direct relationship on attunement, which is influenced by developmental neglect and trauma. The effects of this trauma for EMDR therapy are explored. New information about the probable mechanism of action of the bilateral stimulation used in EMDR is presented. The mechanism of translating sensory input into new neuronal patterns is explained. The hypothesis of a ‘window of tolerance’ in trauma is mentioned with the reasons why EMDR can help alleviate trauma by expanding the window of tolerance. The concept of a structural developmental model of emotional awareness is explained with how this relates to trauma and a sense of self. The anatomical correlates of emotional processing are suggested at both cortical and limbic system levels. Ways in which EMDR can be modified in light of this knowledge are proposed. An additional model of applying EMDR is outlined. This involves multilateral activation of sympathetic nervous systems to consciously overcome traumas. This process will be shown to lead to brainstem stimulation activating the cranial nerves, which innervate the ocular muscles generating rapid eye movement.

Keywords: Infantile Brain Development

Accuracy Verified: Yes

40. Flumeri, F., Salmaso, D., & Pagani, M. (2008, 26-28 Settembre). Impatto dell'EMDR sulle fuzioni e sulla neurobiologia cerebrali [Impact on EMDR and neurobiological brain functions]. In T. Farma (Chair), Simposio, Il modello psicotraumatologico: Un ponte tra indicatori neurobiologici e Psicoterapia. VII Congresso SPR Italia, Modena.

Language: Italian

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Introduzione:negli ultimi anni il numero di studi condotti nell’ambito dei disturbi causati da eventi traumatici ha subito una forte accelerazione rilevando l’esistenza di alterazioni fisiologiche e morfologiche in specifiche aree cerebrali associate sia alla risposta emotiva al trauma che alla insorgenza dei sintomi della sindrome da stress post-traumatico (PTSD). L’impiego delle tecniche di neuroimmagine ha consentito di fare luce sui correlati neurali della psicoterapia, rivelando i suoi effetti neurobiologici sulla funzione cerebrale. Nell’ambito dei diversi approcci psicoterapeutici, l’EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy) è emerso come promettente risorsa per il trattamento del trauma e di altri disturbi d’ansia, sebbene ancora non sia stata completamente chiarita la sua modalità di azione sui circuiti neurali. Molte ricerche sono state effettuate per valutare l’efficacia dell’EMDR, ma solo un numero esiguo di esse ha indagato il substrato neurobiologico di questa psicoterapia. Le metodiche di neuroimmagini utilizzate finora per studi sull’EMDR sono la Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) e la Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). La prima raccoglie dati sull’attivita’ cellulare cerebrale mentre la seconda riporta dati anatomici strutturali. Gli studi funzionali condotti con SPECT consentono di identificare le variazioni del metabolismo e del flusso ematico cerebrale, suggerendo un ruolo specifico per ciascuna area cerebrale coinvolta nel complesso meccanismo che sottende il processamento delle emozioni; la MRI consente invece di rilevare la presenza di variazioni morfologiche e volumetriche di specifiche strutture cerebrali. Negli ultimi anni, studi SPECT e MRI, volti ad esaminare gli effetti dell’EMDR sulla fisiopatologia cerebrale in pazienti affetti da disturbi d’ansia, hanno riscontrato sostanziali variazioni del flusso ematico ed alterazioni strutturali di alcune regioni cerebrali in seguito a terapia. L’efficacia dell’EMDR nel trattamento del PTSD è stata confermata da uno studio SPECT su sei soggetti ( Lansing et al.) (1) che ha evidenziato dopo terapia una diminuzione del flusso ematico nel lobo occipitale bilateralmente e nel lobo parietale sinistro e un aumento di flusso nel giro frontale inferiore sinistro. Sempre utilizzando la SPECT Oh e Choi (2) hanno riportato una significativa modificazione del flusso cerebrale in seguito ad EMDR, prevalentemente riscontrabile nell’area limbica e nella corteccia prefrontale. Un recente studio con utilizzo di MRI (3) ha inoltre messo in evidenza un aumento di volume dell’ippocampo in seguito a trattamento con EMDR, aumento invece non riportato in un lavoro di Lindauer et al. su 9 soggetti con PTSD, nonostante il successo clinico della psicoterapia eclettica eseguita (4). Obiettivi: il nostro gruppo ha studiato gli effetti a breve e lungo termine dell’EMDR (5, 6) dimostrando la sua efficacia nel trattamento di soggetti traumatizzati sul lavoro, e una stabilità del miglioramento clinico ottenuto in risposta alla terapia, ancora presente a distanza di tre anni. Nell’ambito dello stesso progetto sono state anche studiate le variazioni del flusso ematico cerebrale e della volumetria di alcune strutture cerebrali in relazione alla terapia con EMDR. Un primo studio SPECT ha analizzato la variazione della distribuzione di flusso in 11 soggetti guariti clinicamente da PTSD in seguito a EMDR messi a confronto con 5 soggetti nei quali la terapia non ha avuto effetto (7). Risultati: è stato evidenziato nei soggetti con remissione sintomatologica significative differenze di flusso in 4 aree corticali, alla disfunzione delle quali sono ascrivibili alcuni sintomi presenti in corso di PTSD. Diminuzioni di flusso post-terapia sono state registrate nell’ippocampo, nella corteccia parieto-occipitale e nella corteccia visiva primaria. L’ippocampo e’ sede della memoria a breve termine; la corteccia parieto-occipitale processa il riconoscimento di volti, dei corpi e delle parole; la corteccia visiva primaria custodisce la memoria visiva degli eventi. La mancata inibizione e/o l’iperattivita’ di queste regioni nel PTSD sono responsabili della rivisitazione patologica dell’evento traumatico e della presenza di flashback ed immagini allucinatorie. Inoltre la corteccia frontale dorsolaterale ha dimostrato un aumento di flusso nei soggetti che hanno risposto positivamente alla terapia. Questa regione chiave oltre ad essere deputata ad inibire la risposta patologica a stimoli che ricordano l’evento traumatico e’ essenziale per i processi di attenzione e di autostima, diminuiti in corso di PTSD e recuperati in seguito alla remissione della malattia. In ulteriori studi che combinano indagini funzionali e strutturali utilizzando SPECT e MRI abbiamo messo in evidenza il valore predittivo delle dimensioni dell’ippocampo riguardo all’efficacia della terapia con EMDR (Pagani et al. sottomesso). Conclusioni: gli effetti della terapia con EMDR sono risultati, unitamente ad un consistente miglioramento della sintomatologia e ad una riduzione della iperreattività a stimoli di carattere emotivo, in una normalizzazione funzionale di alcune aree specifiche e in un aumento del volume ippocampale probabilmente ascrivibile a neo-neurogenesi. Questi risultati sono in linea con la pregressa letteratura e con le attuali conoscenze sul PTSD e suggeriscono basi neurobiologiche dell’effetto terapeutico dell’EMDR confermandone l’impatto funzionale su strutture cerebrali coinvolte in patologie ansiogene. Bibliografia: 1. Lansing et al. (2005). J Neuropsych Clin Neurosci;17(4):526-532. 2. Ho DH and Choi J. (2007). J EMDR Pract Res;1(1):24-30. 3. Bossini et al. (2007). J Neuropsych Clin Neurosci; 19(4):475-476. 4. Lindauer et al. (2005). Psychol Med ; 35 :1-11. 5. Hogberg et al. (2007). Nord J Psych; 61(1):54-61. 6. Hogberg et al. (2008). Psych Res; doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2007.10.019. 7. Pagani et al. (2007). Nuc Med Comm; 28(10):757-65. [Pagani abstract]

Introduction In recent years the number of studies in disorders caused by traumatic events has been greatly accelerated by detecting the existence of morphological and physiological changes in specific brain areas associated with both the emotional response to trauma to the onset of symptoms Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). The use of neuroimaging techniques has allowed to shed light on the neural correlates of psychotherapy, revealing the neurobiological effects on brain function. Under the different psychotherapeutic approaches, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy) has emerged as a promising resource for the treatment of trauma and other anxiety disorders, although still not been fully elucidated its mode of action on neural circuits. Many studies have been carried out to assess the effectiveness EMDR, but only a small number of them have investigated the neurobiological substrate of this psychotherapy. The methods used so far for neuroimaging studies on EMDR are Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The first collects data on 'brain cells while the second contains structural anatomical data. The functional studies performed with SPECT to identify changes in metabolism and cerebral blood flow, suggesting a specific role for each brain area involved in the complex mechanism underlying the processing of emotions, instead of MRI allows detection of morphological changes and volume of specific brain structures. In recent years, MRI and SPECT studies, aimed to examine the effects of EMDR on brain pathophysiology in patients with anxiety disorders, have found substantial variations in blood flow and structural alterations of some brain regions after treatment. The effectiveness of EMDR in the treatment of PTSD was confirmed by a SPECT study in six subjects (Lansing et al.) (1) showed that after treatment reduced blood flow in the occipital lobe bilaterally and in left parietal lobe and a increase of flow in left inferior frontal gyrus. Always using SPECT Oh and Choi (2) reported a significant change of cerebral blood flow after EMDR, mainly found in limbic and prefrontal cortex. A recent study using MRI (3) has also highlighted an increase in volume of the hippocampus after treatment with EMDR, but no increase in reported work of Lindauer et al. on 9 subjects with PTSD, despite the clinical success of eclectic psychotherapy performed (4). Objectives: Our group has studied the effects of short and long term EMDR (5, 6) demonstrating its effectiveness in treating traumatized individuals at work, and stability of clinical improvement obtained in response to therapy, yet this distance three years. Within the same project were also studied changes in cerebral blood flow and volume of certain brain structures in relation to treatment with EMDR. A first SPECT study analyzed the change in flow distribution in 11 subjects clinically recovered from PTSD after EMDR compared with 5 subjects in whom treatment had no effect (7). Results: It was shown in patients with symptomatic remission, significant differences in flow in 4 cortical areas, which are attributable to dysfunction of some symptoms of PTSD being present. Flow decreases post-treatment were recorded in the hippocampus, cortex parietal-occipital and primary visual cortex. The hippocampus and 'seat of short-term memory, the parietal-occipital cortex processes the recognition of faces, bodies and words, the primary visual cortex preserves the visual memory of events. The lack of inhibition and / or 'hyperactivity' of PTSD in these regions are responsible for the pathological review of the traumatic event and the presence of flashbacks and hallucinatory images. Moreover, the dorsolateral frontal cortex showed an increase in flow in subjects who responded positively to therapy. This key region in addition to being appointed to inhibit the pathological response to stimuli that recall the traumatic event and 'essential for the processes of attention and self-esteem, decreased in the course of PTSD and recovered following the remission of the disease. In further studies that combine functional and structural investigations using SPECT and MRI have shown the predictive value of the size of the hippocampus on the effectiveness of EMDR therapy (Pagani et al. Submitted). Conclusion: the effects of EMDR therapy were coupled with a significant improvement in symptoms and a reduction of hyperreactivity to stimuli, emotional, functional in a normalization of some specific areas and an increase in hippocampal volume probably due to neo- neurogenesis. These results are consistent with previous literature and with current knowledge about PTSD and suggest a neurobiological basis of therapeutic EMDR confirming the functional impact on brain structures involved in anxiety-disorders. Bibliography: 1. Lansing et al. (2005). J Neuropsych Clin Neurosci, 17 (4) :526-532. 2. I DH and J. Choi (2007). J EMDR pract Res, 1 (1) :24-30. 3. Bossini et al. (2007). J Neuropsych Clin Neurosci, 19 (4) :475-476. 4. Lindauer et al. (2005). Psychol Med, 35 :1-11. 5. Högberg et al. (2007). Nord J Psych, 61 (1) :54-61. 6. Högberg et al. (2008). Psych Res, doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2007.10.019. 7. Pagani et al. (2007). NUC Med Comm, 28 (10) :757-65. [Pagani abstract]

Keywords: Brain Functions Neurobiology

Accuracy Verified: Yes

41. Garvey, K. J. (2004). Increased interhemispheric interaction leads to decreased false memories for prose: The effects of degree of handedness and of eye movement-induced cortical activation. University of Toledo, Toledo, OH. AAT 3141037.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Two experiments examining the effects of mixed handedness (which is associated with increased interhemispheric interaction) and horizontal saccadic eye movements (which are associated with increased bihemispheric cortical activation) on the recognition of prose are reported. In study one mixed handedness was associated with greater accuracy in both rejecting new material and recognizing old material. In study two eye movements resulted in relative improvement of episodic memory. This improvement is hypothesized to reflect increased interaction between the left and right cerebral hemispheres, which is associated with superior episodic memory. Implications for possible neuropsychological mechanisms underlying eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a therapeutic techniquDissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering. 65(7-B), 2005, pp. 3738.e for PTSD, are discussed. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Cognitive Processes Empirical Study Eye Movements False Memory Handedness Interhemispheric Interaction Neurobiology Quantitative Study Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Prose PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

42. Suzuki, A., Josselyn, S. A., Frankland, P. W., Masushige, S., Silva, A. J., & Satoshi, K. (2004). Memory reconsolidation and extinction have distinct temporal and biochemical signatures. Journal of Neuroscience, 24(20), 4787–4795. doi:10.1523/jneurosci.5491-03.2004.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
The article explores the differences between memory reconsolidation and extinction. This new area of investigation is worthy of additional attention. Reconsolidation may prove to be the underlying mechanism of EMDR, as opposed to extinction caused by prolonged exposure therapies. “Memory reconsolidation after retrieval may be used to update or integrate new information into long-term memories . . . Brief exposure … seems to trigger a second wave of memory consolidation (reconsolidation), whereas prolonged exposure . . leads to the formation of a new memory that competes with the original memory (extinction).”

Keywords: Consolidation Extinction Fear Conditioning Reconsolidation Protein Synthesis Spatial Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

43. Sugawara Masakazu & Suzuki K (2004, July). Methodological and conceptual issues and tests - EMDR(Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and REM sleep. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Australian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI) and the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), Brisbane, Australia.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract: Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and REM sleep. [Background] Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a new innovative treatment with a high success rate for psychological disturbances rooted in traumatic memory. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms of EMDR have not yet been elucidated. Why is saccadic eye movement effective for the reprocessing of previously established conditioned reflex? [Aims] The present research analysed (i)the topographical changes of EEG (and ERP) and REM sleep after EMDR treatment, and (ii)the subjective units of emotional distress (SUDs) and VOC. [Methods] Subjects (13 males and 20 females) were assigned to three groups according to varied conditions (control, provocational, and EMDR), and engaged in sets of horizontal saccadic-eye movements lasting approximately 30 seconds per set. Topographical changes of EEG and ERP activities were recorded from 14 placements over frontal, central, parietal, temporal and occipital scalp locations in the international 10-20 system with linked mastoides (A1-A2). Electrodes were also placed on the lateral canthus and above the supercillium of the left eye in order to measure the electrooculographic and electromyographic responses. [Results and Conclusions] The statistical significance of topographical EEG differences and REM densities during the pre-0post EMDR treatment situations, were evaluated using an ANONA and Mann-Whitney U test. The neurophysiological and psychological data indicate that the density of eye movement during REM sleep increased after provocation and EMDR, and the left frontal activities might indicate a treatment efficacy. It supports the hypothesis is that REM sleep is intimately involved with the mechanisms of emotional and memory reprocessing.

Keywords: Poster REM

Accuracy Verified: Yes

44. Cartoni, A., Gaudin, M., Astori, M. G., Mannatrizio, A., & Brunati, E. (2012, June). Mistakes to not repeat: When the child´s body talks of the mother´s traumatic past (case) [Errores a no repetir: Cuando el cuerpo del niño habla del pasado traumático de la madre (caso)]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Following Siegel’s model (2005), the authors present a single case that undergone a therapeutic intervention with EMDR aimed to reprocess infantile traumatic memories reactivated in the parenting. A 4 year old child came to our Child Neuropsychiatric Unit because she presented a toe walking in absence of neurological signs. She undergone periodic physiatrist visits for one year without any symptoms regression. She was then seen from a Child Neuropsychiatrist and a Psychomotor Therapist who evaluated the importance of observations by a psychologist. Method: The psychologist observed a general anxiety state in the child characterized by perfectionism, inhibition and hypervigilance to the environment demand. The mother's life story was that of a child with an alcoholic father who she wished to save with her love and who died for cirrhosis. It was clear how the parenting experience reactivated infantile traumatic memories. It was proposed a treatment with EMDR. The child treatment was addressed to install resources and to reprocess stressing interactions with the mother. The mother treatment was aimed to reprocess infantile traumatic experience and to look at the present triggers in the interaction with the daughter who reactivated traumatic memories and cause emotion dysregulation. Results: The treatment brought to a resolution of the child symptoms and a reorganization of the interaction between the child and the mother. Conclusions: This single case report highlights the importance to understand well the psychological origin of somatic symptoms and gives an evidence of the efficacy of the treatment with EMDR following Siegel’s model.

Antecedente Teórico: La desensibilización y reprocesamiento por el movimiento ocular (EMDR) es una reconocida primera línea para el tratamiento del trauma psicológico. Sin embargo sus bases neurobiológicas no han sido descifradas todavía. Método: La electroencefalografía ha sido usada por primera vez para monitorizar completamente la activación neuronal durante sesiones enteras de EMDR incluyendo el guión autobiográfico. 10 Clientes con traumas psicológicos mayores fueron investigados durante la primera sesión de EMDR y durante la última después del procesamiento del trauma raíz. Las comparaciones entre los EEG de la última y primera sesión y las de EEG de los clientes en la primera sesión y 10 controles realizando el mismo procedimiento de EMDR fueron realizadas. Resultados: Durante ambos procesos, la escucha y la estimulación bilateral, el EEG mostró una actividad significativamente mayor en el córtex límbico prefontral (Brodmann Areas, BA 9-‐10) al principio comparadas con la última sesión de EMDR. La comparación opuesta muestra un cambio en la actividad fundamental entre las regiones corticales temporal, parietal y occipital (BAs 20, 21, 22, 37, 17, 18, 19) con lateralizaciones hacia la izquierda. La comparación entre los 10 clientes y los controles confirman la activación máxima de la corteza límbica en los clientes antes de procesar el trauma. Conclusiones: La metodología usada hizo posible visualizar la neuroimagen por primera vez de las activaciones cerebrales asociadas con las acciones terapéuticas que acontecen en el EMDR. Los hallazgos sugieren que el procesamiento cognitivo de los eventos traumáticos seguidos de una terapia EMDR exitosa apoyan la evidencia de un patrón neurobiológico diferenciado en las activaciones del cerebro durante la estimulación ocular bilateral asociados con una acumulación un experiencias emocionales negativas.

Keywords: Body

Accuracy Verified: Yes

45. Nogueira, R. L. (2012, Novembro). Movimentos oculares e a teoria da memória de trabalho: Implicações clínicas [Eye movements and the theory of working memory: Clinical implications]. In EMDR e memórias. Apresentação no II Congresso Brasileiro de EMDR, Brasília, Brasil.

Language: Portuguese

Format: Conference

Abstract:
O objetivo do trabalho é apresentar uma revisão sobre o efeito dos movimentos oculares durante a exposição a memórias traumáticas a partir do paradigma da Teoria da Memória de Trabalho. Shapiro (2001) afirmou que a compreensão do mecanismo de ação do EMDR por meio da análise do efeito de seus componentes pode permitir cada vez mais seu aprimoramento. A meta-análise de Lee e Cuijpers (2012) mostra a importância dos movimentos oculares para a diminuição da vivacidade e das emoções negativas associadas às memórias traumáticas. Segundo a Teoria da Memória de Trabalho, a realização de movimentos oculares durante a manutenção de memórias traumáticas causaria a taxação da memória de trabalho, tornando as imagens menos vívidas e emocionais (ex. Gunter e Bodner 2008; van Den Hout et al. 2011). Quanto maior a taxação da memória de trabalho, desde que não cause prejuízo da manutenção da memória na mente, maior é a redução da vivacidade e intensidade (Gunter e Bodner 2008; van Den Hout et al. 2011, Engelhard et al. 2010, 2011). Portanto, a intensidade dos movimentos oculares parece ser importante para o efeito terapêutico. Smeets et al. (2012), ao investigarem o decurso temporal desses efeitos, verificaram que os movimentos oculares interferem primeiro com a vivacidade da memória. A redução da emocionalidade ocorre posteriormente. Por sua vez, Engelhard et al. (2010, 2011) têm mostrado que os movimentos oculares também são benéficos em relação a imagens negativas de eventos futuros, indicando um efeito terapêutico do EMDR sobre psicopatologias em que essas imagens estão presentes.Assim, em consonância com a afirmação de Shapiro (2001), estudos mostram a importância de se correlacionar a prática clínica com as investigações científicas sobre componentes do EMDR (ver Engelhard 2012). Além de favorecer a compreensão, a aplicação e a revisão dos protocolos, a correlação possui implicações clínicas importantes.

The objective is to present a review on the effect of eye movements during exposure to traumatic memories from the paradigm of the Theory of Working Memory. Shapiro (2001) stated that understanding the mechanism of action of EMDR through the analysis of the effect of its components can increasingly allow their improvement. A meta-analysis of Lee and Cuijpers (2012) shows the importance of eye movements to decrease the vividness and negative emotions associated with traumatic memories. According to the Theory of Working Memory, conducting eye movements during maintenance of traumatic memories cause the tax working memory, making the images less vivid and emotional (eg Gunter and Bodner 2008; van den Hout et al. 2011) . The higher taxation of working memory, since it does not cause prejudice to the maintenance of memory in mind, the greater the reduction in vividness and intensity (Gunter and Bodner 2008; van den Hout et al., 2011, Engelhard et al. 2010, 2011 ). Therefore, the intensity of eye movements seem to be important to the therapeutic effect. Smeets et al. (2012) investigated the time course of these effects and found that eye movements interfere first with the vividness of memory. The reduction in emotionality occurs later. In turn, Engelhard et al. (2010, 2011) have shown that eye movements are also beneficial in relation to negative images of future events, indicating a therapeutic effect of EMDR on psychopathology in which these images are presentes.Assim, in line with the statement Shapiro (2001) studies show the importance of correlating clinical practice with scientific research on components of EMDR (see Engelhard 2012). Besides promote understanding, implementation and review of protocols, the correlation has important clinical implications.

Keywords: Eye movements Clinical Implications Theory of Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

46. Amendolia, R. D. (1998). A narrative constructivist perspective of treatment of posttraumatic stress disorders with Ericksonian hypnosis and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Trauma Response, 13-14.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
In a trauma survivor, physiological responses are exacerbated when the affect-laden memories stored in associative networks are triggered by environmental sensory inputs or cues and activate the autonomic nervous system. Recovery from trauma involves not only amelioration of physiological and dissociative symptoms, but also the cognitive rebuilding of a viable assumptive world view which integrates the realms of vulnerability, meaning and self-esteem. This world view is contextualized in cultural idioms and values. From an Ericksonian perspective, persons are usually attempting to problem-solve, even in a dissociative date. A symptom such as an intrusive recollection or recurrent dream of a traumatic event is therefore construed as a request for help in problem-solving. Hypnosis is a structured dissociation which facilitates cognitive flexibility; that is, the broadening of choices of the client' s belief system, rather than direct work on changing affect or behaviors. The goal of Ericksonian hypnosis is to recontextualize the traumatic memory, the affect of fear, and the physiological hyperarousal cued by the traumatic memory. This occurs within a broader context of pride, mastery and courage, and within a context inclusive of other memories and affects, which are positive for the client. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), similarly has as its goal the facilitation of a transfer of traumatic data from the cortical right hemisphere to the left hemisphere. EMDR also utilizes the attainment of a state of heightened awareness, or collaborative structured dissociation, in order to facilitate the orientation of the traumatized client's conscious mind toward "revisiting" traumatic memories. Both interventions can facilitate the self-narrative reconstruction process of trauma survivors by simultaneously modulating the person's hyperarousal while attending to the culturally significant metaphors which form the building blocks of a person' s world of meanings. [AAETS]

Keywords: Eriksonian Hypnosis Narrative Constructionist

Accuracy Verified: Yes

47. 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

48. Pagani, M., DiLorenzo, G., Verardo, A. R., Nicolais, G., Monaco, L., Lauretti, G., Russo, R., Niolu, C., Ammaniti, M. Fernandex, I., & Siracusano, A. (2012). Neurobiological correlates of EMDR monitoring - an EEG study. PLoS ONE, 7(9), 1-12. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0045753.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Background: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a recognized first-line treatment for psychological trauma. However its neurobiological bases have yet to be fully disclosed. Methods: Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to fully monitor neuronal activation throughout EMDR sessions including the autobiographical script. Ten patients with major psychological trauma were investigated during their first EMDR session (T0) and during the last one performed after processing the index trauma (T1). Neuropsychological tests were administered at the same time. Comparisons were performed between EEGs of patients at T0 and T1 and between EEGs of patients and 10 controls who underwent the same EMDR procedure at T0. Connectivity analyses were carried out by lagged phase synchronization. RESULTS: During bilateral ocular stimulation (BS) of EMDR sessions EEG showed a significantly higher activity on the orbito-frontal, prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex in patients at T0 shifting towards left temporo-occipital regions at T1. A similar trend was found for autobiographical script with a higher firing in fronto-temporal limbic regions at T0 moving to right temporo-occipital cortex at T1. The comparisons between patients and controls confirmed the maximal activation in the limbic cortex of patients occurring before trauma processing. Connectivity analysis showed decreased pair-wise interactions between prefrontal and cingulate cortex during BS in patients as compared to controls and between fusiform gyrus and visual cortex during script listening in patients at T1 as compared to T0. These changes correlated significantly with those occurring in neuropsychological tests. Conclusion: The ground-breaking methodology enabled our study to image for the first time the specific activations associated with the therapeutic actions typical of EMDR protocol. The findings suggest that traumatic events are processed at cognitive level following successful EMDR therapy, thus supporting the evidence of distinct neurobiological patterns of brain activations during BS associated with a significant relief from negative emotional experiences.

Keywords: EEG Study Neurobiological Correlates

Accuracy Verified: Yes

49. Pagani, M. et al (2012, June). Neurobiological correlates of EMDR monitoring - An EEG study [Correlatos neurobiológicos y monitorización EMDR – un estudio con EEG]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Background: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a recognized first-‐line treatment for psychological trauma. However its neurobiological bases have not been disclosed yet. Methods: Electroencephalography was used for the first time to fully monitor neuronal activation during whole EMDR sessions including the autobiographical script. Ten clients with major psychological trauma were investigated during the first EMDR session and during the last one performed after processing the index trauma. Comparisons between the EEG of the first and last EMDR session and between the EEG of the clients at the first session and those of 10 controls undergoing the same EMDR procedure were performed. Results: During both script listening and bilateral stimulation EEG showed significantly higher activity in the prefrontal limbic cortex (Brodmann Areas, BA 9-‐ 10) at the first as compared to the last EMDR session. The opposite comparison showed a shift of the prevalent activity towards temporal, parietal and occipital cortical regions (BAs 20, 21, 22, 37, 17, 18, 19) with leftward lateralization. The comparison between the 10 clients and the 10 controls confirmed the maximal activation in the limbic cortex in the clients before processing the trauma. Conclusions: The implemented methodology made possible to image for the first time the specific activations associated with the therapeutic actions contemplated by EMDR. The findings suggested cognitive processing of traumatic events following successful EMDR therapy supporting the evidence of distinct neurobiological patterns of brain activations during bilateral ocular stimulation associated with a significant relieve from negative emotional experiences.

Antecedente Teórico: La desensibilización y reprocesamiento por el movimiento ocular (EMDR) es una reconocida primera línea para el tratamiento del trauma psicológico. Sin embargo sus bases neurobiológicas no han sido descifradas todavía. Método: La electroencefalografía ha sido usada por primera vez para monitorizar completamente la activación neuronal durante sesiones enteras de EMDR incluyendo el guión autobiográfico. 10 Clientes con traumas psicológicos mayores fueron investigados durante la primera sesión de EMDR y durante la última después del procesamiento del trauma raíz. Las comparaciones entre los EEG de la última y primera sesión y las de EEG de los clientes en la primera sesión y 10 controles realizando el mismo procedimiento de EMDR fueron realizadas. Resultados: Durante ambos procesos, la escucha y la estimulación bilateral, el EEG mostró una actividad significativamente mayor en el córtex límbico prefontral (Brodmann Areas, BA 9-‐10) al principio comparadas con la última sesión de EMDR. La comparación opuesta muestra un cambio en la actividad fundamental entre las regiones corticales temporal, parietal y occipital (BAs 20, 21, 22, 37, 17, 18, 19) con lateralizaciones hacia la izquierda. La comparación entre los 10 clientes y los controles confirman la activación máxima de la corteza límbica en los clientes antes de procesar el trauma. Conclusiones: La metodología usada hizo posible visualizar la neuroimagen por primera vez de las activaciones cerebrales asociadas con las acciones terapéuticas que acontecen en el EMDR. Los hallazgos sugieren que el procesamiento cognitivo de los eventos traumáticos seguidos de una terapia EMDR exitosa apoyan la evidencia de un patrón neurobiológico diferenciado en las activaciones del cerebro durante la estimulación ocular bilateral asociados con una acumulación un experiencias emocionales negativas.

Keywords: EEG Study

Accuracy Verified: Yes

50. Bergmann, U. (2012). Neurobiological foundations for EMDR practice. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

Language: English

Format: Book

Abstract:
This volume introduces the most current research about the neural underpinnings of consciousness and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) in regard to attachment traumatic stress and dissociation. It is the first book to comprehensively integrate new findings in information processing, consciousness, traumatic disorders of information processing, chronic trauma and autoimmune compromises, and EMDR's underlying mechanisms of action. The text examines online/wakeful information processing, including sensation, perception, somatosensory integration, cognition, memory, language and motricity, and off-line/sleep information processing, such as slow wave sleep and cognitive memorial processing, as well as REM/dream sleep and its function in emotional memory processing. The volume also addresses disorders of consciousness, including coma, anesthesia, and other neurological disorders, particularly disorders of Type 1 PTSD, complex PTSD/dissociative disorders, and personality disorders. It delves into chronic trauma and autoimmune function, especially in regard to diseases of unknown origin, and examines them from the perspective of autoimmune compromises resulting from the unusual neuroendocrine profile of PTSD sufferers. The final section integrates all material to illustrate the ability of EMDR's bilateral neural stimulation to impact, mediate, and change the functioning of neural circuitry, thereby facilitating repair in the linking and binding of neural networks.

Keywords: Neurobiology

Accuracy Verified: Yes

51. 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

52. Bergmann, U. (2008). The neurobiology of EMDR: Exploring the thalamus and neural integration. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(4), 300-314. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.2.4.300.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Recent neuroimaging studies on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have revealed a consistent decrease in thalamic activity, relative to non-PTSD controls. Empirical studies of the past decade have shown the thalamus to be centrally involved in the integration of perceptual, somatosensory, memorial, and cognitive processes (thalamo-cortical-temporal binding). A theoretical model is proposed to suggest that one underlying mechanism of EMDR stimulation (dual-attention stimulation/bilateral stimulation [DAS/BLS] ) is thalamic activation, specifi cally of the ventrolateral and central-lateral nuclei. It is hypothesized that this may facilitate the repair and integration of somatosensory, memorial, cognitive, frontal lobe and synchronized hemispheric functions that are disrupted in PTSD.

Keywords: 40-Hz Gamma-Band Activity (GBA) Neural Oscillation Thalamo-Cortical-Temporal Binding Thalamus

Accuracy Verified: Yes

53. Bergmann, U. (2008, June). The neurobiology of EMDR: Recent findings and insights. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Prior presentations focused on EMDR’s ability to activate REM-sleep systems and to mediate frontal lobe activation. New research on the Thalamus and thalamo-cortical-temporal-binding and Somato-sensory integration will be introduced. Accordingly, new speculations will be offered regarding EMDR’s ability to reset/repair the impairment in thalamic functioning that is inherent in PTSD. This presentation will, also, introduce more recent research, contrasting thalamic impairment in Type 1 PTSD vs. Complex PTSD. In addition, new findings regarding the formation, content and storage of memory and its impairment, in PTSD, will be explored vis-à-vis EMDR's ability to make repairs, in this area.

Keywords: Neurobiology

Accuracy Verified: Yes

54. Bergmann, U. (2010, September/October). The neurobiology of information processing: Recent findings and insights. Presentation at the annual meeting of EMDR International Association, Minneapolis, MN.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This presentation will synthesize the existing neurobiological research on information- processing. Specific attention will be given to recent empirical findings, involving the hippocampus and thalamus in perceptual, memorial, emotional, cognitive, and somatosensory integration. This data will be reviewed in reference to the organizing constructs of the Parallel Distributed Processing/Connectionism and the Thalamo-Cortical-Temporal-Binding models of information processing. Given that EMDR's application has historically been guided by information processing theory, this presentation will illustrate the neurobiological underpinnings of this foundation.

Keywords: Information Processing Neurobiology

Accuracy Verified: Yes

55. Harper, M., Rasolkhani-Kalhorn, T., & Drozd, J. F. (2009, June). On the neural basis of EMDR therapy: Insights from qEEG studies. Traumatology, 15(2), 81-95. doi:10.1177/1534765609338498 .

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been shown by empirical studies to be effective in relief from psychological traumas including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Several logical concepts regarding the origin of the EMDR effect have been presented, but no detailed neural explanation is available. This lack of a widely accepted scientific explanation for the EMDR effect has led to skepticism about the therapy by many therapists and potential clients. The authors present evidence based primarily on quantitative electroencephalogram studies that the neural basis for the EMDR effect is depotentiation of fear memory synapses in the amygdala during an evoked brain state similar to that of slow wave sleep. These studies suggest that brain stimulation during EMDR significantly increases the power of a naturally occurring low-frequency rhythm in memory areas of the brain, binding these areas together and causing receptors on the synapses of fear memory traces to be disabled. This mechanical change in the memory trace enables it to be incorporated into the normal memory system without the extreme emotions previously associated with it. EMDR is a medical procedure because it changes the physical structure of the brain to modify problematically stored memories.

Keywords: Memory Neuronal Response Frequency Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

56. Armstrong, M., & Vaughan, K. (1996, March). An orienting response model of eye movement desensitization. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 27(1), 21-32. doi:10.1016/0005-791(95)00056-9.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Dyck's conditioning model of EMD provides a useful description of failure of habituation in PTSD, but may not account for some common EMD phenomena. An alternative model proposes that the therapist's waving hand -- in the presence of a trauma-related cortical set -- triggers an intense orienting response (OR). Intrinsic effects of the OR facilitate continuing attention to the memory without avoidance, and provide for effective input of new trauma-related information. The person's neuronal model of the trauma alters to reflect his survival and current safety -- as true outcome of the trauma -- and associated conditioned responses extinguish. Proposals for experimental evaluation of the model are described. [Author Summary]

Keywords: Conditioned Emotional Responses PTSD Treatment Effectiveness

Accuracy Verified: Yes

57. Vaughan, K., & Armstrong, M. (1995, June). An orienting response model to EMDR. Presentation at the EMDR Network Conference, Santa Monica, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The authors reviewed the literature of EMDR and consulted their own clinical experiences to establish the characteristic phenomenology of EMDR. Dyck's (1993) conditioning model of eye movement desensitization provides a useful account of failure and habituation in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but does not account for some of these common EMDR phenomena. The authors propose an alternative model in which the therapist's waving hand-- in the presence of a trauma-related cortical set-triggers an intense orienting response (OR). Intrinsic effects of the OR facilitate continuing attention to the memory without avoidance, and provide for effective input of new trauma-related information. The person's neuronal model of the trauma alters to reflect their survival and current safety -- as true outcome of the trauma - and associated conditioned responses extinguish. Some proposals for experimental evaluation of the model are described.

Keywords: Orienting Response

Accuracy Verified: Yes

58. Pagani, M., Di Lorenzo, G., Verardo, A. R., Nicolais, G., Lauretti, G., Russo, R., Cogolo, P., Niolu, C., Ammaniti, M., Siracusano, A., & Fernandez, I. (2012, January). P-1162 Pre- intra- and post-treatment EEG imaging of EMDR - neurobiological bases of treatment efficacy. European Psychiatry, 27(Supplement 1), 1-1. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(12)75329-4.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Aim: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a recognized first-line treatment for psychological trauma. However its neurobiological bases have not been disclosed yet. Methods: Electroencephalography was used for the first time to fully monitor neuronal activation during whole EMDR sessions including the autobiographical script. Nine clients with major psychological trauma were investigated during the first EMDR session and during the last one performed after processing the index trauma. Comparisons between the EEG of the first and last EMDR session and between the EEG of the clients at the first session and those of 9 controls undergoing the same EMDR procedure were performed. Results: During both script listening and bilateral stimulation EEG showed significantly higher activity in the prefrontal limbic cortex (Brodmann Areas, BA 9–10) at the first as compared to the last EMDR session. The opposite comparison showed a shift of the prevalent activity towards temporal, parietal and occipital cortical regions (BAs 20, 21, 22, 37, 17, 18, 19) with leftward lateralisation. The comparison between the 9 clients and the 9 controls confirmed the maximal activation in the limbic cortex in the clients before processing the trauma. Conclusions: The implemented methodology made possible to image for the first time the specific activations associated with the therapeutic actions contemplated by EMDR. The findings suggest cognitive processing of traumatic events following successful EMDR therapy supporting the evidence of distinct neurobiological patterns of brain activations during bilateral ocular stimulation associated with a significant relieve from negative emotional experiences.

Keywords: EEG Imaging Neurobiology

Accuracy Verified: Yes

59. 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

60. Lanius, U., & Paulsen, S. (2010, September/October). Part I - Towards an embodied self: The neurobiology of traumatic dissociation. Presentation at the annual meeting of EMDR International Association, Minneapolis, MN.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Recent neuroscience research is discussed with a view towards increasing our understanding of underlying neurobiological processes with respect to the phenomenology of dissociation. It is suggested that dissociation is a result on a breakdown in cognitive-temporal binding (Crick & Koch, 2003), thus disrupting the linking of different neural networks in the time domain, e.g. information processing. It is suggested that this process is essential to our understanding both dissociation on one hand, as well as Adaptive Information Processing on the other. Please note: Part I (Session 332) and Part II (Session 432) each stand alone without prerequisite and are designed to complement each other. You do NOT have to take Part I to take Part II.

Keywords: Dissociation Embodied Self Neurobiology

Accuracy Verified: Yes

61. Lanius, U., & Paulsen, S. L. (2010, September/October). Part II - Towards an embodied self: The treatment of traumatic dissociation. Presentation at the annual meeting of EMDR International Association, Minneapolis, MN.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This workshop synthesizes neurobiology, EMDR, and elements from ego state, somatic, and attachment therapies. 1) Prior to EMDR: a) somatic interventions for affect and soma tolerance, b) hypnotic containment, c) ego state maneuvers to decrease, d) resetting affective circuits, and e) planning fractionation. 2) During EMDR: a) temporal integrationism or fractionating by time segments from conception to repair attachment b) accelerating processing with somatic, ego state, imaginal, and information channel interweaves, and c) decelerating processing by further fractionating by channel. Please note: Part I (Session 332) and Part II (Session 432) each stand alone without prerequisite and are designed to complement each other. You do NOT have to take Part I to take Part II.

Keywords: Embodied Self Traumatic Dissociation

Accuracy Verified: Yes

62. Gibson, R. (2000, september). Post traumatic stress disorder and the thalamic/cortical pause. ETC: A Review of General Semantics, 57(3), 354-361.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Recent research supports use of "cortical/thalamic pause" treatment modality including EMDR. [Adapted from Text] [Pilots]

Keywords: Cognitive Therapy Neurophysiology Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

63. Pagani, M. (2012, March). Pre-, intra-, and post-treatment EEG imaging of EMDR – Neurobiological bases of treatment efficacy. Poster presentation at the Scientific Programme of the 20th European Congress of Psychiatry, Prague, Czech Republic.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Conclusions: The implemented methodology made possible for the first time to image and represent on the cortical surface the specific brain activations associated with the therapeutic actions contemplated by EMDR protocol. These findings suggest the cognitivization of traumatic events following successful EMDR therapy with the maximal neuronal firing shifting from prefrontal-limbic to parieto-occipital associative cortex. Our results also support the evidence of distinct neurobiological patterns of brain activations during bilateral ocular stimulation.

Keywords: EEG Imaging Efficacy Neurobiology Poster

Accuracy Verified: Yes

64. Pagani, M., Di Lorenzo, G., Monaco, L., Niolu, C., Siracusano, A., Verardo, A. R., Lauretti, G., Fernandez, I., Nicolais, G., Cogolo, P., & Ammaniti, M. (2011). Pretreatment, intratreatment, and posttreatment EEG imaging of EMDR: Methodology and preliminary results from a single case. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 5(2), 42-56. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.5.2.42.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Electroencephalography (EEG), due to its peculiar time and spatial resolution, was used for the first time to fully monitor neuronal activation during the whole eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) session, including the autobiographical script. The present case report describes the dominant cortical activations (Z-score >1.5) during the first EMDR session and in the last session after the client processed the index trauma. During the first EMDR session, prefrontal limbic cortex was essentially activated during script listening and during lateral eye movements in the desensitization phase of EMDR. In the last EMDR session, the prevalent electrical activity was recorded in temporal, parietal, and occipital cortical regions, with a clear leftward lateralization. These findings suggest a cognitive processing of the traumatic event following successful EMDR therapy and support evidence of distinct neurobiological patterns of brain activations during lateral eye movements in the desensitization phase of EMDR.

Keywords: Bilateral Ocular Stimulation Cortical Activation EEG

Accuracy Verified: Yes

65. Bruck, N. R. V. (2007, March). A psicologia das emergências: Um estudo sobre angústia pública e o dramático cotidiano do trauma [The psychology of emergencies: A survey of public angst and dramatic daily life of trauma]. Pontifica Universidade Catolica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Programa De Pos-Graduacao Em Psicologia Doutorado Em Psicologia, Porto Alegre.

Language: Portuguese

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
O assunto “trauma” vem adquirindo novos significados, considerando principalmente acontecimentos sociais recentes, sejam eventos adversos, catástrofes, desastres, sejam as situações-limite vividas pelas pessoas no cotidiano urbano. A psicologia das emergências estuda o comportamento das pessoas nos acidentes e desastres desde uma ação preventiva até o pós-trauma e, se for o caso, subsidia intervenções de compreensão, apoio e superação do trauma às vítimas e profissionais do SAMU. O assunto se estende às questões que vão desde a experiência pessoal do trauma até os eventos adversos provocados por calamidades, sejam estas naturais e/ou provocadas pelo homem. A psicologia das emergências é um tema de angústia pública, sentimento difuso de mal-estar que se origina dos acontecimentos públicos traumáticos, chamados estressores, tais como os acidentes de trânsito com vítima, assim como os provenientes das demais situações limites de toda a violência urbana. O trauma é uma experiência que explode a capacidade de suportar um revés, traz a perda de sentido, desorganização corporal e paralisação da consciência temporal, pode deixar marcas que influenciam a criatividade e a motivação para a vida. Os objetivos nos primeiros auxílios psicológicos são de aliviar as manifestações sintomáticas e o sofrimento, reduzindo os sentimentos de anormalidade e de enfermidade. Um dos objetivos é a familiarização com temas considerados complexos e muitas vezes distantes das discussões sobre trauma psicológico, sendo que o problema da pesquisa é a compreensão da psicologia das emergências e como colocá-la em prática. Os autores mais utilizados são Edgar Morin, Alfredo Moffatt, Serge Moscovici, Gilles Deleuze e Michel Foucault, dentre outros. São abordados os temas do não-reducionismo, da epistemologia de si mesmo e da relação da Teoria das Representações Sociais com o EMDR (dessensibilização e reprocessamento através de movimentos oculares). O método desta pesquisa, com suporte na observação participante refere às questões da complexidade, análise multirreferencial e de implicação. As técnicas mais utilizadas foram entrevistas, grupos focais-“histórias significativas” e análise documental. É indicado, como atitudes favoráveis pensar não a partir de algo, mas, sobretudo sobre algo e que para mudar o modo de agir torna-se necessário modificar a imagem que uma pessoa tenha de si próprio. Como conclusões da pesquisa, observou-se: que as pessoas acidentadas trazem outros acontecimentos considerados difíceis junto com o depoimento sobre o acidente, como situações de luto e de sofrimento com familiares; que o estresse pós-traumático não é uma conseqüência inevitável do trauma; que não há nenhuma orientação, ou rotina, nas missões de socorros e nos documentos oficiais do SAMU sobre o tema psicologia das emergências. Também são indicadas considerações finais sobre os temas da Síndrome de Burnout, sobre a influência da instituição no cotidiano dos atendimentos, sobre a relação da clínica com a psicologia social.

The subject of "trauma" has acquired new meanings, especially considering recent social events, are adverse events, catastrophes, disasters, are the extreme situations experienced by people in urban daily life. Psychology emergencies studies the behavior of people in accidents and disasters from preventive action to post-trauma and, if necessary, subsidize interventions understanding, support and overcoming the trauma victim and professional SAMU. The subject extends to issues ranging from the personal experience of trauma to adverse events caused by disasters, whether natural and / or manmade. The psychology of emergencies is a topic of anguish public diffuse feeling of uneasiness that stems from public events traumatic, called stressors, such as traffic accidents with victims, as well as from the other extreme edge of all violence urban. Trauma is an experience that explodes the ability to support a setback, brings loss of meaning, and paralysis of body clutter temporal awareness, can leave marks that influence creativity and motivation for life. The goals in psychological first aid are to relieve symptomatic manifestations and suffering, reducing feelings of abnormality and disease. One goal is to become familiar with issues as complex and often distant from the discussions on trauma psychological, and the research problem is understanding the psychology of emergencies and how to put it into practice. The authors are more used Edgar Morin, Alfredo Moffatt, Serge Moscovici, Gilles Deleuze and Michel Foucault, among others. Issues are addressed in the non-reductionism, the epistemology of self and even the relationship of the Theory of Representations to EMDR (Desensitization and reprocessing through eye movements). The method this research, supported in participant observation matters relating to complex, multi-referential analysis and implication. The most used techniques were interviews, focus groups, "meaningful stories and documentary analysis. It indicated as positive attitudes to think not from something, but mainly on something and to change the mode of action becomes necessary to modify the image a person has of himself. As the survey findings revealed the following: that rugged people bring other events to be difficult with with testimony about the accident, as situations of grief and suffering with family, whereas the post-traumatic stress is not an inevitable consequence of trauma, there is no guidance, or routine tasks in the relief and SAMU official documents on the subject of psychology emergencies. Also concluding remarks are given on the topics of the Burnout on the influence the institution in the routine of care, about the relationship of clinical with social psychology.

Keywords: Emergency Treatment Postrraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Social Psychology Stress

Accuracy Verified: Yes

66. 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

67. Lanius, U. F. (2004, September). PTSD, information processing & thalamo-coritcal dialogue. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Montreal, Quebec Canada.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
A neurobiological model of PTSD as a neuropsychiavlc disorder that can be characterized by thalamocortical dysrhythmia is proposed. It is argued that PTSD is related to disruptions in thalamus-medicated temporal cognitive binding. The resulting lack of corticothalamic dialogue may account for flashback experiences and primary dissociation, and the resulting inability to integrate the totality of what is happening into personal memory and identity. The presentation will discuss recent neuroscience research with regard to the effects of traumatic stress on brain functioning that is integrated with Shapiro's Adaptive Information Processing Model.

Keywords: Thalamo-Coritcal Dialogue

Accuracy Verified: Yes

68. Lanius, U. F. (2005, September). PTSD, Information processing and thalamo-cortrical dialogue. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Seattle, WA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The presentation integrates recent findings in neuroscience and the neurobiology of traumatic stress and proposes a theoretical model to account for EMDR treatment effects. It reviews relevant basic neuroscience studies and theories with regard to learning, memory and information processing. Participants will increase the understanding of possible underlying neurobiological processes with regard to both PTSD and EMDR treatment and be able to integrate Shapiro's Adaptive Information Processing Model with current theory and research in the field of neuroscience.

Keywords: Information Processing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Thalamo-Cortical Dialogue

Accuracy Verified: Yes

69. 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

70. Giovannozzi, G. (2012, June). Regulated eye contact activation and installation protocol [Regulación de la activación del contacto ocular y protocolo de instalación]. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Madrid, Spain.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Porges’ polyvagal theory provides a plausible explanation for the covariation between psychiatric and behavioral disorders and the atypical regulation of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Porges himself associated this phenomenon with the failed maturation of the ventrovagal circuit, as well as with the child’s failure to learn the ability to modulate the so-‐called “vagal break” which keeps the heart-‐rate low and inhibits the influence of the SNS, allowing the modulation of the facial and head muscles and, therefore, the social engagement function, often impaired in psychiatric pathologies. From a psychotherapy standpoint, Porges’ finding that the maturation of the ventrovagal circuit and of its associated braking function occurs ontogenetically later than that of other ANS branches (last months of pregnancy and first year of life) and that a good relation with the caregiver is essential for its development is of significant importance. In this dyad – with the cortical-‐bulbar pathway, sufficiently myelinated at birth, regulating face and head muscles and allowing signals exchange with the caregiver – children learn to confront their internal states and the environment as well as regulate their emotions, regulating an adaptive neuroception with the consequent possibility of a good social involvement. This focus on the first year of life and the caregiver – child dyad, in terms of time and place for the construction of biologically based behaviors common to all human beings, paves the way, as anticipated by Porges himself, for new possible intervention models in psychotherapy directly acting on the missed or impaired steps in this first phase of the psycho-‐physiological development process, without disregarding its psychobiological quality. Clinical Application Since I believe that the inter-‐brain perspective is the most efficient not only for the etiological explanation but especially for the restoration of relational impairments occurred during brain-‐brain interactions, I chose eye contact (EC), because, according to several scholars, it is a privileged communication channel, in particular between mother and child. Several scholars agree that all forms of psychopathology share a failure in emotional regulation, which can be mostly traced back to the failure in the child-‐ caregiver adaptive tuning and therefore to the impairment of their inter-‐brain communication. An intervention on the EC shifts the therapy focus on this dysregulation to restore its functions. The EMDR AIP approach relies on the brain adaptive processing ability. EMDR has proved, in appropriate conditions (good therapeutic alliance, client stabilization, compliance with the EMDR protocol), our brain can repair traumatic injuries, i.e., reacquire and use information dysfunctionally stored after a trauma. Successful use of EMDR on target not directly traceable to a traumatic event (e.g., defenses, chronic pain, etc.) allows for the possibility to use this processing tool in increasingly broad fields and refines its resources. Thanks to its three-‐pronged approach to dysfunctionally stored information in the brain (EMDR works on the cognitive, emotional and somatic level), the inter-‐brain quality of its scope (the therapeutic alliance is part of the healing process) and for its focus on the present (EMDR works on the present, i.e., on the current and active components of the pathogenetic memory, bypassing all mediations and interpretation), EMDR seemed the most appropriate therapeutic tool to intervene on the EC dysregulation found in several psychiatric pathologies. Conclusion An EMDR protocol for the exploration and modulation of the EC is proposed. This protocol proved particularly useful with depressed or severely dissociative clients. After making clients aware of their difficulty in maintaining the EC, they are retrained to use this contact first on objects, then on animals (excellent mediators of a primitive form of social contact) until they are able to achieve eye contact with the therapist. During this training, clients are encouraged to become aware of their body sensations, emotions and beliefs, and the positive ones are installed with BLS. Memories of relational situations where clients identify an impaired EC are identified and these are targeted with the standard protocol. The focus then shifts to present and future situations. The regulation purpose of this protocol affects the application mode: interventions must never be dysregulating, therapists must proceed slowly. Clients must be rigorously kept within their window of tolerance, must be trained to recognize it and able of staying within its boundaries with respect to the microregulation of the EC.

La teoría polivagal de Porges proporciona una explicación plausible para la covariación entre los trastornos psiquiátricos comportamentales y la regulación atípica del sistema nervioso autónomo (ANS). El propio Porgues asoció este fenómeno con el fallo de maduración del circuito ventrovagal, por tanto el niño falla al aprender una habilidad también llamada “bloqueo vagal”, que mantiene la tasa cardiaca baja e inhibe la influencia del SNS, permitiendo la modulación de los músculos faciales y la cabeza, y por tanto, la función optima del compromiso social, a menudo emparejada con patologías psiquíatricas. Partiendo desde un punto de vista psicoterapéutico, Porges encontró que la maduración del circuito ventrovagal y su asociación con la función de frenado ocurre ontogenéticamente después que otras ramas del sistema nervioso autónomo (Los últimos meses del embarazo y los primeros años de vida) y que una buena relación con el cuidador es esencial para su desarrollo es significativamente importante. En esta línea – con vía córtico-‐bulbar, lo suficientemente mielinizada en el nacimiento, regulando los músculos de la cara y la cabeza y permitiendo señales de intercambio con el cuidador-‐ Los niños aprenden a estar cómodos con sus estados internos y con un ambiente que también regula sus emociones, regular una neurorecepción con la consecuente posibilidad de una buena integración social. Centrándonos en el primer año de vida del niño y el cuidador – La pareja de niños, en términos de tiempo y lugar para la construcción biológica fundamentada y basada en todos los seres humanos, allana el camino, como anticipó Porges, para nuevos modelos de intervención en psicoterapia, actuando directamente con el paso perdido o afectado de esta primera fase del proceso de desarrollo psicofisiológico, sin tener en cuenta su calidad psicobiológica. Aplicación Clínica. Desde que creó que la perspectiva del cerebro interior, continúa siendo la más eficiente no solo para desarrollar explicaciones etiológicas, también para la restauración de los desajustes relacionados ocurridos durante las interacciones cerebro-‐cerebro. Escogí contacto visual (ECE), porque, de acuerdo con numerosos investigadores, es un privilegiado canal de comunicación, particularmente eficaz entre una madre y su hijo. Numerosos profesionales afirman que todas las formas de psicopatología comparten una fallo en la regulación emocional, que solo puede crear un error en el la comunicación interna del cerebro. Esta intervención en el EC modifica la terapia y la centra en la desregulación y la restauración de funciones. El enfoque EMDR SPIA está basado en la habilidad de procesamiento de la información relevante, EMDR ha sido probado en condiciones idóneas (buena alianza terapéutica, estabilización de la queja del cliente disgustado con el EMDR.).

Keywords: Installation Protocol Regulated Eye Contact Activation

Accuracy Verified: Yes

71. 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

72. Pagani, M. (2008, Novembre). Sub-strato neurobiologico della sindrome da stress post-traumatico e relativo impatto funzionale e strutturale della terapia con EMDR [Neurobiological substrate of post-traumatic stress syndrome and impact on functional and structural therapy with EMDR]. Presentazione le Applicazioni Cliniche del EMDR Congresso Nazionale, Milano, Italia.

Language: Italian

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Recenti studi hanno dimostrato come la sindrome da stress post-traumatico (PTSD) possa causare nel cervello cambiamenti sia strutturali che funzionali. Studi di imaging funzionale tramite tomografia ad emissione di fotone singolo (SPECT) e ad emissione di positrone (PET) hanno evidenziato significative variazioni del flusso cerebrale in pazienti con PTSD durante la rivisitazione del trauma. A questo proposito sono stati riportati aumenti e diminuzioni di flusso nell’ippocampo, nell’amigdala, nella corteccia prefrontale mediale, nel cingolo anteriore e posteriore e nella corteccia temporale. Il modello prevalente collega i sintomi del PTSD ad una mancata inibizione dell’ amigdala, iperattivata dalla sensazione di incombente minaccia, da parte della corteccia prefrontale. E’ stato anche proposto che i cambiamenti strutturali dell’ippocampo e del cingolo anteriore rivelati dalla risonanza magnetica strutturale (RM) siano causati dalla risposta neuronale allo stress. L’obiettivo delle nostre ricerche e’ stato quello di analizzare la risposta funzionale e le variazioni strutturali in due gruppi di soggetti esposti a trauma occupazionale che hanno sviluppato (S=sintomatici, n=20) o no (NS=non sintomatici, n=27) il PTSD. Una parte dei S (n=16) è stata trattata con EMDR. La diagnosi di PTSD prima e dopo la terapia è stata basata sia sui criteri del DSM-IV sia su vari test neuropsicologici mirati. La SPECT (n=47) e la RM (n=33) sono state eseguite da 3 mesi a sei anni dal trauma e la prima è stata ripetuta dopo EMDR. I sintomi sono stati provocati da uno script individualizzato che ha riportato alla memoria il trauma e durante il quale è stato iniettato il tracciante di flusso cerebrale. Le analisi eseguite hanno mostrato differenze significative tra S e NS nella risposta del flusso cerebrale allo script. Nei 33 soggetti in cui sono state eseguite sia la SPECT che la RM sono state trovate differenze significative sia funzionali che strutturali nella corteccia temporo-parietale sinistra e nell’ippocampo, regioni nelle quali gli score dei test neuropsicologici correlano significativamente con il flusso cerebrale. Nei soggetti con remissione sintomatologica dopo EMDR (R; n=11) sono state trovate rispetto ai soggetti che non hanno risposto alla terapia (NR; n=5) significative differenze di flusso in 4 aree corticali che processano funzioni deteriorate in corso di PTSD. Diminuzioni di flusso dopo la terapia sono state registrate nei R rispetto ai NR nell’ippocampo, nel giro fusiforme (corteccia parieto-occipitale) e nella corteccia visiva primaria. L’ippocampo è sede della memoria episodica ed autobiografica; il giro fusiforme processa il riconoscimento di volti, dei corpi e delle parole; la corteccia visiva primaria custodisce la memoria visiva degli eventi. La mancata inibizione e/o l’iperattività di queste regioni nel PTSD sono responsabili della rivisitazione patologica figurata e somatica dell’evento traumatico e della presenza di flashback ed immagini allucinatorie. Viceversa la corteccia frontale dorsolaterale ha mostrato un aumento di flusso nei R. Questa regione oltre ad essere deputata ad inibire nel sistema limbico la risposta patologica a stimoli che ricordano l’evento traumatico è essenziale per i processi di attenzione e del “senso di sé”, diminuiti in corso di PTSD e recuperati in seguito alla remissione della malattia. In questi soggetti la RM ha inoltre messo in evidenza il valore predittivo delle dimensioni dell’ippocampo rispetto all’efficacia della terapia con EMDR. I nostri risultati confermano il coinvolgimento della corteccia temporo-parieto-occipitale nel PTSD e sottolineano il valore delle neuroimmagini sia nello svelare gli effetti neurobiologici dell’EMDR che determinare il valore delle indagini strutturali nel predirne l’efficacia.

Recent studies have shown that the post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) may result in both structural and functional brain changes. Imaging studies using functional Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) shown significant changes in cerebral blood flow in patients with PTSD during revisiting the trauma. In this regard have been reported increases and decreases in flow hippocampus, amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate and posterior and temporal cortex. The dominant model linking the symptoms of PTSD to a no inhibition of 'amygdala hyperactivity disorder by the sense of impending threat by the prefrontal cortex. E 'was also proposed that the structural changes of the hippocampus and anterior cingulate revealed by structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are caused by the response neuronal stress. The aim of our research and 'was to analyze the response functional and structural variations in two groups of subjects exposed to occupational trauma that have developed (S = symptomatic, n = 20) or not (NS = non-symptomatic, n = 27) PTSD. Part of S (n = 16) was treated with EMDR. The diagnosis of PTSD before and after the therapy was based on both DSM-IV has on several neuropsychological tests targeting. SPECT (n = 47) and MRI (n = 33) are were performed from 3 months to six years from the trauma and the first was repeated after EMDR. Symptoms were caused by a script individual who reported to the memory of the trauma and during which were injected with a tracer of cerebral blood flow. The analysis performed showed significant differences between S and NS in the response of flow brain to the script. In the 33 subjects in which they were performed both SPECT and MRI were found significant differences in both functional and structural temporo-parietal cortex left hippocampus, regions in which the scores of neuropsychological tests correlate significantly with the flow in the brain. In subjects with symptomatic remission after EMDR (R; n = 11) were found compared with subjects who did not respond to therapy (NR, n = 5) significant differences in flow in 4 cortical areas that process functions deteriorated in the course of PTSD. Decreases in flow after treatment were recorded in R than NR hippocampus, within fusiform (parieto-occipital cortex) and in the primary visual cortex. The hippocampus is the seat of episodic memory and autobiographical, and the processes around the fusiform recognition of faces, bodies and words, the primary visual cortex preserves the memory visual events. The non-inhibition and / or 'hyperactivity of these regions in PTSD are responsible for pathological figured revisiting the traumatic event and physical and presence of flashbacks and hallucinatory images. Contrast, the dorsolateral frontal cortex has showed an increase of flow in R. This region in addition to being deputies to inhibit the system limbic response to pathological stimuli that recall the traumatic event is essential for processes of attention and the "sense of self, decreased in the course of PTSD and recovered following remission. In these subjects, MRI has also highlighted the predictive value the size of the hippocampus compared the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Our results confirm the involvement of the temporo-parietal-occipital cortex in PTSD and emphasize the value of neuroimaging in revealing both the neurobiological effects of EMDR that determine the value of the structural surveys in predicting effectiveness.

Keywords: Neurobiology Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

73. 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

74. Walker, N. (2012, October). Temporal sequencing as a multipurpose aid in preparing for and facilitating EMDR with complex trauma or severe PTSD. Presentation at the at the 4th Autumn EMDR Workshop Conference, Sheffield, UK .

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This workshop describes the various uses of chronological autobiographical memory cues (temporal sequencing) to restore the sense of ‘continuity of being’ disrupted by trauma: 1. To facilitate readiness for EMDR processing when a client is avoidant to accessing memory, or is likely to become hyper-aroused, by creating felt distance in time from the time of the trauma to the present. 2. To securely close an incomplete EMDR session. 3. To improve the clients’ present groundedness both in the session, and to improve their general level of groundedness, making them less vulnerable to intrusions and avoidance. 4. To build sufficient ego-strength and empowerment for secure processing and integration of traumatic memory.

Keywords: Complex Trauma Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Temporal Sequencing

Accuracy Verified: Yes

75. Kreitzberg, J. (2011). Using magneto encephalography to determine the therapeutic efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of PTSD. Symposium presented at the Annual Linfield College Science Symposium.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can be produced by traumatic experiences. A new study has shown that a brain scan called magneto encephalography (MEG) can identify people who have PTSD with an accuracy of 95%. Sensors measure tiny magnetic fields generated by currents flowing in and around neurons. In addition they have recently stated in the Journal of Neural Engineering that they can now watch the brain as it experiences PTSD. Imaging shows that the brain becomes hyperactive in the right temporal lobe, the location responsible for memory. Besides diagnosing PTSD, the researchers also are able to judge the severity of how much patients are suffering. Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was designed in 1987 as a treatment for PTSD. EMDR is a structured eight-phase therapy that allows for adequate reprocessing of dysfunctionally stored memory. In the processing phases the client attends to the disturbing memory in brief intervals of 15-30 seconds while also experiencing bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tones or tapping). The eight phases integrate effective elements of psychodynamic, imaginal exposure, cognitive therapy, interpersonal, experiential, physiological and somatic therapies. Now that we can locate specific biomarkers for PTSD using MEG, my hypothesis is that we will find a statistically significant difference between the control group and the group that has EMDR treatment, and that EMDR will be shown to be effective in resolving PTSD as measured by pre and post therapy MEG scans. Also using the MEG, we may be able to observe those brain actions responsible for the therapeutic efficacy of EMDR and isolate which components of EMDR trigger those brain actions. The significance of finding the answer to these questions could potentially help millions of people overcome years of suffering from psychological pain due to the after effects of severe trauma and restore them to productive lives. It could establish the status of EMDR, assisting in the decision of whether it should be listed among the evidence-based, best-practice therapy modalities and covered by insurance. Also knowing the underlying pathophysiology could contribute to the evolution, revision and refinement of diagnostic constructs for PTSD.

Keywords: Efficacy Magneto Encephalography Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Treatment

Accuracy Verified: Yes