Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed to resolve symptoms resulting from disturbing and unresolved life experiences. It uses a structured approach to address past, present, and future aspects of disturbing memories. The approach was developed by Francine Shapirocite book |author=Shapiro, Francine |title=Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: basic principles, protocols, and procedures |publisher=Guilford Press |location=New York |year=1995 |pages= 398 |isbn=0-89862-960-8 |oclc= |doi=] to resolve the development of trauma-related disorders as resulting from exposure to a traumatic or distressing event, such as rape. Clinical trials have demonstrated EMDR's efficacy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some studies it has been shown to be equivalent to cognitive behavioral and exposure therapies, and more effective than some alternative treatments (see effectiveness sections below). However, the effectiveness of the mechanisms behind EMDR have been questioned, with most leading researchers concluding that cognitive restructuring (which is common in most therapies for PTSD), rather than the eye movements, are responsible for change. Although some clinicians may use EMDR for various problems, its research support is primarily for disorders stemming from distressing life experiences. [Maxfield, L. (2003). "Clinical implications and recommendations arising from EMDR research findings", "Journal of Trauma Practice", 2, 61-81.] cite book |author=Louise Maxfield; Shapiro, Francine; Kaslow, Florence Whiteman |title=Handbook of EMDR and Family Therapy Processes|publisher=Wiley |location=New York |year= 2007 |pages= 504 |isbn=0471709476]

Mechanism

The theoretical model underlying EMDR treatment hypothesizes that EMDR works by processing distressing memories. EMDR is based on a theoretical information processing model which posits that symptoms arise when events are inadequately processed, and can be eradicated when the memory is fully processed. It is an integrative therapy, synthesizing elements of many traditional psychological orientations, such as psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, experiential, physiological, and interpersonal therapies. [Shapiro, F. & Maxfield, L. (2002). "Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Information processing in the treatment of trauma", "Journal of Clinical Psychology", 58, 933-948.]

EMDR's most unique aspect is an unusual component of bilateral stimulation of the brain, such as eye movements, bilateral sound, or bilateral tactile stimulation coupled with cognitions, visualized images and body sensation. EMDR also utilizes dual attention awareness to allow the individual to vacillate between the traumatic material and the safety of the present moment. This prevents retraumatization from exposure to the disturbing memory. As EMDR is an integrative therapy which combines elements of cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapies to desensitize traumatic memories, some individuals have criticized EMDR and consider the use of eye movements to be an unnecessary component of treatment.Herbert, Lilienfield et al. "Science and Pseudoscience in the development of eye movement and reprocessing: Implications for Clinical Psychology", "Clinical Psychology Review", Vol.20, No.8, pp945-971, 2000 PMID1098395] [ [http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:_jqL8TfBgy8J:www.fsu.edu/~trauma/V9/v9i3_EMDRControversy.pdf+emdr+%2Bcontroversy&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2] "Traumatology", Vol. 9, No. 3 (September 2003) 169. EMDR: Why the Controversy? Charlotte Sikes and Victoria Sikes] However, recent studies have examined the effects of eye movements and have found that eye movements in EMDR decrease the vividness and/or negative emotions associated with autobiographical memories, [Andrade, J., Kavanagh, D., & Baddeley, A. (1997). "Eye-movements and visual imagery: A working memory approach to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder", "British Journal of Clinical Psychology", 36, 209-223] [Barrowcliff, A.L., et al., "Eye-movements reduce the vividness, emotional valence and electrodermal arousal associated with negative autobiographical memories", "Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology", 2004. 15(2): p. 325-345. "Available in pdf at" [http://www.emdr-france.org/IMG/pdf/Barrowcliff_Eye_movments_reduce_vividness.pdf EMDR France] ] [Kavanagh, D. J., Freese, S., Andrade, J., & May, J. (2001). "Effects of visuospatial tasks on desensitization to emotive memories", "British Journal of Clinical Psychology", 40(3), 267-280.] [van den Hout, M., Muris, P., Salemink, E., & Kindt, M. (2001. "Autobiographical memories become less vivid and emotional after eye movements", "British Journal of Clinical Psychology", 40(2), 121-130.] enhance the retrieval of episodic memories, [Christman S.D., Garvey K.J., Propper R.E., Phaneuf K.A. (2003. "Bilateral eye movements enhance the retrieval of episodic memories", "Neuropsychology" 17 (2): 221-9. PMID 12803427] increase cognitive flexibility, [Kuiken, D., et al. (2001), "Eye movement desensitization reprocessing facilitates attentional orienting", "Imagination, Cognition & Personality", 21(1): p. 3-20.] and correlate with decreases in heart rate, skin conductance, and an increased finger temperature. [Elofsson, U. O. E., von Schèele, B., Theorell, T., & Söndergaard, H. P. (2008). "Physiological correlates of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing", "Journal of Anxiety Disorders", 22:622-634. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2007.05.012] [Sack, M., Lempa, W., Steinmetz, A. Lamprecht, F., Hofmann, A. (in press). "Alterations in autonomic tone during trauma exposure using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - results of a preliminary investigation", "Journal of Anxiety Disorders" (2007), doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2008.01.007] These physiological changes associated with EMDR are consistent with earlier research on physiological changes associated with EMDR. [Wilson, D., Silver, S. M., Covi, W., & Foster, S. (1996). "Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Effectiveness and autonomic correlates", "Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry", 27(3), 219-229.] Also recent studies that have removed eye movement from the method have found the procedure less effective. [Lee, C. W., & Drummond, P.D. (in press). "Effects of Eye Movement versus Therapist Instructions on the Processing of Distressing Memories", "Journal of Anxiety Disorders", (2007)doi:10.1016/J.janxdis.2007.08.007]

Description of therapy

There are two perspectives on EMDR therapy. One was advanced by the method's creator, with a theory that eye movements provide some neurological and psychological effects that enhance the processing of traumatic memories. The other perspective is that eye movements are an epiphenomenon, unnecessary, and that EMDR is simply a form of desensitization.

Theoretical basis

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It integrates elements of imaginal exposure, cognitive therapy, psychodynamic and somatic therapies. It also uses the unique and somewhat controversial element of bilateral stimulation (e.g. moving the eyes back and forth). According to Francine Shapiro's theory, when a traumatic or distressing experience occurs, it may overwhelm usual ways of coping and the memory of the event is inadequately processed; the memory is dysfunctionally stored in an isolated memory network. When this memory network is activated, the individual may re-experience aspects of the original event, often resulting in inappropriate overreactions. This explains why people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic incident may have recurring sensory flashbacks, thoughts, beliefs, or dreams. An unprocessed memory of a traumatic event can retain high levels of sensory and emotional intensity, even though many years may have passed.

EMDR uses a structured eight-phase approach and addresses the past, present, and future aspects of the dysfunctionally stored memory. During the processing phases of EMDR, the client attends to the disturbing memory in multiple brief sets of about 15-30 seconds, while simultaneously focusing on the dual attention stimulus (e.g., therapist-directed lateral eye movements, alternate hand-tapping, or bilateral auditory tones). Following each set of such dual attention, the client is asked what associative information was elicited during the procedure. This new material usually becomes the focus of the next set. This process of alternating dual attention and personal association is repeated many times during the session.

The theory is that EMDR works directly with memory networks and enhances information processing by forging associations between the distressing memory and more adaptive information contained in other semantic memory networks. It is thought that the distressing memory is transformed when new connections are forged with more positive and realistic information. This results in a transformation of the emotional, sensory, and cognitive components of the memory so that, when it is accessed, the individual is no longer distressed. Instead he/she recalls the incident with a new perspective, new insight, resolution of the cognitive distortions, elimination of emotional distress, and relief of related physiological arousal.Maxfield, L. (2003). "Clinical implications and recommendations arising from EMDR research findings", "Journal of Trauma Practice", 2, 61-81.]

When the distressing or traumatic event is an isolated incident, the symptoms can often be cleared with one to three EMDR sessions. But when multiple traumatic events contribute to a health problem - such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, parental neglect, severe illness, accident, injury, or health-related trauma that result in chronic impairment to health and well-being - the time to heal may be longer.Phillips, Maggie, (2000). Finding the Energy to Heal: How EMDR, hypnosis, TFT, imagery, and body focused therapy can help restore the mind body health. NY:Nortonn.com]

Therapy process

*Phase I: In the first sessions, the patient's history and an overall treatment plan are discussed. During this process the therapist identifies and clarifies potential targets for EMDR. Target refers to a disturbing issue, event, feeling, or memory for use as an initial focus for EMDR. Maladaptive beliefs are also identified.
*Phase II: Before beginning EMDR for the first time, it is recommended that the client identify a safe place, an image or memory that elicits comfortable feelings and a positive sense of self. This safe place can be used later to bring closure to an incomplete session or to help a client tolerate a particularly upsetting session.
*Phase III: In developing a target for EMDR, prior to beginning the eye movements, a snapshot image is identified that represents the target and the disturbance associated with it. Using that image is a way to help the client focus on the target, a negative cognition (NC) is identified - a negative statement about the self that feels especially true when the client focuses on the target image. A positive cognition (PC) is also identified - a positive self-statement that is preferable to the negative cognition.
*Phase IV: The therapist asks the patient to focus simultaneously on the image, the negative cognition, and the disturbing emotion or body sensation. Then the therapist usually asks the client to follow a moving object with his or her eyes; the object moves alternately from side to side so that the client's eyes also move back and forth. After a set of eye movements, the client is asked to report briefly on what has come up; this may be a thought, a feeling, a physical sensation, an image, a memory, or a change in any one of the above. In the initial instructions to the client, the therapist asks him or her to focus on this thought, and begins a new set of eye movements. Under certain conditions, however, the therapist directs the client to focus on the original target memory or on some other image, thought, feeling, fantasy, physical sensation, or memory. From time to time the therapist may query the client about her or his current level of distress. The desensitization phase ends when the SUDS (Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale) has reached 0 or 1.
*Phase V: The "Installation Phase": the therapist asks the client about the positive cognition, if it's still valid. After Phase IV, the view of the client on the event/ the initial snapshot image may have changed dramatically. Another PC may be needed. Then the client is asked to "hold together" the snapshot and the (new) PC. Also the therapist asks, "How valid does the PC feel, on a scale from 0 to 7?" New sets of eye movement are issued.
*Phase VI: The body scan: the therapist asks if anywhere in the client's body any pain, stress or discomfort is felt. If so, the client is asked to concentrate on the sore knee or whatever may arise and new sets are issued.
*Phase VII: Debriefing. The therapist gives appropriate info and support.

EMDR also uses a three-pronged approach, to address past, present and future aspects of the targeted memory.

Vocabulary

The following basic terms are described in Shapiro's 2001 text

; Information Processing: During information processing, a physiologically-based system sorts new (perceptual) information, makes connections between new information and other information already stored in associated memory networks, encodes the material, and stores it in memory. ; Adaptive Resolution: When information processing is complete, learning takes place, and information is stored in memory with appropriate emotion. The new information is therefore available to guide future action. ; Dysfunctionally Stored Information: When information processing is incomplete, the information is not connected to more adaptive information, and it is stored in a memory network with a high negative emotional charge. It can cause reactivity and can be the cause of various symptoms. ; Reprocessing: During reprocessing in EMDR, new associative links are forged between dysfunctionally stored information and adaptive information, resulting in complete information processing and adaptive resolution.; Memory Networks: Neurobiological associations of related memories, sensations, images, thoughts, and emotions. ; Target Memory: The memory of a distressing or traumatic event, which still causes current distress, and which has been selected to be targeted during EMDR treatment. ; Memory Components: All components of the target memory are accessed during Phase Three to ensure that the memory network is fully activated. These components include the image, cognitions, emotions, and body sensations. ; VOC (Validity of cognition) scale: VOC ratings are used in EMDR to measure baseline validity of the positive cognition during Phase Three, and to assess progress being made, where 1 = not true, and 7 = completely true.; SUD (Subjective units of disturbance) scale: SUD ratings are used in EMDR, exposure therapies, and other treatments to measure baseline emotional or physical pain and also to assess progress being made. This is a personal measurement of distress, where 0 = no distress, and 10 = worst distress possible. ; Interweave: A specific strategy used by the clinician to assist processing if the client appears to be having difficulty accessing more adaptive information. Ideally, the interweave contains needed information that would have been available except for blockage of inner pathways by trauma responses.

Empirical evidence

Over the last 18 years evidence has accumulated that supports EMDR as an effective treatment for problems associated with distressing memories that relate to the experience of a negative/traumatic event.Fact|date=June 2008 The evidence about whether EMDR is effective will be first considered on the basis of what scientific committees from around the world have concluded, then EMDR will be compared to typical treatments, medication and traditional exposure based treatments. Although, as discussed below, EMDR is generally considered an efficacious treatment for the treatment of trauma, the working mechanisms that underlie the effectiveness of EMDR, and whether the eye movement component in EMDR contributes to its clinical effectiveness it still a point of uncertainty and contentious debate.Fact|date=June 2008

Effectiveness: Conclusions from international scientific committees
Based on the evidence of controlled research both the practice guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association [cite journal | last = American Psychiatric Association | year = 2004 | title = Practice Guideline for the treatment of patients with acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder | location = Arlington, VA | publisher = American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines ] and the Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense [citation | last = Department of Veteran Affairs & Department of Defense | year = 2004 | title = VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for the management of post-traumatic stress | place = Washington, DC | publisher = Author | url = http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/PTSD/PTSD_cpg/frameset.htm. | format = Dead link|date=June 2008 – ^{[http://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=author%3ADepartment+of+Veteran+Affairs+%26+Department+of+Defense+intitle%3AVA%2FDoD+clinical+practice+guideline+for+the+management+of+post-traumatic+stress&as_publication=&as_ylo=2004&as_yhi=2004&btnG=Search Scholar search]} ] have placed EMDR in the highest category of effectiveness and research support in the treatment of trauma. This status is reflected in a number of international guidelines where EMDR is a recommended treatment for trauma [citation | last = Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. | date = 2007 | title = Australian guidelines for the treatment of adults with acute stress disorder and post traumatic stress disorder | place = Melbourne, Victoria | publisher = ACPTMH. | url = http://www.acpmh.unimelb.edu.au/resources/resources-guidelines.html#1 | unused_data = |isbn online = 978-0-9752246-6-3] . [citation | last = National Institute for Clinical Excellence| title = Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): The management of adults and children in primary and secondary care| place = London | publisher = NICE Guidelines | year = 2005 | url = http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byID&r=true&o=10966] [Citation | last = Dutch National Steering Committee Guidelines Mental Health and Care. | title = Guidelines for the diagnosis treatment and management of adult clients with an anxiety disorder | place = Utrecht, Netherlands | publisher = The Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement (CBO)] [Citation | last = Foa | first = E.B. | last2 = Keane | first2 = T.M. | last3 = Friedman | first3 = M.J. | title = Effective treatments for PTST: Practice guidelines of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies | place = New York | publisher = Guilford Press | year = 2000] [Citation | last = Bleich | first = A. | last2 = Kolter | first2 = M. | last3 = Kutz | first3 = E. | last4 = Shaley | first4 = A. | title = A position paper of the (Israeli) National Council for Mental Health: Guidelines for the assessment and professional intervention with terror victime in the hospital and the community | place = Jerusalem, Israel. | year = 2002] [Citation | last = United Kingdom Department of Health | title = Treatment choice in psychological therapies and counseling evidence based on clinical practice guideline | place = London | publisher = Author | year = 2001 | url = http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4007323]

Effectiveness: EMDR compared to typical treatments
EMDR has been demonstrated to have significant advantages over usual treatment for PTSD in an HMO setting, and improvement was maintained at a six month follow-up. [Marcus, S., P. Marquis, and C. Sakai, Three- and 6-Month Follow-Up of EMDR Treatment of PTSD in an HMO Setting. International Journal of Stress Management, 2004. 11(3): p. 195-208.] EMDR has been shown to be effective on measures of trauma, depression and anxiety in women who had been sexually abused as children. [Edmond, T., L. Sloan, and D. McCarty, Sexual Abuse Survivors' Perceptions of the Effectiveness of EMDR and Eclectic Therapy. Research on Social Work Practice, 2004. 14(4): p. 259-272.] [Edmond, T., A. Rubin, and K. Wambach, The effectiveness of EMDR with adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Social Work Research, 1999. 23(2): p. 103-116.]

Effectiveness: EMDR compared to medication
To date EMDR has only been compared directly to medication in one study. Van der Kolk et al. found EMDR to be more effective than fluoxetine, an SSRI in treating trauma, especially six months post-treatment. The study also suggests a role for SSRIs as a reliable first-line intervention.cite journal |author=van der Kolk BA, Spinazzola J, Blaustein ME, "et al" |title=A randomized clinical trial of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), fluoxetine, and pill placebo in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: treatment effects and long-term maintenance |journal=The Journal of clinical psychiatry |volume=68 |issue=1 |pages=37–46 |year=2007 |pmid=17284128 |doi=]

Effectiveness: EMDR versus traditional exposure treatments (studies in the last 5 years)
EMDR proved significantly better than stress inoculation training with prolonged exposure in a study with 24 participants diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. [Lee, C., et al., Treatment of PTSD: Stress inoculation training with prolonged exposure compared to EMDR. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2002. 58(9): p. 1071-1089. PMID 12209866 ] Although reduction in symptom severity was equivalent post treatment, at follow-up, EMDR lead to greater gains on both self report and observer rated measures of PTSD and self report measures of depression. In another study of 22 participants who had also been diagnosed with PTSD, both EMDR and prolonged exposure were found to be effective post treatment. [Ironson, G., et al., Comparison for two treatments for traumatic stress: A community-based study of EMDR and prolonged exposure. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2002. 58(1): p. 113-128.] Participants receiving EMDR appeared to improve quicker in that 70% had reached a level of clinically significant improvement in PTSD after three EMDR sessions compared to only 17% in the prolonged exposure condition. EMDR was also found to work more quickly than exposure based treatments in a larger trial with 105 participants. [Power, K.G., et al., A controlled comparison of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing versus exposure plus cognitive restructuring, versus waiting list in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 2002. 9(5): p. 299-318.] At a fifteen-month follow-up, gains for both treatments were generally maintained. The only significant difference at follow-up was an improvement in depression according to an independent observer in favour of EMDR.
EMDR and Prolonged Exposure (PE) were found to be equivalently efficacious and both superior to a waitlist control in a controlled trial of 74 female rape victims. [Rothbaum, B.O., M.C. Astin, and F. Marsteller, Prolonged Exposure Vs Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD Rape Victims. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2005. 18(6): p. 607-616.] Measures used by blind assessors included PTSD, depression, dissociation and state anxiety. Unlike other studies noted above, there was no difference between the active treatments in rate of improvement. However EMDR seemed to do adequately well despite utilising no homework tasks and less exposure. The study met the highest criteria for methodological rigour proposed by Foa and Meadows. [Foa, E.B. and E.A. Meadows, Psychosocial treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: A critical review. Annual Review of Psychology, 1997. 48: p. 449-480.]
The improvements in EMDR over Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are not limited to English speaking cultures. In a study involving Iranian girls who had been sexually abused, EMDR was found to be significantly more efficient than CBT. [Jaberghaderi, N., et al., A Comparison of CBT and EMDR for Sexually-abused Iranian Girls. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 2004. 11(5): p. 358-368.]
Although most studies show EMDR and CBT to be about the same, one study reported an opposite effect.cite journal |author=Taylor S, Thordarson DS, Maxfield L, Fedoroff IC, Lovell K, Ogrodniczuk J |title=Comparative efficacy, speed, and adverse effects of three PTSD treatments: exposure therapy, EMDR, and relaxation training |journal=Journal of consulting and clinical psychology |volume=71 |issue=2 |pages=330–8 |year=2003 |pmid=12699027 |doi=10.1037/0022-006X.71.2.330] Analysis of changes in symptoms for the 15 participants who completed treatment indicated greater reductions on symptom measures of avoidance and re-experiencing for imaginal exposure treatment over EMDR but equivalent reductions on hyper arousal. However there were no differences between the two treatments in the intent to treat analysis and no differences between the two treatments on percentage of people with PTSD diagnosis at follow-up.

Effectiveness: meta-analysis
EMDR was found in the first ever meta-analysis of PTSD to be equally effective as exposure therapy and SSRIs. [van Etten, M. L., & Taylor, S. (1998). Comparative Efficacy of Treatments for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 5, 126-144. [http://www.emdr.nl/acrobat/VANETT.PDF Full text available PDF] ] Two recent meta-analyses concluded that traditional exposure therapy and EMDR have equivalent effects both immediately after treatment and at follow-up.cite journal |author=Bradley R, Greene J, Russ E, Dutra L, Westen D |title=A multidimensional meta-analysis of psychotherapy for PTSD |journal=The American journal of psychiatry |volume=162 |issue=2 |pages=214–27 |year=2005 |pmid=15677582 |doi=10.1176/appi.ajp.162.2.214] cite journal |author=Seidler GH, Wagner FE |title=Comparing the efficacy of EMDR and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of PTSD: a meta-analytic study |journal=Psychological medicine |volume=36 |issue=11 |pages=1515–22 |year=2006 |pmid=16740177 |doi=10.1017/S0033291706007963] The most recent meta-analysis looked at 38 randomized controlled trials for PTSD treatment and concluded that the first-line psychological treatment for PTSD should be Trauma-Focused CBT or EMDR.cite journal |author=Bisson JI, Ehlers A, Matthews R, Pilling S, Richards D, Turner S |title=Psychological treatments for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. Systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=The British Journal of Psychiatry : the journal of mental science |volume=190 |issue= |pages=97–104 |year=2007 |pmid=17267924 |doi=10.1192/bjp.bp.106.021402]

Other applications

Although controlled research has concentrated on the application of EMDR to PTSD, a number of studies have investigated EMDR’s efficacy with other anxiety disorders as well as numerous reports of diverse clinical applications.

Case reports have been published on the application of EMDR to the treatment of (a) personality disorders ( Fensterheim, 1996a; Korn & Leeds, in press; Manfield, 1998), (b) dissociative disorders ( Fine & Berkowitz, 2001; Lazrove & Fine, 1996; Paulsen, 1995; Twombly, 2000), ( c ) a variety of anxiety disorderscite journal |author=De Jongh A, Ten Broeke E, Renssen MR |title=Treatment of specific phobias with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): protocol, empirical status, and conceptual issues |journal=Journal of anxiety disorders |volume=13 |issue=1-2 |pages=69–85 |year=1999 |pmid=10225501 |doi=] ( De Jongh & Ten Broeke, 1998; Goldstein & Feske, 1994; Lovett, 199; Nadler, 1996; Shapiro & Forrest, 1997) and (d) somatoform disorders ( Brown, Mcgoldrick, & Buchanan, 1997; Grant & Threlfo, 2002). However, controlled research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of these applications.

In designing the research the entire EMDR protocol should be evaluated within the context of the potential special needs of the particular population. For instance, Brown et al. (1997) evaluated the application of EMDR in seven consecutive cases of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which has been reported to necessitate 8 to 20 sessions of cognitive behavior therapy with varying success rates ( Neziroglu, McKay, Todaro, & Yaryura-Tobias, 1996; Beale et al., 1996; Wilhelm, Otto, Lohr, & Deckersbach, 1999). In contrast, Brown et al. reported the elimination of BDD in five of the seven consecutive cases in one to three sessions of EMDR through the processing of the etiological memory. While this result indicates the EMDR holds promise for the treatment of this disorder, future controlled research should include a greater number of sessions in order to evaluate the more comprehensive clinical picture.

EMDR can work on a multitude of problems that are less complex than PTSD. One of these is uncomplicated depression. The EMDR Casebook by Philip Manfield, PH.D. has documented several case studies in which EMDR was used. In the case about uncomplicated depression, Manfield was able to help his client, George, resolve several childhood issues that have plagued his adult life. Moreover, EMDR can work for diseases such as postpartum depression. By having the client target a distinctive memory and work through it with a series of eye movements, the client is then able to achieve a positive cognition.Manfield, Philip. (2003). EMDR Casebook. NY: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.]

EMDR has been used on children to treat a variety of conditions.Tinker, R., & Wilson S., (1999) Through the eyes of a child: EMDR with children. NY: Norton.] Greenwald, R.,(1999). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in child and adolescent psychotherapy. NY: Norton.] It has been used in the treatment of children who have experienced trauma and complex trauma.Tinker, R., & Wilson S., (1999) Through the eyes of a child: EMDR with children. NY: Norton.] Greenwald, R.,(1999). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in child and adolescent psychotherapy. NY: Norton.] It is often cited as a component in the treatment of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,cite book |author=Scott, Catherine V.; Briere, John |title=Principles of Trauma Therapy : A Guide to Symptoms, Evaluation, and Treatment |publisher=Sage Publications |location=Thousand Oaks |year= 2006 |pages= 312 |isbn=0-7619-2921-5] emotional dysregulation, and in the treatment of children exposed to chronic early maltreatment that is related to Attachment disorder. It is recognised by the UK National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines as a treatment for PTSD.

Full article: EMDR 12 Years after Its Introduction: Past and Future Research Francine Shapiro; Mental Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA Journal of Clinical Psychology, Vol. 58(1), 1-22 (2002) 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Mechanism

There is no definitive explanation as to how EMDR works. There is some empirical support for three explanations regarding how an external stimulus such as eye movement can facilitate the processing of traumatic memories.

The first hypothesis views PTSD as a failure by the individual to process episodic memory;cite book |author=Shapiro, Francine |title=Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Second Edition: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures |publisher=The Guilford Press |location=New York |year= 2001 |pages= 472 |isbn=1572306726 |oclc= |doi=] cite journal |author=Stickgold R |title=EMDR: a putative neurobiological mechanism of action |journal=Journal of clinical psychology |volume=58 |issue=1 |pages=61–75 |year=2002 |pmid=11748597 |doi=10.1002/jclp.1129] the bilateral eye movements involved in EMDR facilitate interaction between the brain's hemispheres, which then improves the processing of trauma-related memories. This hypothesis is supported by a study that tested the effects of eye movement on the ability to retrieve episodic memory. The study found better recall following a horizontal eye movement task compared to that following no eye movement or a vertical eye movement task.cite journal |author=Christman SD, Garvey KJ, Propper RE, Phaneuf KA |title=Bilateral eye movements enhance the retrieval of episodic memories |journal=Neuropsychology |volume=17 |issue=2 |pages=221–9 |year=2003 |pmid=12803427 |doi=10.1037/0894-4105.17.2.221]

A second hypothesis suggests that eye movements facilitate processing of trauma memories by activating a neurobiological state similar to REM sleep wherein associative links to episodic memories are formed and these memories are then integrated into general semantic networks. Stickgold proposed that PTSD occurs when an event is sufficiently arousing to prevent its transfer from encoding from an episodic memory to a semantic memory. As a result of high arousal levels, associations between the traumatic event and other related events fail to develop. He argues that the attentional redirecting in EMDR induces a neurobiological state similar to REM sleep. He then reviews the research that suggests that REM sleep enhances processing of episodic memory through the preferential activation of weak associative and semantic links. Thus in EMDR trauma-related information that is closely associated with a target event is weakened and ancillary information loosely related to the event is strengthened, allowing the integration of trauma-related material with other loosely associated events in the person’s life. Support for this argument comes from a study that found that, compared to eye fixation, eye movement promoted attentional flexibility and increased preparedness to process metaphorical material. [Kuiken, D., et al., Eye movement desensitization reprocessing facilitates attentional orienting. Imagination, Cognition & Personality, 2001. 21(1): p. 3-20.]

A third hypothesis links the eye movements in EMDR with the orienting response. [MacCulloch, M.J. and P. Feldman, Eye Movement Desensitisation Treatment Utilises the Positive Viscereal Element of the Investigatory Reflex to Inhibit the Memories of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: a Theoretical Analysis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 1996. 169(5): p. 571-579.] MacCulloch and Feldman argued that eye movements trigger the investigation component of the orienting response, which can either produce avoidance behaviour or inhibit avoidance responses. Inhibiting avoidance behaviour includes reducing both negative somatic responses and cognitive changes that would allow fresh investigatory behaviour to commence. MacCulloch and Feldman proposed that initially when danger is identified there is a negative affect response. However a second part of the orienting response is to scan for further danger, and this investigatory reflex seems to accompany a positive physical response. In the authors’ opinion, eye movement induces this investigatory reflex and produces a relaxation response. A relaxation response was, in fact, found in a study that investigated the autonomic responses of participants when they were engaged in an eye movement task as part of EMDR treatmentcite journal |author=Wilson DL, Silver SM, Covi WG, Foster S |title=Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: effectiveness and autonomic correlates |journal=Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=219–29 |year=1996 |pmid=8959423 |doi=10.1016/S0005-7916(96)00026-2] and when participants focused on negative memories while engaging in eye movement [23] . However there is not a differential effect of eye movement on a relaxation response when participants focused on positive memories. [Barrowcliff, A.L., et al., Eye-movements reduce the vividness, emotional valence and electrodermal arousal associated with negative autobiographical memories. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 2004. 15(2): p. 325-345.] This supports the hypothesis that eye movements are an orienting response mechanism rather than a simple relaxation mechanism. In addition, recent research that has examined the physiological correlates of eye movements in EMDR has found that a clear orienting response pattern of psycho-physiological de-arousal occurs when eye movements begin, and this de-arousal is characteristic of the physiological changes that occur when an orienting response is elicited. [Sack, M., Lempa, W., Steinmetz, A. Lamprecht, F., Hofmann, A. (in press). Alterations in autonomic tone during trauma exposure using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - results of a preliminary investigation. Journal of Anxiety Disorders (2007), doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2008.01.007]

Further data consistent with the orienting response hypothesis was the finding that EMDR treatment was associated with increased left pre-frontal hemisphere activation.cite journal |author=Lansing K, Amen DG, Hanks C, Rudy L |title=High-resolution brain SPECT imaging and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in police officers with PTSD |journal=The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences |volume=17 |issue=4 |pages=526–32 |year=2005 |pmid=16387993 |doi=10.1176/appi.neuropsych.17.4.526] cite journal |author=Levin P, Lazrove S, van der Kolk B |title=What psychological testing and neuroimaging tell us about the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing |journal=Journal of anxiety disorders |volume=13 |issue=1-2 |pages=159–72 |year=1999 |pmid=10225506 |doi=10.1016/S0887-6185(98)00045-0] Investigatory and approach behavior has been shown to be associated with the anterior left hemisphere regions. [Kinsbourne, M., Evolution of language in relation to lateral action., in Asymmetrical function of the brain., M. Kinsbourne, Editor. 1978, New York Cambridge University Press. p. 553-556.]

Controversy

EMDR has generated a great deal of controversy since its inception. Critics of EMDR argue that the eye movements do not play a central role, that the mechanisms of eye movements are speculative, and that the theory leading to the practice is not falsifiable and amenable to scientific enquiry.Herbert, Lilienfield et al. 'Science and Pseudoscience in the development of eye movement and reprocessing: Implications for Clinical Psychology'. Clinical Psychology Review, Vol.20, No.8, pp945-971, 2000 [http://catenation.com/pub/drexelpsych/papers/herbertscience.pdf] ] Devilly, G.J., & Spence, S.H. (1999). The relative efficacy and treatment distress of EMDR and a cognitive behavioral trauma treatment protocol in the amelioration of post traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 13, 131–157 [http://www.emdr-europe.org/dls/devilly_spence.pdf] ]

Although one meta-analysis concluded that EMDR is not as effective, or as long lasting, as specific exposure therapy, Devilly, G.J. (2002). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: A chronology of its development and scientific standing. Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice, 1, 113-138 [http://www.srmhp.org/0102/eye-movement.html] ] several other researchers using meta-analyses have found EMDR to be at least equivalent in effect size to specific exposure therapies. [Bisson, J. I., Ehlers, A., Matthews, R., Pilling, S., Richards, D., & Turner, S. (2007). Psychological treatments for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(2), 97-104.] [Bradley, R., Greene, J., Russ, E., Dutra, L., & Westen, D. (2005). A Multidimensional Meta-Analysis of Psychotherapy for PTSD. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(2), 214-227.] [Seidler, G. H., & Wagner, F. E. (2006). Comparing the efficacy of EMDR and trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of PTSD: a meta–analytic study Psychological Medicine 36 1515-1522.] [van Etten, M. L., & Taylor, S. (1998). Comparative Efficacy of Treatments for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 5, 126-144.]

Eye movements

An early critical review and metanalysis that looked at the contribution of eye movements to treatment effectiveness in EMDR concluded that eye movements are not necessary to the treatment effect. [ Davidson PR, Parker KC (2001). "Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): a meta-analysis". Journal of consulting and clinical psychology 69 (2): 305-16. ] [ Cahill SP, Carrigan MH, Frueh BC (1999). "Does EMDR work? And if so, why?: a critical review of controlled outcome and dismantling research". Journal of anxiety disorders 13 (1-2): 5-33.] However, recent research has demonstrated that when the eye movement component of EMDR is removed from the method the procedure is less effective. [Lee, C. W., & Drummond, P.D. (in press). Effects of Eye Movement versus Therapist Instructions on the Processing of Distressing Memories, Journal of Anxiety Disorders, (2007)doi:10.1016/J.janxdis.2007.08.007] This finding supports previous research that has demonstrated that EMDR with eye movements is more effective than treatment conditions that do not utilise eye movements in the method, [cite journal | last = Shapiro | first = F. | title = Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization procedure in the treatment of traumtic memories | journal = Journal of Traumatic Stress Studies | volume = 2 | pages = 199–223 | year = 1989 ] [cite journal | last = Boudewyns | first = P.A.| coauthors = Stwertka, S. A., Hyer, L. A., Albrecht, J. W., & Sperr, E. V. | title = Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: A treatment outcome pilot study | journal = The Behavior Therapist | volume = 16 | pages = 30–33 | year = 1993] [cite journal | last = Gosselin | first = P. | last2 = Matthews | first2 = W.J. | title = Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the treatment of test anxiety: A study of the effects of expectancy and eye movement | journal = Journal of Behavior Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry | volume = 26 | issue = 4 | pages = 331–337 | year = 1995 | doi = 10.1016/0005-7916(95)00038-0 ] or instead use a dual attention task such as tapping. [cite journal | last1 = Wilson | first1 = D. | last2 = Silver | first2 = S.M. | last3 = Covi | first3 = W. | last4 = Foster | first4 = S. | title = Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Effectiveness and autonomic correlates | journal = Journal of Behaviour Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, | volume = 27 | pages = 219–229 | year = 1996 | doi = 10.1016/S0005-7916(96)00026-2]

MacCulloch (2006) argued that the eye movements make a unique contribution to EMDR, [ MacCulloch, M. (2006). Effects of EMDR on previously abused child molesters: Theoretical reviews and preliminary findings from Ricci, Clayton, and Shapiro. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 17(4), 531-537.] whereas Salkovskis (2002) reported that the eye movements are irrelevant and that the effectiveness of the procedure is solely due to it sharing similar properties to cognitive behavioral therapies, such as desensitization and exposure. [Salkovskis P (2002). "Review: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is not better than exposure therapies for anxiety or trauma". Evidence-based mental health 5 (1): 13.]

Effect of eye movements on memory, cognitive processes, and physiology

Although the necessity of eye movements in EMDR is still a point of controversy and contentious debate, a separate body of research has examined what effects eye movements have on physiology, memory, and cognition during the process of EMDR. To date the research in this area has demonstrated that eye movements decrease the vividness and/or emotional valence of autobiographical memories, [Citation | last = Andrade | first = J. | last2 = Kavanagh | first2 = D. | last3 = Baddeley | first3 = A. | title = Eye-movements and visual imagery: A working memory approach to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder | journal = Journal of Clinical Psychology | volume = 36 | pages = 209–223 | year = 2001] [Citation | last = Kavanagh | first = D.J. | last2 = Freese | first2 = S. | last3 = Andrade | first3 = J.| last4 = May | first4 = J. | title = Effects of visuospatial tasks on desensitization to emotive memories | journal = British Journal of Clinical Psychology | volume = 40 | issue = 3 | pages = 267–280 | year = 2001 | doi = 10.1348/014466501163689 ] [Citation | last = van den Hout | first = M. | last2 = Muris | first2 = P. | last3 = Salemink | first3 = E. | last4 = Kindt | first4 = M. | title = Autobiographical memories become less vivid and emotional after eye movements | journal = British Journal of Clinical Psychology | volume = 40 | issue = 2 | pages = 121–130 | year = 2001 | doi = 10.1348/014466501163571] they enhance the retrieval of episodic memories, [cite journal | last = Christman | first = S.D. | authorlink = S.D. | coauthors = Garvey, K. J., Propper, R. E., & Phaneuf, K. A. | title = Bilateral eye movements enhance the retrieval of episodic memories | volume = 17 | pages = 221–229 | year = 2003 | doi = 10.1037/0894-4105.17.2.221 | isbn = 0894-4105/03/$12.00 | journal = Neuropsychology] produce a physiological relaxation effect, similar to that which is characteristically seen when an orienting response is elicited, [citation | last = Barrowcliff | first = A.L. | coauthors = Gray, N. S., Freeman, T. C. A., & MacCulloch, M. J. | title = Eye-movements reduce the vividness, emotional valence and electrodermal arousal associated with negative autobiographical memories | journal = Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology | volume = 15 | pages = 325–354 | year = 2004 | doi =10.1080/14789940410001673042] [cite journal | last = Barrowcliff | first = A.L. | coauthors = Gray, N. S., MacCulloch, S., Freeman, T. C. A., & MacCulloch, M. J. | title = Horizontal rhythmical eye-movements consistently diminish the arousal provoked by auditory stimuli| journal = British Journal of Clinical Psychology | volume = 42 | issue = | pages = 289–302 | year = 2003 | doi = 10.1348/01446650360703393] [Sack, M., Lempa, W., Steinmetz, A. Lamprecht, F., Hofmann, A. (in press). Alterations in autonomic tone during trauma exposure using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - results of a preliminary investigation. Journal of Anxiety Disorders (2007), doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2008.01.007] and they have been found to increase cognitive flexibility. [cite journal | last = Kuiken, | first = D., et al. | title = Eye movement desensitization reprocessing facilitates attentional orienting | journal =Imagination, Cognition & Personality | volume = 21 | issue = 1 | pages = 3–20 ,| year = 2001 | doi = 10.2190/L8JX-PGLC-B72R-KD7X] Although a wide range of researchers have proposed various models and theories to explain the effect of eye movements, and the possible role that eye movements may play in the process of EMDR, to date, no single model or theory exists that can explain all of the above mentioned findings. Further research is therefore required in this area.

Similarity to desensitization and exposure treatments

Several papers have highlighted key differences between EMDR and traditional exposure treatments.cite journal |author=Rogers S, Silver SM |title=Is EMDR an exposure therapy? A review of trauma protocols |journal=Journal of clinical psychology |volume=58 |issue=1 |pages=43–59 |year=2002 |pmid=11748596 |doi=10.1002/jclp.1128] [Smyth, N.J. and A.D. Poole, EMDR and cognitive-behavior therapy: Exploring convergence and divergence, in EMDR as an integrative psychotherapy approach: Experts of diverse orientations explore the paradigm prism, F. Shapiro, Editor. 2002, American Psychological Association: Washington, DC. p. 151-180.] A recent study has found key differences in the crucial processes of EMDR and traditional exposure. [Lee, C.W., G. Taylor, and P. Drummond, The active ingredient in EMDR; is it traditional exposure or dual focus of attention? Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 2006. 13: p. 97-107.] Unlike traditional exposure where reliving responses in the treatment session was found to be associated with post session improvement,cite journal |author=Jaycox LH, Foa EB, Morral AR |title=Influence of emotional engagement and habituation on exposure therapy for PTSD |journal=Journal of consulting and clinical psychology |volume=66 |issue=1 |pages=185–92 |year=1998 |pmid=9489273 |doi=10.1037/0022-006X.66.1.185] reliving responses were not associated with any improvement in EMDR. [Lee, C.W., G. Taylor, and P. Drummond, The active ingredient in EMDR; is it traditional exposure or dual focus of attention? Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 2006. 13: p. 97-107.] Instead, greater improvement in PTSD symptoms was found to be associated with distancing responsesClarifyme|plse define 'distancing repsonse' or explain briefly maybe in parentheses - what is this?|date=April 2008 given in session.

See also

*Post-traumatic stress disorder
*Rapid eye movements
*Saccades
*Complex post-traumatic stress disorder
*Emotional dysregulation
*Attachment disorder
*Anxiety disorder

References

Notes

Bibliography

* "EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma . NY: Basic Book, 1997. ISBN 0-465-04301-1
*"EMDR as an Integrative Psychotherapy Approach: Experts of Diverise Orientations Explore the Paradigm Prism". American Psychological Associations Book, 2002. ISBN 1-55798-922-2
*"EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization of Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols and Procedures". NY: Guilford Press, 2001. ISBN 1-57230-672-6

External links

* [http://www.emdria.org/ EMDR International Association(EMDRIA)]
* [http://www.emdr-europe.org EMDR European Association, Inc.]
* [http://www.nice.org.uk/ National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence UK]
* [http://www.emdrs.org.uk/ EMDR Scotland]
* [http://www.srmhp.org/archives/emdr.html The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice ]
* [http://theness.com/articles.asp?id=68 Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR): Science or Pseudoscience?] - By Bunmi O. Olatunji
* [http://www.fsu.edu/~trauma/a1v5i4.htm Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: A Review of the Efficacy of EMDR in the Treatment of PTSD] - Lakehead University, Canadian Psychology Department
* [http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/emdr.html EMDR Treatment: Less Than Meets the Eye? Scott O. Lilienfeld, Ph.D.] Article was originally published the Jan/Feb 1996 issue of the Skeptical Inquirer.