EMDR Flashcards
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
One of the most effective treatments, despite skepticism at first
Works by recalling memories while letting the patient focus on eye movement (follow light/fingers)
The memory is rated in terms of emotionality and vividness
By overloading the working memory due to the multitask the vividness desentisises, and is stored in long-term
Expected mechanism behind EMDR
Many thought it strengthens the interhemispheric communication (between the two halves of the brain)
Theory lost its logic bc it should have same effect with horizontal movement, which is not the case. The communication between the hemisphere is less while the treatment still works
Evidence for the working memory thoery
Both vertical/horizontal crowd the working memory, support that both work
WM is taxed by eyemovement, increasing reaction time from 600ms to 700 ms
People with lower WM show greater effect of EMDR
Positive memories lose their vividness as well
Overtaxing has little to no effect (inverted U shape, too much defeats the purpose. Slightly complex task works best
tOther alterations for EMDR
Adjusting flash-forwards: little support but more research needed for long-term effects
Other bilateral stimulation like beeps; 1/3 of effect of eyemovement, doesn’t crowd WM. However, reported as more comfortable by participants, which is confused w effectiveness
Mindful breathing; To help with depression, also loads WM so can alter the vividness
PTSD treatment
No proven psychotherapy that stops PTSD
Treatment consists of EMDR and trauma focused CBT (TF-CBT).
For those who don’t benefit enough, writing therapy is added.
Online writing therapy for those who want anonimity or remote treatment.
