Employing eye movement, desensitization/reorientation (EMDR) to treat posttraumatic stress disorder: A case study

The author presents a case study of a 42- year-old white female, the victim of multiple sexual traumas resulting in PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization/Reorientation (EMDR), a relatively new technique, is employed within the broader context of talk therapy to effect change. EMDR's therapeutic effectiveness is evaluated on a trauma-by-trauma basis through Subjective Units of Distress (SUD), pre- and post-treatment. The maintenance of sustained effected change in SUD ratings is monitored over time on a monthly basis throughout psychotherapy's duration. The patient's changes in overall level of functioning resulting from EMDR and talk therapy are evaluated through changes in MMPI and Rorschach scores. Patient progress is monitored three times through the assessment combination of these two measures: pre-, mid-, and post-treatment. This study addresses the following questions: Is Eye Movement Desensitization/Reorientation an effective technique in decreasing or eliminating symptomatology and psychopathology resulting from PTSD; and are any therapeutic benefits from its use maintained over a period of at least one year? Finally, what changes in the patient's overall level of functioning result from the combination of EMDR and talk therapy?The review of literature presents four models of PTSD: (a) the information processing model, (b) the psychological model, (c) the structural-developmental model (Fluid character pathology), and (d) the structural-developmental model (Dysregulation of impulse). These models offer a basis for conceptualizing PTSD as well as present the typical features of this pathology. The current diagnostic criteria for diagnosis as presented in DSM-IV also are included. Finally, a comprehensive review of the current literature available on Eye Movement Desensitization is presented. Results from the employ of EMDR evidence substantial reduction of PTSD symptomatology for all traumas treated. The reduction of symptomatology sustained for as long as 26 months. A summary of the case, findings, discussion of relevant information along with recommendations completes this work.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

John A. D'Anca

D'Anca, J. A. (1997, February). Employing eye movement, desensitization/reorientation (EMDR) to treat posttraumatic stress disorder: A case study. (Doctoral disseration, University of Chicago)