The effect of EMDR on pathological personality traits: An initial case series

There is little published data regarding the effect of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) on personality disorders and pathological personality traits. A PTSD clinic has been developed at Fremantle Hospital in Western Australia since May 2009. All patients referred are initially assessed using the MINI–plus for DSM IV axis I diagnoses, the PTSD Checklist, and the SCID 2 for personality traits/disorders. These assessments are carried out again post treatment. All patients accepted for treatment have PTSD according to DSM IV criteria but most have comorbid axis I diagnoses and often marked pathological personality traits or personality disorders. The primary psychological treatment for PTSD offered at the clinic is EMDR. In this presentation, data will be presented regarding an initial series of cases treated for PTSD at the clinic using EMDR with an emphasis on changes in their SCID 2 scores post-treatment and how this relates to changes in PTSD scores. The theoretical and practical implications of the data will be discussed in the context of the existing literature as well as transcultural considerations and future research directions outlined.

Conference

English

Jonathan Laugharne

Laugharne, J. (2010, July). The effect of EMDR on pathological personality traits: An initial case series. Presentation at the 1st EMDR Asia Conference, Bali, Indonesia