EMDR protocol for PTSD in patients affected by multiple sclerosisSummary sheet:  EMDR protocol for PTSD in patients affected by multiple sclerosis (Luber)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease of the central nervous system that affects both the brain and the spinal cord by destroying the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. MS is characterized by significant motor impairment and additional long-term impairment of cognitive functioning. This chapter describes the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy approach applied to the treatment of posttraumatic reactions related to MS. It briefs the emotional burden of MS and specific disease-related problems, followed by the main results of research in psychosocial treatments. The chapter explores the clinical features of traumatic reactions related to the disease. The EMDR protocol aims to support patients in their difficult tasks of coping with the following: the illness, fears connected to its future progression, and the difficult choices managing the stage of the disease characterized by the significant worsening of symptoms, often resulting in the total loss of autonomy and the ability to communicate normally with the external world.

Book Section

English

Ostacoli, L., Bertino, G., Negro, M., Carletto, S., & Luber, M. (2019). EMDR protocol for PTSD in patients affected by multiple sclerosis. In M. Luber (Ed.), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Scripted Protocols and Summary Sheets: Treating Trauma in Somatic and Medical-Related Conditions (pp. 291-348). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Co