Covid-19 and eating disorders: The role of EMDR therapy

EMDR therapy can actively address the characteristics underlying Eating Disorders (EDs) such as Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), and Binge Eating Disorders (BED), leading to a significant improvement in the symptoms associated with these disorders, as well as positive effects on body image and self-esteem in the short and long term. The COVID‐19 pandemic and its related sanitary measures of restriction, the fear of contagion and of the death of family members increase vulnerability, has created huge uncertainty and increases the general level of stress. Pre‐existing psychopathological features might increase the vulnerability to the emotional consequences of the pandemic. People affected by EDs report a reduced tolerance towards uncertainty and the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them particularly on this issue.

In this communication we will see how EMDR therapy (also online) with EDs can follow the EMDR therapy protocol for the management of dysfunctional eating behaviors. Particular attention is given to the current triggers linked to the pandemic situation of COVID-19 which can be configured as triggering or precipitating factors. Particular emphasis is placed on the resource installation protocol and the integration work with the parts as valid tools to help manage the difficulties of the present.

Conference

English

Maria Zaccagnino

Zaccagnino, M. (2021, June). Covid-19 and eating disorders: The role of EMDR therapy. Invited symposium at the 20th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Virtual