A stepped-care approach: EMDR for panic disorder

Theoretical background: Panic disorder is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses among the general population. However, many patients do not benefit from treatment as usual. Therefore, the present pilot study addresses whether Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) could be a second-step approach for patients not responding to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim is to provide new insights for future research on alternative care options for panic disorder. It is hypothesized that patients not responding to CBT benefit from EMDR. Further, it is proposed that panic disorder patients, who do not respond to CBT display increased prospective mental imagery relating to the content of a panic disorder. Lastly, it is suggested that patients with increased imagery benefit less from CBT techniques. Method: Applying a multiple-case design, a sample of five participants between the age of 28 and 74 years was administered EMDR therapy after non-response to CBT. Self-report questionnaires were used to measure mental imagery, panic symptoms, and general psychopathology over time. Results: Data analysis revealed contradicting findings regarding the benefit of EMDR treatment as a second-step intervention. There was increased mental imagery relating to the content of panic disorder. Participants with increased prospective imagery did not necessarily benefit less from CBT. Discussion: The present study provides practical implications for future research and highlights the need for further investigation of EMDR as a second-step intervention for panic disorder.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

J. C. Schäfer

Schäfer, J. C. (2021). A stepped-care approach: EMDR for panic disorder. (Masters thesis, University of Utrecht)