EMDR treatment of deviant arousal in exhibitionistic disorder: Preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial
Description
Background and aims
The desensitization of positive images is a relatively new implementation within the field of EMDR treatment. Mainly from clinical practice, there are indications that EMDR can reduce excessive needs for alcohol, gambling, shopping, sex or food. The positive feelings that are connected to the problematic behavior decrease and make it easier to control unwanted impulses. A prominent predictor of recidivism among persons with sexual offence histories, is deviant sexual arousal. Exhibitionists, for instance, often describe a strong urge that they can hardly resist. This study examines whether EMDR can reduce deviant sexual arousal in persons with exhibitionistic disorder.
Methods
Before regular treatment, 29 participants were randomly allocated to either an experimental EMDR treatment condition or a control condition offering cognitive behavioural therapy. Physiological measurements, questionnaires, and subjective ratings regarding deviant arousal were gathered prior to treatment, after completion, and again after a two-month follow-up.
Results
The preliminary results show a trend towards effectiveness of both treatments. EMDR treatment may be superior in reducing attractiveness of the deviant stimuli and increasing negative feelings.
Conclusions
This study raises the understanding of EMDR in forensic populations. Further development may help to prevent new sexual offences.
*** Abstract topic
Deviant sexual arousal, Exhibitionistic disorder, RCT
The desensitization of positive images is a relatively new implementation within the field of EMDR treatment. Mainly from clinical practice, there are indications that EMDR can reduce excessive needs for alcohol, gambling, shopping, sex or food. The positive feelings that are connected to the problematic behavior decrease and make it easier to control unwanted impulses. A prominent predictor of recidivism among persons with sexual offence histories, is deviant sexual arousal. Exhibitionists, for instance, often describe a strong urge that they can hardly resist. This study examines whether EMDR can reduce deviant sexual arousal in persons with exhibitionistic disorder.
Methods
Before regular treatment, 29 participants were randomly allocated to either an experimental EMDR treatment condition or a control condition offering cognitive behavioural therapy. Physiological measurements, questionnaires, and subjective ratings regarding deviant arousal were gathered prior to treatment, after completion, and again after a two-month follow-up.
Results
The preliminary results show a trend towards effectiveness of both treatments. EMDR treatment may be superior in reducing attractiveness of the deviant stimuli and increasing negative feelings.
Conclusions
This study raises the understanding of EMDR in forensic populations. Further development may help to prevent new sexual offences.
*** Abstract topic
Deviant sexual arousal, Exhibitionistic disorder, RCT
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Silhan, D., Merg-Essadi, D., Revert, M., Pavan, D., & Bacqué, M.-F. (2023, June). EMDR treatment of deviant arousal in exhibitionistic disorder: Preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial. Presentation at the EMDR Europe Conference, Bologna, Italy
Citation
“EMDR treatment of deviant arousal in exhibitionistic disorder: Preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 2, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/28224.