1
|
Driessen HP, Morsink S, Busschbach JJ, Hoogendijk WJ, Kranenburg LW. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in the medical setting: a systematic review. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2341577. [PMID: 38747113 PMCID: PMC11097707 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2341577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Literature points towards the potential benefits of the application of Eye Movement and Desensitization Processing (EMDR)-therapy for patients in the medical setting, with cancer and pain being among the domains it is applied to. The field of applying EMDR-therapy for patients treated in the medical setting has evolved to such an extent that it may be challenging to get a comprehensive overview.Objective: This systematic literature review aims to evaluate the use and effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in patients treated in the medical setting.Methods: We performed a literature search following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if the effectiveness of EMDR-therapy was assessed in adult patients treated in a medical setting. Excluded were patients exclusively suffering from a mental health disorder, without somatic comorbidity. A risk of bias analysis was performed. This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022325238).Results: Eighty-seven studies, of which 26 (pilot)-RCTs were included and categorized in 14 medical domains. Additionally, three studies focusing on persistent physical complaints were included. Most evidence exists for its application in the fields of oncology, pain, and neurology. The overall appraisal of these studies showed at least moderate to high risks of bias. EMDR demonstrated effectiveness in reducing symptoms in 85 out of 87 studies. Notably, the occurrence of adverse events was rarely mentioned.Conclusions: Overall, outcomes seem to show beneficial effects of EMDR on reducing psychological and physical symptoms in patients treated in a medical setting. Due to the heterogeneity of reported outcomes, effect sizes could not be pooled. Due to the high risk of bias of the included studies, our results should be interpreted with caution and further controlled high-quality research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen P.A. Driessen
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sid Morsink
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J.V. Busschbach
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Witte J.G. Hoogendijk
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Leonieke W. Kranenburg
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vock S, Delker A, Rinderknecht J, Engel F, Wieland S, Beiner E, Friederich HC, Jarero IN, Seidler GH, Tesarz J. Group eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in chronic pain patients. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1264807. [PMID: 38455119 PMCID: PMC10919217 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1264807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of chronic pain is increasing, and conventional pain therapies often have limited efficacy in individuals with high levels of psychological distress and a history of trauma. In this context, the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based psychotherapy approach for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder, is becoming increasingly important. EMDR shows promising results, particularly for patients with pain and high levels of emotional distress. Although group therapy is becoming increasingly popular in pain management, EMDR has mainly been studied as an individual treatment. However, a systematic review suggests that group therapy can be an effective tool for improving mental health outcomes, especially when trauma is addressed together. Based on these findings, an outpatient EMDR group program was developed for patients with chronic pain. The program consists of a total of four treatment days with 5-5.5 h therapy sessions each day and provides patients with a supportive environment in which they can learn effective pain management strategies and interact with other patients with similar experiences. Initial pilot evaluations indicate high efficacy and adequate safety for patients with chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Vock
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Delker
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Janna Rinderknecht
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Engel
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wieland
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Beiner
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Jonas Tesarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Scelles C, Bulnes LC. EMDR as Treatment Option for Conditions Other Than PTSD: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:644369. [PMID: 34616328 PMCID: PMC8488430 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.644369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The technique is known to facilitate reprocessing of maladaptive memories that are thought to be central to this pathology. Here we investigate if EMDR therapy can be used in other conditions. We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. We searched for published empirical findings on EMDR, excluding those centred on trauma and PTSD, published up to 2020. The results were classified by psychiatric categories. Ninety articles met our research criteria. A positive effect was reported in numerous pathological situations, namely in addictions, somatoform disorders, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, disorders of adult personality, mood disorders, reaction to severe stress, anxiety disorders, performance anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), pain, neurodegenerative disorders, mental disorders of childhood and adolescence, and sleep. Some studies reported that EMDR was successful in usually uncooperative (e.g., Dementia) or unproductive cases (e.g., aphasia). Moreover, in some severe medical conditions, when psychological distress was an obstacle, EMDR allowed the continuation of treatment-as-usual. Furthermore, the effects observed in non-pathological situations invite for translational research. Despite a generally positive outlook of EMDR as an alternative treatment option, more methodologically rigorous studies are needed. We discuss the advantages and limitations and possible implications for the hypothesised mechanisms of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Scelles
- Adult Psychiatry Department, Université Catholique de Louvain – Saint Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
- La Métairie Clinic, Nyon, Switzerland
- Adult Psychiatry Department, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Luis Carlo Bulnes
- Brain, Body and Cognition Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Matthijssen SJMA, Lee CW, de Roos C, Barron IG, Jarero I, Shapiro E, Hurley EC, Schubert SJ, Baptist J, Amann BL, Moreno-Alcázar A, Tesarz J, de Jongh A. The Current Status of EMDR Therapy, Specific Target Areas, and Goals for the Future. JOURNAL OF EMDR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1891/emdr-d-20-00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
While eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is considered an evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults, there are differences as to how various international treatment guidelines judge the strength of this evidence base. Furthermore, in areas other than adult PTSD, major guidelines differ even more as to the strength of the evidence base and when to use EMDR. In 2019, the Council of Scholars: The Future of EMDR Therapy Project was initiated. Several working groups were established, with one assigned to the focus area of research. This article is a product of that working group. Firstly the group concluded that there were five areas where there was some base that EMDR was effective, but more data were needed to increase the likelihood that it would be considered in future international treatment guidelines. These areas were PTSD in children and adolescents, early EMDR interventions, combat PTSD, unipolar depression, and chronic pain. In addition, research into cost-effectiveness of EMDR therapy was identified as one of the priorities. A hierarchical system was used for classifying and rating evidence in the focus areas. After assessing the 120 outcome studies pertaining to the focus areas, we conclude that for two of the areas (i.e., PTSD in children and adolescents and EMDR early interventions research) the strength of the evidence is rated at the highest level, whereas the other areas obtain the second highest level. Some general recommendations for improving the quality of future research on the effectiveness of EMDR therapy are formulated.
Collapse
|
5
|
Tesarz J, Wicking M, Bernardy K, Seidler GH. EMDR Therapy's Efficacy in the Treatment of Pain. JOURNAL OF EMDR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is the most common global cause of functional and quality of life limitations. Although there are many effective therapies for the treatment of acute pain, chronic pain is often unsatisfactory. Against this background, there is currently an urgent need to develop innovative therapies that enable more efficient pain relief. Psychosocial factors play an important role in the development and persistence of chronic pain. Especially in patients with high levels of emotional stress, significant anxiety, or relevant psychological comorbidity, classical pain therapy approaches often fail. This is in line with the results of recent pain research, which has shown that dysfunctions in emotion processing have a significant influence on the persistence of pain symptoms. The recognition that pain can become chronic through maladaptive emotional processing forms the pathophysiological basis for the application of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of chronic pain. In this sense, EMDR can be used as an established method for desensitizing and processing of emotional distress from trauma therapy specifically for processing emotional stress in patients with chronic pain. Against this background, it is not surprising that the implementation of EMDR for patients with chronic pain is expanding. However, the increasing clinical use of EMDR in the treatment of chronic pain has also led to a reputation to test the efficacy of EMDR in pain management through randomized clinical trials. In addition to numerous case control studies, there are now also six randomized controlled clinical trials available that demonstrate the efficacy and safety of EMDR in the treatment of different pain conditions. However, in order to overcome several methodological limitations, large multicenter studies are needed to confirm the results.
Collapse
|
6
|
Tassorelli C, Tramontano M, Berlangieri M, Schweiger V, D'Ippolito M, Palmerini V, Bonazza S, Rosa R, Cerbo R, Buzzi MG. Assessing and treating primary headaches and cranio-facial pain in patients undergoing rehabilitation for neurological diseases. J Headache Pain 2017; 18:99. [PMID: 28963668 PMCID: PMC5622014 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-017-0809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is a very common condition in patient undergoing rehabilitation for neurological disease; however the presence of primary headaches and other cranio-facial pains, particularly when they are actually or apparently independent from the disability for which patient is undergoing rehabilitation, is often neglected. Diagnostic and therapeutic international and national guidelines, as well as tools for the subjective measure of head pain are available and should also be applied in the neurorehabilitation setting. This calls for searching the presence of head pain, independently from the rehabilitation needs, since pain, either episodic or chronic, interferes with patient performance by affecting physical and emotional status. Pain may also interfere with sleep and therefore hamper recovery. METHODS In our role of task force of the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation (ICCPN), we have elaborated specific recommendations for diagnosing and treating head pains in patients undergoing rehabilitation for neurological diseases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION In this narrative review, we describe the available literature that has been evaluated in order to define the recommendations and outline the needs of epidemiological studies concerning headache and other cranio-facial pain in neurorehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Tassorelli
- IRCCS National Neurological Institute "C. Mondino", Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Tramontano
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina, 306 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Berlangieri
- IRCCS National Neurological Institute "C. Mondino", Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Mariagrazia D'Ippolito
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina, 306 00179, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Bonazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rosa
- Clinical Medicine - Headache Center, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Cerbo
- Pain Therapy Hub, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Maroufi M, Zamani S, Izadikhah Z, Marofi M, O'Connor P. Investigating the effect of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) on postoperative pain intensity in adolescents undergoing surgery: a randomized controlled trial. J Adv Nurs 2016; 72:2207-17. [PMID: 27134066 DOI: 10.1111/jan.12985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for postoperative pain management in adolescents. BACKGROUND Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an inexpensive, non-pharmacological intervention that has successfully been used to treat chronic pain. It holds promise in the treatment of acute, postsurgical pain based on its purported effects on the brain and nervous system. DESIGN A randomized controlled trial was used. METHODS Fifty-six adolescent surgical patients aged between 12-18 years were allocated to gender-balanced Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (treatment) or non-Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (control) groups. Pain was measured using the Wong-Baker FACES(®) Pain Rating Scale (WBFS) before and after the intervention (or non-intervention for the control group). FINDINGS A Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated that the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing group experienced a significant reduction in pain intensity after treatment intervention, whereas the control group did not. Additionally, a Mann-Whitney U-test showed that, while there was no significant difference between the two groups at time 1, there was a significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups at time 2, with the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing group experiencing lower levels of pain. CONCLUSION These results suggest that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing may be an effective treatment modality for postoperative pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Maroufi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Shahla Zamani
- School of Psychology, Islamic Azad University of Shahrekord, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Izadikhah
- School of Psychology and Counselling, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maryam Marofi
- Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Peter O'Connor
- The School of Management, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Faretta E, Borsato T, Civilotti C, Fernandez I, Pagani M. EMDR and CBT: A Comparative Clinical Study With Oncological Patients. JOURNAL OF EMDR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.10.3.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Research in clinical psycho-oncology is becoming an area of key importance in investigating the effects of the interventions of support and/or psychotherapy with patients. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) approach compared to a non–trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention. There were 11 male and 46 female participants, with mixed cancer diagnoses. Thirty-one subjects received EMDR therapy, and 26 received CBT for 12 sessions of 60 minutes each. The Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), COPE inventory, and Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) were administered at three different times (T0, before intervention; T1, after the sixth session; and T2, after the 12th session); the Karnofsky Performance Status was administered at T0 only. In the EMDR group, a significant improvement was reported for the following 11 of the 17 dependent variables: COPE subscales, Avoidance Strategies and Positive Attitude; all three DTS subscales, Intrusion, Avoidance, and Hyperarousal; and 6 SCL-90-R subscales. In the CBT group, a significant improvement was reported for the following 4 of the 17 dependent variables: COPE subscales Positive Attitude and Transcendent Orientation; two DTS subscales, Intrusion, and Avoidance, with no improvement on any of the SCL-90-R subscales. This innovative study shows the value of trauma-focused treatment for patients with cancer and allows important preliminary suggestions on the usefulness of applying EMDR therapy in an oncological setting, although further research in this context is still needed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Tefft AJ, Jordan IO. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing as Treatment for Chronic Pain Syndromes: A Literature Review. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2016; 22:192-214. [PMID: 27048429 DOI: 10.1177/1078390316642519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is public health problem in the United States, costing upwards of $560 to $635 billion annually. Guidelines consistently recommend psychological treatment for chronic pain. Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy may provide an alternate approach to treating chronic pain. OBJECTIVE Review of literature to evaluate the effectiveness of EMDR in the treatment of chronic pain. METHOD A literature search of seven databases was conducted to find relevant studies addressing the use of EMDR for chronic pain. RESULTS Most studies reported improvement in pain and psychological indices with EMDR. CONCLUSIONS Because most literature reported case studies, the results have limited generalizability. However, for clients who suffer from chronic pain, EMDR is a reasonable treatment alternative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela J Tefft
- 1 Angela J. Tefft, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, Kitsap Mental Health Services, Bremerton, WA, USA
| | - Irma O Jordan
- 2 Irma O. Jordan, DNP, APRN, FNP/PMHNP-BC, FAANP, Frontier Nursing University, Arlington, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tesarz J, Leisner S, Gerhardt A, Janke S, Seidler GH, Eich W, Hartmann M. Effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in chronic pain patients: a systematic review. PAIN MEDICINE 2013; 15:247-63. [PMID: 24308821 DOI: 10.1111/pme.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study systematically reviewed the evidence regarding the effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating chronic pain. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS We screened MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHAL Plus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, the Francine Shapiro Library, and citations of original studies and reviews. All studies using EMDR for treating chronic pain were eligible for inclusion in the present study. The main outcomes were pain intensity, disability, and negative mood (depression and anxiety). The effects were described as standardized mean differences. RESULTS Two controlled trials with a total of 80 subjects and 10 observational studies with 116 subjects met the inclusion criteria. All of these studies assessed pain intensity. In addition, five studies measured disability, eight studies depression, and five studies anxiety. Controlled trials demonstrated significant improvements in pain intensity with high effect sizes (Hedges' g: -6.87 [95% confidence interval (CI95 ): -8.51, -5.23] and -1.12 [CI95 : -1.82, -0.42]). The pretreatment/posttreatment effect size calculations of the observational studies revealed that the effect sizes varied considerably, ranging from Hedges' g values of -0.24 (CI95 : -0.88, 0.40) to -5.86 (CI95 : -10.12, -1.60) for reductions in pain intensity, -0.34 (CI95 : -1.27, 0.59) to -3.69 (CI95 : -24.66, 17.28) for improvements in disability, -0.57 (CI95 : -1.47, 0.32) to -1.47 (CI95 : -3.18, 0.25) for improvements in depressive symptoms, and -0.59 (CI95 : -1.05, 0.13) to -1.10 (CI95 : -2.68, 0.48) for anxiety. Follow-up assessments showed maintained improvements. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Although the results of our study suggest that EMDR may be a safe and promising treatment option in chronic pain conditions, the small number of high-quality studies leads to insufficient evidence for definite treatment recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Tesarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Medical Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|