Several studies have shown that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is incredibly effective for people suffering from PTSD, with some showing a success rate of up to 77%. More than thirty studies have been conducted that have demonstrated a positive result. Some studies showed that 84-90% of single-event trauma victims no longer had symptoms of PTSD after three ninety-minute sessions of EMDR. Another study showed 100% success rate for single event trauma victims Another study showed success with 77% of multiple trauma victims after six fifty minute sessions.
EMDR is a relatively new integrative psychotherapy. It is an evidence-based practice that has been shown to have an 80 percent success rate with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR stimulates our brain's natural ability to process life events so that we can let go of emotional distress related to our past. Contrary to popular belief, war is not the only cause of PTSD.
Current and ex-combatants investigated at a Veterans Affairs center showed 78% reduction in PTSD symptoms after 12 sessions of EMDR. According to EMDR Institute, Inc., it is also clear that the benefits of EMDR therapy and its success in the short and long term depend on the completion of a course of treatment. While there is no established equation to establish its success rate, extensive research indicates that EMDR is quite successful in treating different mental disorders. EMDR yielded significantly lower scores on the event impact scale (mean reduced from “moderate” to “subclinical”) and a significantly lower increase in STAI after memory recovery.
Evidence of decreased heart rate and skin conductance responses in patients with PTSD after a single session of EMDR. For example, Brown, McGoldrick, and Buchanan (1999) found successful remission in five of the seven consecutive cases of body dysmorphic disorders after 1-3 sessions of EMDR therapy that processed etiological memory. EMDR therapy includes a set of standardized protocols that incorporate elements of many different treatment approaches and has alleviated psychological trauma for millions of people of all ages. Since EMDR therapy can be administered on consecutive days, successful treatment can be achieved in a matter of weeks, rather than months, which can reduce time confusion and provide efficient and cost-effective research opportunities.
Survivors' narratives indicate that EMDR results in greater resolution of trauma, while within eclectic therapy, survivors value more their relationship with their therapist, through which they learn effective coping strategies. Data reported on a representative sample of 1500 earthquake victims indicated that five sessions of EMDR successfully eliminated PTSD in 92.7% of those treated, with a reduction in symptoms in the rest of the participants. However, people who contribute to the experience may play an important role in some symptoms, and there are anecdotal reports of people with these disorders being successfully treated with EMDR therapy for traumatic event related distress. She proposes that EMDR therapy successfully alleviate mental disorders by processing components of distressing memory.
EMDR therapy is a complex therapeutic approach that integrates elements of many traditional psychological orientations and combines them into structured protocols. After successful treatment with EMDR, affective suffering is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated and physiological arousal is reduced. Rigorous longitudinal studies to assess the usefulness of EMDR therapy for preventive care would provide the medical community with an important opportunity to determine whether processing memories of adverse experiences can ameliorate these detrimental effects. This area moderates the experience of real versus perceived threat, indicating that after EMDR, patients with PTSD may stop being hypervigilant.
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