Mechanisms of Action Archives

Changes in the Regional Cerebral Perfusion After Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: A SPECT Study of Two Cases (Journal of EMDR Practice and Research)

EMDR has emerged as a promising new treatment for trauma and other anxiety-based disorders. However, the neurobiological mechanism of EMDR has not been well understood.

Eye movement during recall reduces objective memory performance: An extended replication (Behaviour Research and Therapy)

Together, the findings suggest that the eye movement manipulation renders stimulus attributes less accessible for future recall.

Effects of bilateral eye movements on gist based false recognition in the DRM paradigm (Brain and Cognition)

The effects of saccadic bilateral (horizontal) eye movements on gist based false recognition was investigated.

Efficacy and mechanisms of action of EMDR as a treatment for PTSD (Murdoch University)

This article reviewed successful treatment approaches for PTSD and discusses the underlying processes of EMDR, one of the successful treatment approaches.

The active ingredient in EMDR: Is it traditional exposure or dual focus of attention? (Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy)

Is EMDR similar to traditional exposure treatments (reliving), or more consistent with distancing (dual process of attention)?

Increased interhemispheric interaction is associated with earlier offset of childhood amnesia (Neuropsychology)

Results of two experiments build upon a growing body of research indicating an interhemispheric basis for the retrieval of episodic memories.

High-resolution brain SPECT imaging and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in police officers with PTSD (The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience)

Effectiveness and physiological effects of EMDR in police officers with PTSD using SPECT imaging before and after treatment.

Event-related potentials and EMDR treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (Neuroscience Research)

Ten patients suffering from PTSD following a severe traumatic event, were assessed with event-related brain potentials (ERPs).

Memory reconsolidation and extinction have distinct temporal and biochemical signatures (Journal of Neuroscience)

Studies demonstrate dynamic nature of memory processing & represent a step toward molecular dissection of underlying mechanisms.

Eye-movements reduce the vividness, emotional valence and electrodermal arousal associated with negative autobiographical memories (Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology)

The effect of eye-movements on subjective & psychophysiological measures of arousal & distress associated with autobiographical memories.

Bilateral eye movements enhance the retrieval of episodic memories (Neuropsychology)

Thirty seconds of horizontal saccadic eye movements preceding testing resulted in selective enhancement of episodic memory retrieval.

Is EMDR an exposure therapy? A review of trauma protocols (Journal of Clinical Psychology)

Possible reasons for the effectiveness of EMDR are discussed, including the nonexposure mechanisms utilized in information processing models.

Mechanisms of Action

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