Assessment of Psychophysiological Stress Reactions During a Traumatic Reminder in Patients Treated With EMDR

This study investigates changes of stress-related psychophysiological reactions after treatment with EMDR. Sixteen patients with PTSD following type I trauma underwent psychometric and psychophysiological assessment during exposure to script-driven imagery before and after EMDR and at 6-month follow-up.

Article Abstract

“This study investigates changes of stress-related psychophysiological reactions after treatment with EMDR. Sixteen patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following type I trauma underwent psychometric and psychophysiological assessment during exposure to script-driven imagery before and after EMDR and at 6-month follow-up. Psychophysiological assessment included heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) during a neutral task and during trauma script listening. PTSD symptoms as assessed by questionnaire decreased significantly after treatment and during follow-up in comparison to pretreatment. After EMDR, stress-related HR reactions during trauma script were significantly reduced, while HRV indicating parasympathetic tone increased both during neutral script and during trauma script. These results were maintained during the follow-up assessment. Successful EMDR treatment may be associated with reduced psychophysiological stress reactions and heightened parasympathetic tone.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Sack, M., Lempa, W., & Lamprecht, F. (2007). Assessment of Psychophysiological Stress Reactions During a Traumatic Reminder in Patients Treated With EMDR. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 1(1): 15-23. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.1.1.15

About the Journal

Journal of EMDR Practice and Research (JEMDR) is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about EMDR therapy. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR therapy and its application to clinical practice. JEMDR is the official publication of the EMDR International Association.