Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: Part 3 – applications in physical health conditions

This article reviews other research and discusses the application of EMDR beyond PTSD with physical health conditions.

Article Abstract

“Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychological therapy that addresses trauma, stress and emotional distress. It has been successfully used in the management of various psychiatric disorders. This article shows that it may also be safely used to manage the psychological distress arising from a variety of physical health conditions and in so doing, reduce the illness burden from conditions such as various cancers, traumatic childbirth, tokophobia, pre-eclampsia, myocardial infarction, haemodialysis in end-stage renal disease, and acute postoperative pain. It can be a stand-alone treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum and tinnitus. The article examines the rationale and evidence for its use in these conditions and suggests areas where more research is needed. Adding EMDR therapy to the range of available interventions in general hospitals has the potential to improve the health and well-being of patients in these settings.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Udo, I., Javinsky, T-R., & McDaniel, C. (2023). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Part 3 – applications in physical health conditions. BJPsych Advances, Online, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1192/bja.2023.32

About the Journal

“BJPsych Advances distills current clinical knowledge into a single resource, written and peer-reviewed by expert clinicians to meet the CPD needs of consultant psychiatrists.”

—Description from publisher