Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and mediative behavioral therapy for the treatment of suffocation related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A case report

This case study describes the positive effects of EMDR, an evidence-based form of trauma therapy, on PTSD symptoms in a 48-year-old female, suffering from advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Article Abstract

“Objective: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an established treatment for post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Some patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience PTSD following choking or suffocation in the course of progressive loss of the ability to breathe. Although a loss of breathing functions in ALS is relatively common, there are currently no studies available on treatment for the fear of choking following advanced ALS.

Methods: In this case study, we describe the positive effects of EMDR, an evidence-based form of trauma therapy, in a 48-year-old female, suffering from advanced ALS. As the consequence of ALS, she was not able to speak or breath independently, but could communicate through a speech-generating device. She experienced panic attacks, flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety after her tracheostomy jammed, and she almost suffocated.
Results: Mediative treatment was started by instructing the care staff to respond neutrally with step-by-step instructions following tracheostomy jam, resulting in significantly less panic attacks and flashbacks. EMDR was initiated two weeks later, and resulted in full remittance of the trauma symptomatology.
Significance of the results: The present case study suggests that symptoms of PTSD, namely the strong fear of suffocation, can be successfully treated by means of mediative behavioral therapy combined with EMDR.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Oudman, E., & Baert, J. C. M. (2022). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and mediative behavioral therapy for the treatment of suffocation related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A case report. Palliative and Supportive Care, 21(1), 181-183. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951522000542

 

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Date
May 11, 2022

Creator(s)
Erik Oudman, Jill C.M. Baert

Topics
Anxiety/Panic/Phobias, Medical/Somatic, PTSD

Extent
3 pages

Publisher
Cambridge University Press

Rights
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press.

APA Citation
Oudman, E., & Baert, J. C. M. (2022). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and mediative behavioral therapy for the treatment of suffocation related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A case report. Palliative and Supportive Care, 21(1), 181-183. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951522000542

Audience
EMDR Therapists

Language
English

Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed

Access Type
External Resource, Open Access

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