Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the psychological treatment of trauma-based psychogenic non-epileptic seizures

A case study utilizing a non-controlled qualitative multiple revelatory case design, integrates EMDR into the psychological treatment of PNES patients with confirmed trauma experiences.

Article Abstract

“Little is known about the types of mental health treatment that are most effective for psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES) patients who have high rates of comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociation. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has proved to be effective in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety states, dissociative symptoms and somatoform disorders. This study, which utilized a non-controlled qualitative multiple revelatory case design, integrates EMDR into the psychological treatment of PNES patients with confirmed trauma experiences. With EMDR targeting trauma and dissociative symptoms in three patients, PNES were extinguished in two. Those patients have remained seizure-free for 12–18 months.”

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Kelley, S. D. M., & Benbadis, S. (2007). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the psychological treatment of trauma-based psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 14(2) 135-144. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.525