Psychosis: An Emerging Field for EMDR Research and Therapy

It has only been in this last decade that trauma-focused treatments (TFT) have been studied in patients with psychotic disorders.

Article Abstract

“It has only been in this last decade that trauma-focused treatments (TFT) have been studied in patients with psychotic disorders. Before, the paradigm stated that TFT was contraindicated in these patients because clinicians and researchers assumed the risk of exacerbation of symptoms was too high. The purpose of this article is to examine the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the treatment of psychosis. To this end, we will present a brief narrative review of the current state of research in this particular field. The results suggest that, contrary to the “no-TFT-in-psychosis” paradigm, TFTs such as EMDR therapy can successfully be used to reduce trauma-related symptoms in patients with psychosis. Moreover, there are now provisional indications that psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations can be targeted directly and indirectly using EMDR therapy.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

de Bont, P., de Jongh, A., & van den Berg, D. (2019). Psychosis: An Emerging Field for EMDR Research and Therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 313–324. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.313

About the Journal

The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.