Theoretical Background and Clinical Aspects of the Use of EMDR in Patients With Bipolar Disorder
Here, we summarize the evidence of EMDR therapy in BD with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or life traumatic events.
Article Abstract
“Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with a lifelong episodic course of severe mood and behavioral disturbance. In last decades treatment improved with numerous pharmacological and psychosocial treatments; however, subsequent mood episode rates are still high and possible risk factors for subsequent mood episodes are not sufficiently addressed. Of note, childhood trauma and stressful life events represent significant, under-recognized, and often neglected environmental risk factors in the etiology and course of BD. Here, we summarize the evidence of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in BD with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or life traumatic events. So far, one case report study and one pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) have been published suggesting positive effect of EMDR therapy in BD. Currently, two larger further RCTs are ongoing to increase scientific evidence of the use of EMDR therapy in this indication, especially with a focus on its effect on relapse prevention. In addition, a functional neuroimaging case report of a bipolar subject versus 30 healthy controls showed first evidence that EMDR might modulate the default mode network. These preliminary results suggest that EMDR could be a promising and safe psychotherapeutic approach for the add-on treatment of bipolar subjects, but confirmative large RCT are needed, with two currently being conducted.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
Valiente-Gómez, A., Moreno-Alcázar, A., Gardoki-Souto, I., Masferrer, C., Porta, S., Royuela, O., Hogg, B., Lupo, W., & Amann, B. L. (2019). Theoretical Background and Clinical Aspects of the Use of EMDR in Patients With Bipolar Disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 307–312. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.307
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.
Date
December 1, 2019
Creator(s)
Alicia Valiente-Gómez, Ana Moreno-Alcázar, Itxaso Gardoki-Souto
Contributor(s)
Carmen Masferrer, Sara Porta, Oscar Royuela, Bridget Hogg, Walter Lupo, Benedikt L. Amann
Topics
Bipolar Disorder
Extent
6 pages
Publisher
Springer Publishing Company
Rights
Copyright © 2019 EMDR International Association
APA Citation
Valiente-Gómez, A., Moreno-Alcázar, A., Gardoki-Souto, I., Masferrer, C., Porta, S., Royuela, O., Hogg, B., Lupo, W., & Amann, B. L. (2019). Theoretical Background and Clinical Aspects of the Use of EMDR in Patients With Bipolar Disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 307–312. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.307
Series
13
Installment
4
Audience
EMDR Therapists
Language
English
Content Type
Peer-Reviewed
Original Source
Journal of EMDR Practice and Research
Access Type
Open Access