Traumatic memories, eye movements, phobia, and panic: A critical note on the proliferation of EMDR
This article critically evaluates three recurring assumptions in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) literature.
Article Abstract
“In the past years, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has become increasingly popular as a treatment method for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The current article critically evaluates three recurring assumptions in EMDR literature: (a) the notion that traumatic memories are fixed and stable and that flashbacks are accurate reproductions of the traumatic incident; (b) the idea that eye movements, or other lateralized rhythmic behaviors have an inhibitory effect on emotional memories; and (c) the assumption that EMDR is not only effective in treating PTSD, but can also be successfully applied to other psychopathological conditions. There is little support for any of these three assumptions. Meanwhile, the expansion of the theoretical underpinnings of EMDR in the absence of a sound empirical basis casts doubts on the massive proliferation of this treatment method.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
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Muris, P., & Merckelbach, H. (1999). Traumatic memories, eye movements, phobia, and panic: A critical note on the proliferation of EMDR. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 13(1-2), 209-223. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0887-6185(98)00048-6
Date
January 1, 1999
Creator(s)
Peter Muris, Harald Merckelbach
Topics
PTSD
Practice & Methods
Efficacy
Publisher
Elsevier
Rights
Copyright © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
APA Citation
Muris, P., & Merckelbach, H. (1999). Traumatic memories, eye movements, phobia, and panic: A critical note on the proliferation of EMDR. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 13(1-2), 209-223. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0887-6185(98)00048-6
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Article
Access Type
External Resource