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Eye-Movement Desensitisation

Symptom Change in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

K. Vaughan ,
M. Wiese ,
R. Gold  and
N. Tarrier
K. Vaughan
Affiliation:
PTSD Clinic, Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital, Palmerston Road, Sydney, NSW 2077, Australia
M. Wiese*
Affiliation:
PTSD Clinic, Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital, Palmerston Road, Sydney, NSW 2077, Australia
R. Gold
Affiliation:
PTSD Clinic, Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital, Palmerston Road, Sydney, NSW 2077, Australia
N. Tarrier
Affiliation:
University of Manchester School of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Withington Hospital, West Didsbury, Manchester ML20 8LR, UK
*
∗Correspondence
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Abstract

A novel approach is described for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eye-movement desensitisation (EMD) requires the patient to generate images of the trauma in the mind and define physiological and emotional arousal states. While concentrating on these states, lateral multisaccardic eye movements are induced. Ten consecutive cases are reported who presented with symptoms originating from a range of traumas. The effectiveness of EMD in reducing symptoms outlined by DSM–III–R is described. An independent rater indicated that eight of the ten cases showed considerable improvement in PTSD symptoms following EMD, which was maintained at follow-up. Particular reference is given to the ‘specificity’ of EMD in treating symptoms and the changing pattern of effect at follow-up.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 164 , Issue 4 , April 1994 , pp. 533 - 541
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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