EMDR in the Treatment of Medically Unexplained Symptoms: A Systematic Review
Written by: van Rood, Y. R., & de Roos, C. (2009).
Edited by: EMDR-Zone Editorial Team
Content Warning: Please be advised, if you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 898. Free, private support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.
EMDR decreases pain intensity for patients with chronic pain, fatigue and trouble sleeping, with psychological symptoms reduced by up to 50%.
Introduction to Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS)
Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) are a prevalent and perplexing issue in the healthcare sector. These symptoms, which often lack a clear medical cause, account for a significant proportion of consultations in both primary and secondary care settings. Patients suffering from MUS experience a decline in their quality of life, comparable to those diagnosed with well-defined medical conditions. The process of diagnosing MUS is intricate, primarily based on excluding other medical conditions rather than identifying specific positive criteria.
Somatoform Disorders and MUS
MUS, when causing significant distress or disability, are categorized under somatoform disorders as per the DSM-IV-TR classification. This broad category encompasses conditions such as somatization disorder, undifferentiated somatoform disorder, and conversion disorder. However, this classification has faced criticism due to its potential implication of symptoms being purely psychological, without considering the complex interplay of factors involved.
MUS and Comorbidity
A significant overlap exists between MUS and various psychological disorders. Anxiety and mood disorders frequently co-exist with MUS, with PTSD showing a particularly strong association. Many patients diagnosed with MUS often exhibit pronounced PTSD symptoms, suggesting a potential link between trauma and the manifestation of unexplained medical symptoms.
Evidence-Based Treatment for MUS
Traditionally, patients with MUS have been managed within medical settings, often with limited success. However, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged as a promising intervention, demonstrating efficacy in treating a variety of MUS. Systematic reviews have consistently shown a moderate beneficial effect of CBT on MUS, making it a recommended approach in many clinical guidelines.
EMDR's Role in Treating MUS
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, initially developed for PTSD, is now being explored for its potential in treating other disorders, including MUS. The therapy is grounded in the adaptive information processing (AIP) model, which posits that current pathologies can be traced back to unprocessed traumatic memories. By addressing and processing these memories, EMDR aims to alleviate the associated symptoms.
EMDR's Outstanding Effectiveness in MUS
EMDR has shown remarkable efficacy in addressing MUS, especially those rooted in traumatic experiences. The therapy has been observed to decrease pain intensity significantly for patients suffering from chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, EMDR has demonstrated its ability to reduce psychological symptoms by up to 50%. This substantial reduction underscores EMDR's potential as a transformative intervention for patients grappling with medically unexplained symptoms, offering them a path to improved well-being and symptom relief.
For more detailed information, here is the link for the original article:
https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgremdr%3A%3A%3A3%3A%3A%3A4%3A%3A%3A248.full.pdf
.webp)
Related Articles
Related Articles
For additional help & support with your concerns
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use
If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger - don't use this site. These resources can provide you with immediate help!