Neuropsychological and Physiological Outcomes in Pre-and Post-EMDR Therapy
Written by: Aranda, B. D. E., Ronquillo, N. M., & Calvillo, M. E. N. (2015).
Edited by: EMDR-Zone Editorial Team
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EMDR therapy reduces heart rates and improves previously impaired cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and processing speed.
Introduction to the Study
The article embarks on a journey into the intricate world of PTSD, particularly in the context of childhood sexual abuse. It presents a meticulous review of the literature, setting the stage for a quantitative single-case study. This study revolves around an 18-year-old female diagnosed with PTSD and major depressive disorder, both stemming from childhood trauma. The primary objective is to discern the transformative effects of EMDR therapy on her neuropsychological and physiological responses, offering a beacon of hope for similar cases.
Childhood Sexual Abuse in Mexico
Childhood sexual abuse casts a long, dark shadow over Mexico, with girls often bearing the brunt of this heinous crime. The article underscores the profound and lasting impacts of such abuse on a child's holistic development, spanning emotional, cognitive, and physical realms. Such traumatic experiences often culminate in PTSD, a condition intricately linked with structural brain alterations and a plethora of cognitive deficits, making daily life a challenge.
Neurocognitive Deficits in PTSD
PTSD isn't just an emotional or psychological ailment; it has tangible cognitive repercussions. The article delves deep into these neuropsychological effects, highlighting the impaired verbal learning, memory challenges, decelerated information processing, and attentional deficits that plague PTSD sufferers. For survivors of sexual abuse, these effects are even more pronounced, with their working memory and attentional system constantly hijacked by traumatic flashbacks.
Physiological Changes in PTSD
Beyond the cognitive realm, PTSD manifests in the body's very physiology. Empirical evidence cited in the article points to elevated psychophysiological parameters in PTSD patients, such as heart rate and conductance. This suggests an overactive sympathetic nervous system, perpetually in a state of high alert. Additionally, the article sheds light on the neurobiological shifts in PTSD, pinpointing alterations in the brain's limbic system, which is central to emotions and memory.
EMDR's Impact on PTSD
EMDR therapy emerges as a beacon of hope in the battle against PTSD. Recognized and endorsed for its empirical validity, EMDR therapy is particularly potent for conditions rooted in traumatic stress. Its efficacy is especially pronounced in survivors of sexual assault. The article delves into the physiological transformations catalyzed by EMDR, spotlighting the shifts in respiratory patterns, heart rate, and skin conductance. Notably, EMDR therapy leads to a reduction in heart rates and a rejuvenation of previously impaired cognitive functions.
EMDR's Neurological Efficacy
The crux of the article's findings lies in the profound neurological changes induced by EMDR therapy. The therapy not only reduces heart rates but also revitalizes cognitive functions that were previously impaired, such as attention, memory, and processing speed. The article draws a clear link between these neurological shifts and the alleviation of PTSD symptoms. The cortical activation shifts and the significant score decreases underscore EMDR's unparalleled effectiveness in symptom reduction for the majority of clients. The article concludes on an optimistic note, suggesting that the road to recovery from PTSD is paved with improved neurocognitive outcomes, thanks to EMDR.
For more detailed information, here is the link for the original article:
https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgremdr/9/4/174.abstract
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