EMDR: Is It the Answer to PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is unfortunately a common diagnosis among first responders. Chronic exposure to traumatic events and repeated endurance of life-threatening situations can result in a range of significant and intrusive symptoms related to the disorder that can make it difficult to function at work, at home, and in the world.
The good news is that there are a number of effective therapies and treatments that are research-based and proven to be effective in the treatment of PTSD. Among them is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy that can help first responders to manage PTSD symptoms when used in combination with other traditional therapies and, in some cases, medication. But is it the answer to PTSD for you or your loved one?
EMDR
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices says that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a therapy that makes use of the client’s rhythmic, rapid eye movements with the goal of decreasing anxiety levels and the intensity of memories of traumatic events.
A typical session may last for 60–90 minutes and in most cases, therapists will move a finger back and forth and ask clients to follow the movement with their eyes only while recounting the events related to the traumatic experience. The practice is based on the idea that the eye movement will help to diminish the experience of stress and anxiety that often occur during the retelling of the trauma and that, with repetition, the practice can serve to lower the overall experience of anxiety caused by the trauma in everyday life.
Measured Progress
One of the benefits of EMDR is its measurement of progress across therapy sessions. Sessions begin with the client rating levels of stress and anxiety experienced during everyday life as well as the level at the start of the session. Each session should end with the client again noting the current stress level. In time, the stress level should be lower at the end of the session than when the session begins and should be lower at the beginning of the session in later sessions as compared to earlier sessions. EMDR clients should notice an increased ability to manage symptoms including:
· Fear
· Aggression
· Anxiety
· Physical symptoms (e.g., panic attacks, sweating, shaking, etc.)
Is EMDR a Good Choice for You?
A number of industry standards have been put into place to standardize the implementation of EMDR and document its efficacy in the treatment of a range of anxiety disorders including PTSD. Studies have shown it to be effective for the treatment of serious trauma as well as the treatment of PTSD caused by trauma experienced in combat and military situations.
All of this means that EMDR may very well be an excellent treatment resource in the context of a comprehensive treatment program for symptoms related to PTSD, but it is not a guarantee that it will work for everyone in every situation. If you are experiencing PTSD symptoms, take the time to research EMDR and discuss how it may augment your progress in recovery with your doctor or therapeutic team.
This article was originally published by Michael Healy, Fire Chief, Central Nyack Fire Dept, NY and Treatment Consultant for Fire Service at American Addiction Centers, on LinkedIn.
