Facts about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

1. 10

   Memory reconsolidation during EMDR processing allows the brain to integrate fragmented trauma memories into existing autobiographical narratives, reducing their emotional charge.

   Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingMay 14shareneurosciencememorypsychology
2. 09

   Eye movement speed during EMDR processing typically ranges from 20 to 30 saccades per second, matching the pace of rapid eye movement sleep when the brain consolidates memories.

   Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingMay 14shareneurosciencesleepmeasurement
3. 08

   EMDR treatment outcomes show comparable efficacy to cognitive-behavioral therapy for specific phobias, with phobia symptom reduction observed in as few as one to three sessions.

   Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingMay 14sharepsychologyclinicaltreatment
4. 07

   Neuroscientists using functional MRI imaging have observed increased activation in the prefrontal cortex and decreased amygdala activity during EMDR processing compared to baseline trauma recall.

   Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingMay 14shareneurosciencebrainmeasurement
5. 06

   Approximately 30 randomized controlled trials have demonstrated EMDR's efficacy for treating anxiety disorders, depression, and phobias beyond its established use for PTSD.

   Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingMay 14sharepsychologyclinicalresearch
6. 05

   In 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs officially designated EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for combat-related PTSD alongside cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure.

   Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingMay 14sharemilitaryhealthcareneurology
7. 04

   The eight-phase EMDR protocol includes history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation across multiple sessions to comprehensively address traumatic memories.

   Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingMay 14sharepsychologyclinicalprotocol
8. 03

   Bilateral stimulation through rapid eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones during EMDR processing is theorized to activate both brain hemispheres simultaneously to facilitate trauma memory processing.

   Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingMay 14shareneurosciencepsychologyclinical
9. 02

   Clinical trials demonstrate that EMDR produces significant trauma symptom reduction in 80-90% of single-trauma PTSD patients within 3-6 sessions.

   Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingMay 14shareneuroscienceclinicalmeasurement
10. 01

    Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in 1987 after noticing her own eye movements reduced distress while processing traumatic memories.

    Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingMay 14sharepsychologyhistorytrauma