EMDR for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
Research has Shown that EMDR May Help Treat Trauma Based Conditions
Sep 13, 2009
Recently, several studies have shown a high prevalence of emotionally traumatic events in the backgrounds of people suffering from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. The trauma could be a onetime event like a car accident or it could be continuous trauma. The emotional trauma most frequently seen in the studies were from childhood sexual abuse and emotional neglect.
It is not clear whether the trauma causes chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia or merely acts as a stimulus for the onset of symptoms. It is clear, however, that EMDR can be used as a treatment for the trauma involved with these debilitating and painful conditions as it has been for other trauma based conditions and psychological issues.
What is EMDR?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, was discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. After years of research and refining the technique, Shapiro and other scientists have found that EMDR is a useful method for desensitizing traumatic memories. Using EMDR to treat a single traumatic memory may take several sessions, however this is still a rapid process to recover from a traumatic event.
Traumatic experiences cause lasting and inappropriate reactions to everyday life because the brain has been unable to fully process the experience and cannot properly store the memory. EMDR allows the patient to process the trauma and the appropriate emotions resulting in a desensitization of the memory, the emotions surrounding the memory as well as every day experiences that trigger the trauma based emotions.
EMDR Treatments
For the patient, EMDR is a fairly simple process. The patient focuses on the memories and the emotions of the traumatic experience while being aware of an outside stimulus. The stimulus involves some type of bilateral movement, meaning that the patient may wear headphones with a tone sounding in one ear and then the other. The stimulus can also be visual or a vibration felt in the palm of the hands.
During an EMDR treatment the patient will likely experience the anxiety and distress surrounding the traumatic memory as they process it. Unexpected emotions may arise during the session as well as the time between sessions. However, as the process continues the patient gains a greater understanding of the event and the related emotions. The end result of an EMDR treatment is usually significantly less anxiety and related symptoms as well as a greater understanding and perspective of the traumatic event.
EMDR Research
In the past, EMDR was criticized for lacking enough research. This is no longer correct as there have been dozens of studies and published papers on its efficacy. The use of EMDR in the treatment of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue is relatively new yet the results seem promising. Studies have shown a significant reduction in fatigue, pain, anxiety and depression in fibromyalgia patients from the use of EMDR.
Finding an EMDR Therapist
There are currently over one hundred thousand licensed EMDR therapists nationwide. Finding one is as easy as looking in the phone book or online but make sure that they are a licensed EMDR therapist. It is important to find a therapist that you trust and feel comfortable sharing intimate information with.
Like with any therapeutic treatment, there is no guarantee that EMDR will be successful in treating fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. However, the process can be helped by positive thinking and patience. Granted, these are two qualities that are especially difficult to manifest during emotional distress but the effort will likely be rewarded. Recovery from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue through EMDR isn't an overnight cure but it is a lasting treatment that can significantly improve fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue symptoms.
National Fibromyalgia Association
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