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Traumatic life events are among the etiological factors that may trigger eating disorders (ED). In the present study, we examined the effects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) therapies combined on two young girls, who had symptoms of ED as a consequence of their traumatic experiences.Two Caucasian female patients arrived at the clinic with highly similar complaints about eating. They both were mutually holding the fear that food would get stuck in their throat, breathing would be impeded and their heart rate would increase; creating an inability to swallow while eating. This culminated in a fear of death through asphyxiation while eating. In the initial interviews, the clients revealed past traumatic events in which a food blockage in the throat led to a temporary inability to breathe. Therefore, we conducted EMDR therapy combined with CBT. Both were treated with seven sessions of EMDR therapy and nine sessions of CBT, after which symptoms were reduced to minimum. In this case study, EMDR therapy combined with CBT proved to be effective by neutralizing the impact of previous trauma on ED symptomatology.

Grief is a normal response to loss of someone to whom a bond was formed; however, prolonged grief is considered pathological. Persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) is defined as a persistent longing for the deceased over 12 months. Several treatment ways have been used for traumatic loss including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). In the current case series, effectiveness of EMDR on three PCBD patients will be indicated. Three patients applied to the clinic with similar complaints based on different traumatic backgrounds; commonly, all experienced death of a first-degree relative. Complaints of the patients were over-thinking about the deceased, sleep disturbances, self-blaming, social isolation, avoiding talks about lost relative, and loss of interest in activities. After pre-interviews, they were advised EMDR therapy. One session of EMDR was applied to two of the patients, and two EMDR sessions were conducted on one of them. After the sessions, the patients reported not feeling guilty about the loss anymore, returning their normal routines, feeling better, and showing decreased avoidance. Additionally, the scores of scales (CAPS, BAI, BDI, and IES-R) significantly declined. EMDR therapy can show successful results in a shorter time than other treatment ways used for PCBD treatment [1].Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

BackgroundLoss of a loved one is a distressing event that may result in grief characterized by emotional distress, longing of the dead, and dysfunctionality. Persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) is differentiated by extended and damaging bereavement [1], which is being treated by some with EMDR [2]. In this study, the effects of an EMDR session on a patient with PCBD will be analyzed.CaseG.Ö. (45) is a married housewife who had been working, mother of a kid and a baby. She has lived with her family and her mother in a metropolitan city until her mother died a year ago, unexpectedly. Then, she quitted her job and they moved in a small city upon her husband's wish. The inpatient had complaints such as active suicidal thoughts, marital dissatisfaction and an ongoing deep sadness. EMDR therapy is applied on her grief and dysfunctional beliefs.ConclusionAfter one session of EMDR, her mood improved, her ruminations declined, she sought job, and became hopeful for the future. In our case, even one session of EMDR let remarkable improvements on PCBD. Indeed, as for other trauma-related issues, EMDR therapy can be utilized on PCBD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionEating Disorders (ED) affect an individual's physical and mental health with abnormal eating habits. Traumatic life events may underlie the development of ED as many studies document [1]. In the present study, we examined the effectiveness of EMDR therapy that was originally used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [2], on restrictive eating symptoms associated with trauma. Cases B.Ö. (18) and B.S. (20) came to the clinic consecutively for resembling complaints about the sense of food sticking in their throat, breathing difficulties, raised heart beatings, unease to swallow, and choking fear. The patients revealed past traumatic events about being out of breath while swallowing their bites. Then, they have started to restrict their food intake and the types of food consumed, which led to emaciation with health problems, interrupted daily routines, and social isolation; meeting the diagnosis of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in DSM-5. Due to traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy was applied.DiscussionAfter five EMDR therapy sessions, patients turned back to healthy eating habits, normal BMI, and effective daily life. As expected, EMDR therapy made significant improvements in the treatment of ARFID.ConclusionEMDR can be useful to treat ED with traumatic background.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.