EMDR in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Psychological distress is common among patients with cancer, with severe consequences on their quality of life. Anxiety and depression are the most common clinical presentation of psychological distress in cancer patients, but in some cases cancer may represent a traumatic event resulting in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Currently, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is considered an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, but recent studies also showed its effectiveness for anxiety and depression. The aim of the present systematic review is to summarize the current literature on the effect of EMDR on cancer-related psychological distress.Methods: A literature search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles about “EMDR” and “cancer patients” in the following electronic databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library.Results: Our search identified 7 studies in which EMDR was used with a total of 140 cancer patients. The psychiatric diagnosis was PTSD in 3 studies. Otherwise, the diagnosis concerned the anxious and depressive disorder spectrum. Overall, EMDR treatment schedules used were highly heterogeneous, with a different number of sessions (from 2 to 12) and a different duration of therapy (up to 4 months). However, across all studies analyzed EMDR therapy was judged to be adequate in reducing symptoms of psychological distress in this population.Conclusions: According to the results of our analysis, the level of evidence regarding EMDR efficacy in cancer patients is limited by the scarcity of studies and their low methodological quality. Although better quality research is needed, available data suggest that EMDR could be a promising treatment for psychological distress in patients with cancer.

The introduction of virtual reality in forensic mental healthcare – an interview study on the first impressions of patients and healthcare providers regarding VR in treatment

“…The virtual environments and scenarios created in VR can be highly realistic, exposing patients to situations that could trigger their problem behavior or simulate traumatic experiences. Recalling traumatic experiences or memories can be highly effective in treatment, as demonstrated in EMDR therapy ( Portigliatti Pomeri et al, 2021 ). However, it may also lead to heightened psychological distress, which could have unintended consequences on the mental well-being and safety of patients and healthcare providers involved in the VR treatment ( González Moraga et al, 2022 ).…”

Relationship between World Assumptions and Post-Traumatic Growth among Polish Cancer Patients: Moderating Effect of Rumination

“…Cancer is a large and complex group of diseases [1] involving a life-altering or potentially life-threatening experience [2,3]. People diagnosed with cancer and patients undergoing cancer-related treatment commonly report increased psychological distress [3], fatigue [4,5], cognitive deficits [6], and physical problems [7]. Cancer is also a serious public health problem [8], associated with economic and financial burden [9].…”

“…Even though cancer is a stressful, challenging, and traumatic event [3], this difficult experience may paradoxically have some positive consequences among cancer survivors [16,17]. In fact, Henson et al [18] observed that the growth and positive psychological changes are not an outcome of the event itself, but rather a consequence of several components.…”

A qualitative study on clinicians’ perceptions of Attachment‐Focused eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy

“…Several studies (Wesselmann et al., 2012) have also considered the beneficial effect EMDR therapy can have on attachment status and relational trauma. EMDR has also shown promising results for various sample groups such as refugees (Acarturk et al., 2016), cancer patients (Portigliatti Pomeri et al., 2021), children (Rodenburg et al., 2009) and combat veterans (Albright & Thyer, 2010). Reflecting extensive research confirming the effectiveness of EMDR therapy, organisations including the World Health Organisation (World Health Organisation, 2013), the American Psychiatric Association (American Psychological Association, 2017; Ursano et al., 2004), the International Society for Traumatic Stress (Bisson et al., 2019; ISTSS, 2018) and the UK’s National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE; NICE, 2018) recommend EMDR as a treatment for PTSD.…”

“…Several studies (Wesselmann et al, 2012) have also considered the beneficial effect EMDR therapy can have on attachment status and relational trauma. EMDR has also shown promising results for various sample groups such as refugees (Acarturk et al, 2016), cancer patients (Portigliatti Pomeri et al, 2021), children (Rodenburg et al, 2009) and combat veterans (Albright & Thyer, 2010). Reflecting extensive research confirming the effectiveness of EMDR therapy, organisations including the World Health Organisation (World Health Organisation, 2013),…”