Interhemispheric Interaction and Saccadic Horizontal Eye MovementsImplications for Episodic Memory, EMDR, and PTSD

Propper, Ruth E.; Christman, Stephen D.

doi:10.1891/1933-3196.2.4.269

Cited by 59 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 78 publications

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“…Studies have shown that this therapeutic modality can aid in altering various brain functions and might be of therapeutic benefit to individuals with high or pathological levels of anxiety or stress [1,2]. The results from these studies using BLAST are consistent with the alternating hemispheric activation hypothesis [3], which postulates that rapidly alternating patterns of electrical activity in the two hemispheres might increase inter-hemispheric interaction.…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 66%

The Therapeutic Effect of Bilateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile Form Technology on the Stress Response

Serin¹,

Hageman

Каде

2018

JBBS

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The application of bilateral alternating stimulation in tactile (BLAST) form technology, a non-invasive, somatosensory-based method, has been shown to modulate the electrical activity of brain networks that mediate the stress response, resulting in a stress-reducing effect in individuals with high reported levels of anxiety, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, we examined archival data from a heterogeneous group of users (n = 1109) of BLAST technology via Touchpoints, a novel BLAST-based treatment modality, all of whom had high self-reported levels of stress and anxiety. Ratings of levels of emotional stress and bodily distress on a scale of 0 (no stress/distress) to 10 (worst stress/distress of one's life) before and after the application of Touchpoints for 30 seconds were entered into an app. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in the levels of both emotional stress and bodily distress, 62.26% and 50.502%, respectively, after 30 seconds of BLAST technology was applied. This demonstrates a clear benefit of BLAST on the stress response, reducing both emotional stress and disturbing body sensations. Recent work examining EEG changes after BLAST technology is applied suggests that BLAST may reduce sympathetic activation by reducing the electrical activity of key areas of the salience network. Further work will more precisely characterize the effects of BLAST, its potential clinical uses, and the mechanisms of actions behind it's apparent stress-reducing effects.

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Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 66%

The Therapeutic Effect of Bilateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile Form Technology on the Stress Response

Serin¹,

Hageman

Каде

2018

JBBS

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“…For example, do EMs enhance the processing of memories, leading to physiological dearousal, or do the physiological effects of the EMs facilitate the processing of memories? For a more thorough review of the role of EMs in EMDR, see Propper and Christman (2008) and Gunter and Bodner (this issue).…”

Section: The Role Of Eye Movements In Emdrmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adult PTSD and Its Treatment With EMDR: A Review of Controversies, Evidence, and Theoretical Knowledge

Schubert

Lee

2009

J EMDR Prac Res

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This article provides an overview of selective issues relating to adult posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its treatment with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). The article begins by providing a historical overview of PTSD, and debates about the etiology and defi nition of PTSD are discussed. The most predominant theories of PTSD are summarized by highlighting how they have evolved from traditional behavioral accounts based on the assumption that PTSD is an anxiety disorder to theories that now incorporate information-processing models. This article then examines the development of EMDR and the corresponding body of research that clearly demonstrates its effi cacy for the treatment for adult PTSD. The underlying mechanisms of EMDR are discussed, with a focus on the importance of the eye movement component and how the therapeutic processes in EMDR differ from those of traditional exposure therapy. Finally, the adaptive information-processing (AIP) model that underlies EMDR is outlined, and evidence for the model is summarized. The article concludes by suggesting future research based on questions raised about PTSD and its treatment with EMDR when the AIP model is compared to other information-based theories of PTSD.

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“…salutary effects on cognitive processes in that they appear to enhance both episodic memory (Propper & Christman, 2008) and cognitive fl exibility (Kuiken, Bears, Miall, & Smith, 2002). Hence, the effects of EMDR on patients' cognitive processes might drive the improvements in how they experience their traumatic memories.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

EMDR Works . . . But How? Recent Progress in the Search for Treatment Mechanisms

Gunter¹,

Bodner

2009

J EMDR Prac Res

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Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly scrutinized but efficacious psychotherapy commonly used in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Despite much theorizing and speculation, EMDR’s mechanism of action remains unspecified. This article reviews several accounts of how EMDR works to reduce symptoms and/or aid memory reprocessing, including disruption of a traumatic recollection in working memory, increased psychological distance from the trauma, enhanced communication between brain hemispheres, and psychophysiological changes associated with relaxation or evocation of a rapid-eye-movement–like brain state. Several gaps in knowledge are also identified: The working memory account has received considerable support but has yet to be evaluated using clinical samples. How psychological distancing translates into symptomatic improvement is unclear. Psychophysiological effects of EMDR are well demonstrated but leave open the question of whether they constitute a treatment mechanism or an outcome of memory processing. Multiple mechanisms may work to produce treatment gains in EMDR; hence, an integrative model may be necessary to capture its myriad effects.

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Interhemispheric Interaction and Saccadic Horizontal Eye MovementsImplications for Episodic Memory, EMDR, and PTSD

Cited by 59 publications

References 78 publications

The Therapeutic Effect of Bilateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile Form Technology on the Stress Response

The Therapeutic Effect of Bilateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile Form Technology on the Stress Response

Adult PTSD and Its Treatment With EMDR: A Review of Controversies, Evidence, and Theoretical Knowledge

EMDR Works . . . But How? Recent Progress in the Search for Treatment Mechanisms

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