EMDR Therapy: A Comparative Analysis with Traditional Therapies
Written By: Faretta, E., Borsato, T., Civilotti, C., Fernandez, I., & Pagani, M. (2016)
Edited By: EMDR-Zone Editorial Team
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EMDR is a revolutionizing therapy method, outpacing traditional therapies like CBT in both symptom reduction impact and it's speed in recovery.
EMDR vs. CBT: Delving into Therapeutic Approaches for Oncological Patients
Clinical psycho-oncology, the intersection of psychology and oncology, is gaining traction in the medical community. This study meticulously examines the therapeutic efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in juxtaposition with the more traditional non-trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Spanning a diverse group of 57 participants with various cancer diagnoses, the research allocated 31 individuals to EMDR therapy and 26 to CBT, aiming to discern the comparative benefits of each approach.
Cancer: Not Just a Physical Ailment
Globally acknowledged as a health behemoth, cancer's ramifications extend beyond the physical realm. The diagnosis, treatment, and the subsequent journey can be emotionally harrowing, leading to profound psychological distress. While a smaller fraction might develop clinical posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), a notable segment grapples with symptoms reminiscent of cancer-induced psychological upheaval.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the Oncological Landscape
CBT, with its roots in treating anxiety disorders, has been adapted to cater to the unique psychological intricacies of cancer patients. Tailored interventions aim to mitigate the distress associated with cancer, especially in patients with breast cancer, and enhance the overall quality of life for survivors. However, the overarching benefits of CBT in the broader psycho-oncological domain remain a subject of scholarly debate.
EMDR Therapy: A Deep Dive into its Mechanism and Potential
EMDR emerges as a therapeutic beacon designed to meticulously reprocess traumatic memories that are dysfunctionally stored. Its acclaim, particularly in treating PTSD, hinges on its use of bilateral stimulation, such as guided horizontal eye movements. This technique is believed to expedite information processing, aiding in the desensitization of traumatic memories and facilitating their healthy integration. Beyond PTSD, EMDR has showcased promise in addressing a gamut of psychological disorders and alleviating distress stemming from physical ailments, notably cancer.
A Methodical Approach: Study Design and Execution
This multi-faceted research spanned seven distinct clinics or hospitals. Participants embarked on a therapeutic journey, undergoing either EMDR or CBT across 12 sessions. The study employed a battery of measures, including the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), COPE inventory, and Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), administered at strategic intervals: pre-intervention, mid-way post the sixth session, and post the twelfth session, to gauge the therapeutic impact.
Deciphering the Results: EMDR's Superior Efficacy
The findings were illuminating. Participants in the EMDR cohort reported marked improvements across 11 of the 17 evaluated variables, encompassing various COPE subscales, all DTS subscales, and a majority of SCL-90-R subscales. In stark contrast, the CBT group registered improvements in a mere 4 out of the 17 variables. These revelations underscore the potential of trauma-focused treatments, especially EMDR, in catering to cancer patients. The data suggests that EMDR might offer a more holistic therapeutic approach, addressing a wider spectrum of symptoms with greater efficacy compared to CBT in the oncological context.
For more detailed information, here is the link for the original article:
https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgremdr/10/3/215.full.pdf
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