Intervention with EMDR on a sample of healthcare workers in the nephrology and dialysis service during the COVID-19 emergency: from immediate treatment effect to long-term maintenance.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological support was provided to healthcare workers in Nephrology and Dialysis Operative Unit of the Azienda Ospedaliera Bassini using an EMDR group protocol to decrease posttraumatic stress symptoms in the medium and long term. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of EMDR treatment to reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms at the end of the first pandemic wave and its progress over time in the subsequent phases of the health emergency. Methods: The sample of study consisted of 43 healthcare workers from the Nephrology and Dialysis Service who spontaneously decided to take part in the Brief EMDR treatment. Statistical analyses were carried out to compare the data collected with the IES-R, the Emotion Thermometer and the Post-Traumatic Growth Scale. The comparisons covered pre-treatment, post-treatment and follow-up. Results: The results show a significant clinical improvement in reducing PTSD symptoms following the Brief EMDR group treatment. The comparison between PRE and POST treatment (DELTA1) regarding the scores from IES-R and Emotion Thermometer, highlighted the important statistically change that occurred in terms of symptomatology reduction (p < 0.001). By comparing POST and FU (DELTA2), it was observed that all variables except avoidance show a significant weakening of the effect with time (p < 0.001), but the magnitude of this effect is much smaller than the improvement found in DELTA1. DELTA 3 analysis finally made it possible to highlight how the treatment effect is maintained almost intact at follow-up. In fact, the maintenance of a better situation at follow-up was observed, in the course of re-traumatization linked to the new wave, compared to the initial data (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The COVID-19 health emergency has significantly impacted hospital healthcare workers, leading to a high risk of developing PTSD symptoms. A psychological intervention aimed at the operators themselves is therefore of great importance.

Group early intervention eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy as a video-conference psychotherapy with frontline/emergency workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury-An RCT study.

Objective: Frontline mental health, emergency, law enforcement, and social workers have faced unprecedented psychological distress in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the RCT (Randomized Controls Trial) study was to investigate the effectiveness of a Group EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy (Group Traumatic Episode Protocol-GTEP) in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Moral Injury. The treatment focus is an early intervention, group trauma treatment, delivered remotely as video-conference psychotherapy (VCP). This early intervention used an intensive treatment delivery of 4x2h sessions over 1-week. Additionally, the group EMDR intervention utilized therapist rotation in treatment delivery. Methods: The study's design comprised a delayed (1-month) treatment intervention (control) versus an active group. Measurements included the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Moral Injury Events Scale (MIES), and a Quality-of-Life psychometric (EQ-5D), tested at T0, T1: pre-treatment, T2: post-treatment, T3: 1-month follow-up (FU), T4: 3-month FU, and T5: 6-month FU. The Adverse Childhood Experiences - International version (ACEs), Benevolent Childhood Experience (BCEs) was ascertained at pre-treatment only. N = 85 completed the study. Results: Results highlight a significant treatment effect within both active and control groups. Post Hoc comparisons of the ITQ demonstrated a significant difference between T1 pre (mean 36.8, SD 14.8) and T2 post (21.2, 15.1) (t11.58) = 15.68, p < 0.001). Further changes were also seen related to co-morbid factors. Post Hoc comparisons of the GAD-7 demonstrated significant difference between T1 pre (11.2, 4.91) and T2 post (6.49, 4.73) (t = 6.22) = 4.41, p < 0.001; with significant difference also with the PHQ-9 between T1 pre (11.7, 5.68) and T2 post (6.64, 5.79) (t = 6.30) = 3.95, p < 0.001, d = 0.71. The treatment effect occurred irrespective of either ACEs/BCEs during childhood. However, regarding Moral Injury, the MIES demonstrated no treatment effect between T1 pre and T5 6-month FU. The study's findings discuss the impact of Group EMDR therapy delivered remotely as video-conference psychotherapy (VCP) and the benefits of including a therapist/rotation model as a means of treatment delivery. However, despite promising results suggesting a large treatment effect in the treatment of trauma and adverse memories, including co-morbid symptoms, research results yielded no treatment effect in frontline/emergency workers in addressing moral injury related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The NICE (2018) guidance on PTSD highlighted the paucity of EMDR therapy research used as an early intervention. The primary rationale for this study was to address this critical issue. In summary, treatment results for group EMDR, delivered virtually, intensively, using therapist rotation are tentatively promising, however, the moral dimensions of trauma need consideration for future research, intervention development, and potential for further scalability. The data contributes to the emerging literature on early trauma interventions.Clinical Trial Registration:Clinicaltrials.gov, ISRCTN16933691.

The TraumaClinic Model of EMDR Basic Training in Brazil: A Country Case Study for In-Person and Online Training

This article utilizes a country case study design to describe the implementation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy training in Brazil. The primary focus is on the methodology, adaptations, adjustments, and cultural considerations necessary to incorporate in-person and virtual training in this country. Additionally, the article will explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to address National Government Guidance related to social distancing. This guidance required adjustments to training delivery, clinical and self-practice, clinical supervision, and consultation. Finally, the article outlines the advantages and disadvantages of implementing EMDR therapy training in Brazil, expanding to how models of good practice could be implemented in other countries, such as Angola and Mozambique, to include cultural adaptation, sensitivity, and replication. © 2023 EMDR International Association.

EMDR in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic in India: A short report

During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic from the start of 2020 till late 2021, mental health services- seeking and providing-have gone through various changes and adaptations. In this article, we report on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy service providers in India, and how they adapted to the changing circumstances during this time, using a narrative enquiry approach. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

EMDR for symptoms of depression, stress and burnout in health care workers exposed to COVID-19 (HARD): A study protocol for a trial within a cohort study.

Background: Stressful events during a pandemic are a major cause of serious health problems, such as burnout, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among health care workers (HCWs). During three years, HCWs, on the frontline to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, have been at an increased risk of high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and PTSD. Regarding potential psychological interventions, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, strongly recommended therapy based on its well-known efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms and anxiety.Objectives: This study, designed as a trial within a cohort (TwiC), aims to 1) estimate the prevalence of depression, burnout and PTSD in a sample of HCWs after experiencing the COVID-19 emergency (cohort part) and 2) assess the efficacy and acceptability of 'EMDR + usual care' for HCWs from the cohort who report significant psychological symptoms (trial part).Methods: The study, designed as a TwiC, consists of a prospective cohort study (n = 3000) with an embedded, pragmatic, randomized open-label superiority trial with two groups (n = 900). Participants included in the trial part are HCWs recruited for the cohort with significant symptoms on at least one psychological dimension (depression, burnout, PTSD) at baseline, 3 months or 6 months, determined by using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale, and PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5). The intervention consists of 12 separate EMDR sessions with a certified therapist. The control group receives usual care. The trial has three primary outcomes: changes in depression, burnout and PTSD scores from randomization to 6 months. All participants are followed up for 12 months.Conclusions: This study provides empirical evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the mental health burden it places on HCWs and assesses the effectiveness of EMDR as a psychological intervention.Trial registration NCT04570202.

Health care workers are at increased risk of stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and PTSD following the COVID-19 pandemic.In this study, the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing depression, burnout and PTSD in health care workers exposed to COVID-19 is investigated.In this study, an original 'trial within a cohort' (TwiC) design that consists of a cohort study with an embedded pragmatic randomized trial is used.The study is fully web-based, including online screening, consent and assessments.

Psychological treatment of traumatic memories in COVID-19 survivors.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected a significant number of individuals worldwide, is generating serious mental health issues. Recovered COVID-19 patients have experienced traumatic events related to their symptoms, isolation, possible hospitalization, bereavement, fear of infecting loved ones and the physical consequences of COVID-19. One effective psychological treatment for these patients is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The aim of this paper is to describe the therapeutic intervention and effects of EMDR in a pool of COVID-19 survivors referred to an integrated psychological/psychiatric outpatient service. Twelve patients, comprising of nine males and three females, underwent EMDR psychotherapy from October 2020 to February 2022. Each patient received 8-16 weekly treatment sessions. The standard EMDR protocol of eight stages was administered to enable desensitization and reprocessing of four main targets: first positive swab, hospitalization, isolation and fear for relatives' health. Efficacy of EMDR was demonstrated by the significant improvement at clinical scale for subjective distress caused by traumatic events. For the therapists, carrying out these treatments was an intense and challenging experience. In fact, the perceived distance between therapist and patient was less defined than in other hospital settings because the pandemic affects everyone equally. However, with the widespread availability of vaccines and although the pandemic is still ongoing with the emergence of new variants, a window of improvement in the mental health landscape is starting to open up.

COVID-19 and healthcare professionals: The psychological impact of the pandemic on healthcare professionals and the use of EMDR early interventions

Recent research has provided new information on the impact of COVID-19 and previous pandemics on the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCP). Several studies have found that HCP are greatly affected by pandemics and may develop anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The stress caused by the intense working conditions and the fear of contracting and transmitting the virus are major vulnerability factors for these workers, increasing their risk of developing a mental health condition. It is therefore essential to provide appropriate support to this population in order to reduce and avoid the psychological burden of the current pandemic on their mental health. Considering the data previously published on the COVID-19 pandemic and past epidemics, the present article aims to provide an epidemiological review of the psychological impact of a pandemic on healthcare professionals. Furthermore, it examines, from a theoretical perspective, whether EMDR early interventions (EEI) may constitute an effective solution in order to provide psychological support to HCP in hospitals. Lastly, the article will identify various protocols for EEI, which, it argues, should be the approaches of choice for providing early support following a potentially traumatic event. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

[Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents and treatments]. / Répercussions psychologiques de la pandémie de COVID-19 chez les enfants et les adolescents et modalités de prise en charge.

Children and adolescents were particularly affected by the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 health crisis. They were faced with multiple stressors such as repeated confinements, the use of masks, the disruption of daily routines, the lack of social interactions following the closure of schools and the cessation of extra-curricular activities. These adversities dramatically weakened their coping strategies and their resources. In this interview with Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Olivier Sorel, Juliane Tortes Saint-Jammes et Sandie Meillerais discuss the changes that have been implemented in their clinical practice for children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, they will also identify, by using clinical examples, the procedures specifically used to develop, reinforce or reactivate the resources of children and adolescents during the therapy. Finally, they address the very notion of clinical support, with an emphasis on EMDR therapy and a family-centered approach.

Investigating the perceived effectiveness of eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the impact on neuropsychological, emotional and behavioural functioning and quality of life: A case series analysis

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is an ongoing issue (WHO, 2017) with 1 in 20 children annually reported as being abused in the UK (NSPCC, 2019;Radford et al, 2011). Many child survivors are of adolescent or young adult age before they request help from relevant services (HAVOCA, 2021;NSPCC, 2018;Noel, Dogaru, and Ellis, 2015;Flatley, 2017). The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived experiences of six young adult female survivors of CSA of their EMDR treatment as well as an assessment of the changes in the individual trauma stress response. This case series analysis explored (a) neuropsychological, emotional (namely low selfesteem, anxiety and depression), behavioural functioning and quality of life issues using descriptive statistics via outcome measures conducted before, during and after treatment and (b) client perspectives through qualitative interviewing at one-month follow-up to ensure adequate time was allowed to monitor changes using Thematic Analysis [TA]. The study setting was within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program framework, established to ensure service users accessing NHS treatment are presented with choice in their treatment.The triangulation of data in this study allowed for a deeper analysis of the experiences of adult CSA survivors undergoing EMDR treatment beyond an examination of differences in pre and post outcome measures. The descriptive statistics suggested overall positive changes in participant functioning in all measured domains (three positive, two moderate outcome cases and one sceptical no-improvement case;based on independent research rater feedback) however variable differences in neuropsychological processing from pre- to post-treatment. The descriptive statistics were limited in their generalisability because of certain limitations in data collection as inhibited by COVID-19 restrictions and because of the small sample size. Three key themes were identified in the qualitative analysis which contributed to the literature on treatment of adult CSA survivors by identifying which factors the clients identified as helpful and unhelpful to their treatment. These themes were identified as being an 'Unhelpful' process (service time restrictions, fear of the lack of confidentiality, fear of emotional reprocessing), 'Helpful' aspects of therapy (client choice in treatment, therapist interpersonal and professional skills, psychological resourcing, idiosyncratic approaches) and 'Mixed Responses' due to COVID-19 (face-to-face vs remote working). Overall, this study contributed to the literature about EMDR treatment for adult CSA survivors by shedding insight into the perceived experiences of clients and providing further evidence for the efficacy of this treatment.Importantly, further research could investigate a potentially larger sample, emphasis on neuropsychological functioning, and within differing settings, to understand deficits within the current study. A qualitative study of the perceptions and experiences of childhood sexual abuse survivors who opt for CBT over EMDR might lead to recommendations for changes in protocol that would make EMDR more acceptable. There is scope to further investigate EMDR as a reliable and valid treatment option within NHS IAPT settings, alongside essential service development in therapist training programmes to support the growing need for treatment of multiple-trauma and/or Complex-PTSD (ICD-11, International Classification of Diseases-11, 2018). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

“Online delivery gave me privacy and distance from others”: feasibility trial and qualitative evaluation of an online intervention for refugees and asylum seekers;LTP + EMDR G‐TEP

Rates of mental health difficulties are high among refugees and asylum seekers who are parents, which makes their family members vulnerable to further negative outcomes such as behavioural problems or withdrawal. Maternal health and responsive parenting can stimulate the well-being of family members. However, displaced parents may fail to fulfil this role due to their own personal emotional issues. This current study is the first trial that tested the acceptability and feasibility of a remote multi-component parenting intervention for refugees and asylum seekers: Learning Through Play and EMDR Group Traumatic Episode Protocol. The study was a single-arm feasibility trial with an embedded qualitative component, and took place in the UK. We recruited caregivers of children under three years of age and offered eight sessions of a remote group Learning Through Play parenting intervention and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (LTP+ EMDR G-TEP). We administered assessments, including the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, International Trauma Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, followed by qualitative interviews. Of the 16 participants approached, 14 consented and were eligible to participate. Both qualitative and quantitative results showed the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention based on a recruitment rate of 88% of eligible participants and a 78% attendance rate for all sessions. Participants showed improvements in all outcome measures, an increase in parental self-esteem and a reduction in mental health symptoms. Findings also suggest that remote interventions are promising as a scalable approach for displaced families.

Pandemic Times and the Experience of Online EMDR Practice in Greece: A Qualitative Study on Obstacles and Perspectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a biopsychosocial impact on the Greek mental health system by worsening symptoms of depression and stress in the general population. As the need for mental health services increased, the pandemic strongly affected EMDR practice, and training which was mainly online, during 2020. In a small sample consisting of 40 EMDR practitioners, a brief online questionnaire was administered concerning the obstacles that professionals believe they face doing online EMDR therapy in Greece during the pandemic. A conventional qualitative analysis was conducted on the respondents' feedback by coding the content. Among others, the results showed two categories of practical and psychosocial defects in the efficient application of online EMDR practice. Lack of physical contact, poor application of bilateral stimulation based on technical difficulties, poor computer skills, and physical exhaustion due to continuous lockdown were some of the content subcategories. The results are discussed concerning the current context of the pandemic and local characteristics. Moreover, practical implications for online EMDR practice are discussed.

Reflections on providing virtual eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy in the wake of COVID-19: Survival through adaptation

The spread of COVID-19 has led to many public health challenges including detrimental mental and physical health outcomes. For an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)-certified therapist who primarily treats a population with an underlying diagnosis of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), this social phenomenon has presented many ethical and clinical challenges. The continued advancements in technology have promoted a rise in the development and utilization of mobile health applications such as those using EMDR techniques to facilitate the therapeutic process. However, research measuring the efficacy and safety of these applications is limited, particularly for clients who present with complex posttraumatic conditions and associated comorbidities. In this time of collective trauma, virtual EMDR has progressed from an emerging trend to a necessary clinical adaptation. This composite case study illustrates a personal reflection of the adaptation of EMDR to teletherapy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

The EMDR Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol With an Intensive Care Survivor: A Case Study

The intensive care survivor population is increasing. Critical illness can lead to long term psychological distress for a significant proportion of intensive care survivors. This situation has been brought into even starker focus with the impact of COVID-19. Critical illness can lead to long term psychological distress for a significant proportion of intensive care survivors. Risk factors for post-intensive care psychological distress include delirium experiences. This single case study describes the therapeutic process and utility of the Recent-Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP), an eye movement Desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy protocol for early intervention, with an ICU survivor where therapy was conducted remotely. The treatment provision is unusual in terms of the use of the R-TEP protocol and therapy not being in person. Treatment response was assessed using three standardized measures pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 4-month follow-up, and through qualitative feedback. The advantages of the R-TEP structure are discussed and the need for further research with the ICU survivor population considered. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of EMDR Practice & Research is the property of Springer Publishing Company, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

EMDR in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India: A Short Report

During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic from the start of 2020 till late 2021, mental health services—seeking and providing—have gone through various changes and adaptations. In this article, we report on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy service providers in India, and how they adapted to the changing circumstances during this time, using a narrative enquiry approach. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of EMDR Practice & Research is the property of Springer Publishing Company, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Clinician and Patient Experience of Internet-Mediated Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy.

Many eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapists moved their practice online during COVID-19. We conducted surveys and interviews to understand the implementation and acceptability of online EMDR therapy. From 17 June to 2nd August 2021 an online survey was open to EMDR therapists from the EMDR Association UK & Ireland and EMDR International Association email lists, and, through them, their clients. Questions related to determinants of implementation (for therapists) and acceptability (for clients) of online EMDR. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of therapist respondents to provide a deeper understanding of survey responses. Survey responses were received from therapists (n = 562) from five continents, and their clients (n = 148). 88% of clients responded as being extremely or very comfortable receiving EMDR therapy online. At the initial point of 'social distancing', 54% of therapists indicated strong or partial reluctance to deliver online EMDR therapy compared to 11% just over one year later. Four fifths of therapists intended to continue offering online therapy after restrictions were lifted. Free-text responses and interview data showed that deprivation and clinical severity could lead to exclusion from online EMDR. Internet connectivity could disrupt sessions, lead to cancellations, or affect the therapy process. Therapists benefited from training in online working. Online EMDR is generally acceptable to therapists and clients, with reservations about digital exclusion, case severity, poor internet connectivity and the need for training. Further research is needed to confirm that online EMDR is clinically non-inferior to in-person working. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40737-022-00260-0.

Treating COVID-19 patients with EMDR: A pilot study

The threatening and unpredictable nature of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presents unprecedented mental-health challenges worldwide. For those directly affected by the disease, the stress of facing potential death and overcoming fear can overwhelm their personal coping resources and can lead to symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety and depression. The objective of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to reduce anxio-depressive symptoms, distress and fear of the unknown in COVID-19 patients hospitalized for intensive care. A pilot study was conducted with 21 participants hospitalized for COVID-19 (11 women and 10 men) who were treated with EMDR therapy and assessed for anxio-depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), intensity of distress (Subjective Units of Disturbance, SUD scale), and levels of experienced fear (i.e., fear of the unknown) (Multidimensional Assessment of COVID-19-Related Fears, MAC-RF). After the 4-session treatment, the EMDR therapy showed to be effective in reducing all of the evaluated symptoms in all patients and allowed for stabilization. All patients maintained improved psychological states for one week following the four sessions. EMDR therapy has been shown to be an effective strategy for helping patients process exposure to adverse events by relieving symptoms of acute stress and trauma. EMDR is a focused approach that with as few as 4 sessions can strengthen adaptive coping strategies for dealing with an ongoing situation, restore optimism and can rapidly prevent the onset of potentially long-lasting psychological disorders.

Psychological problems and post-traumatic stress disorders in Italian university students during the first lockdown from Covid-19 and online EMDR therapy

The literature has highlighted psychological disorders during the Covid-19 lockdown. A research was conducted with 49 students who contacted the Psychological Counseling Center of the University of Salerno between March and May 2020. The objectives were: a) to investigate the psychological disorders and in particular of PTSD;b) evaluate the effectiveness of a short course with online EMDR protocol for those students with PTSD linked to the reactivation of previous trauma following pandemic stress and lockdown. The data collected in the pre and post treatment phase (with psychological interview and the SCL-90-R Scale scoring) show: PTSD (25%), anxiety and stress (100%), depression (88%). In post-EMDR treatment, a reduction in cut-offs from clinical to regulatory range was highlighted on the IES-R Scale and at SCL-90-R scale a shift from clinically significant scores on the syndromic scale to normative scores. In particular, on the SCL-90-R Scale, the score on the Global Severity Index-GSI, a global indicator of the current intensity of psychic distress perceived by the subject, confirms, in the post-test, the achievement of a regulatory clinical framework. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Italian) La letteratura ha evidenziato problemi psicologici durante il lockdown da Covid-19. E stata condotta una ricerca con 49 studenti che si sono rivolti al Centro di Counseling psicologico dell'Universita di Salerno tra marzo e maggio 2020. Gli obiettivi sono stati: a) indagare l'eventuale presenza di disturbi psicologici e in particolare di PTSD;b) valutare l'efficacia di un percorso breve con protocollo EMDR online per quegli studenti con PTSD legato alla riattivazione di traumi pregressi in seguito allo stress da pandemia e lockdown. I dati raccolti in fase di pre e post trattamento (dai colloqui psicologici e dallo scoring della Scala SCL-90- R) mostrano: PTSD (25%), ansia e stress (100%), depressione (88%). Nel post-trattamento EMDR si e evidenziata, alla Scala IES-R, una riduzione dei cut-off da range clinico a range normativo e alla SCL-90-R un passaggio da punteggi clinicamente significativi nelle scale sindromiche a punteggi normativi. In particolare, alla SCL-90, il punteggio all'indice Global Severity Index - GSI, indicatore globale dell'intensita attuale del disagio psichico percepito dal soggetto conferma, nel post trattamento, il raggiungimento di un assetto normativo. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Promoting Mental Health in Healthcare Workers in Hospitals Through Psychological Group Support With Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing During COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Psychological support was provided by the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) within the hospitals in the Northern Italy in favor of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of treatment in terms of (a) symptomatology reduction related to peri- and post-traumatic stress; (b) clinical improvement over time; and (c) the maintenance of the achieved outcome over time. METHODS: The population was composed of healthcare workers who spontaneously requested psychological intervention in both the first and the second emergency waves. Statistical analyses were carried out to highlight the differences in Impact of Event-Revised (IES-R) and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) before and after the group intervention. RESULTS: In both the first and the second waves, pre-treatment values are higher than post-treatment values for all dimensions of the IES-R. The results show that there are no significant differences between the first and the second wave with regard to the treatment effect. Healthcare workers maintained positive changes over time despite their prolonged exposure to an emergency and the possibility of retraumatization at the onset of a new emergency phase, irrespective of their working place. Healthcare workers who were treated in the first wave showed at the beginning of the second emergency wave less vulnerability and more resilience than those who were treated only in the second wave.Pre-treatment scores of healthcare workers affected by COVID-19 are discussed. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 had a significant impact on the well-being of healthcare workers who were working in hospitals. Psychological support in case of emergency is needed.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in a Primary Care Setting: Assessing Utility and Comparing Efficacy of Virtual Versus In-Person Methods.

Introduction: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy method designed to treat distress associated with traumatic memories. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged providers to shift EMDR to telehealth platforms. Objectives: This research had to aims. (1) To compare EMDR in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with CBT alone for treatment of a patient population with prevalent anxiety and (2) to compare the efficacy of virtual EMDR with that of in-person EMDR in the primary care setting. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all adult patients seen by a single therapist at a primary care center was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020. Charts were reviewed for demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, number of visits, number and type of EMDR treatments, and patient health questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and general anxiety disorder (GAD-7) scores pre- and post-treatment. Results: Patients who underwent EMDR with CBT demonstrated greater decreases in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores than patients who had only CBT (2.4, 2.5 vs. 0.9, 1.1). However, after adjusting for total number of sessions, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, and pain, the adjusted mean differences of change in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores between those who underwent EMDR with CBT and CBT-exclusive patients were not statistically significant. Similarly, the adjusted mean differences of change in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores between those who underwent virtual EMDR and those who had in-person EMDR were not statistically significant. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study describing the use of virtual EMDR in a primary care setting. Although our data did not provide evidence for the superiority of EMDR with CBT over CBT alone, we demonstrate that both in-person and virtual EMDR led to significantly improved GAD-7 scores.

Web-Based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Adults With Suicidal Ideation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Adversity and traumatic experiences increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, trauma-focused psychotherapy that desensitizes painful memories, so that reminders in the present no longer provoke overwhelming emotional responses. Preliminary evidence suggests that EMDR can be used as an acute intervention in suicidal patients, including those with major depressive disorder. In addition, because of social distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians have been using EMDR on the web and, in the absence of formal evaluations of web-based EMDR, informal reports indicate good results. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate whether remotely delivered EMDR (targeting experiences associated with suicidal thinking) reduces suicidal thoughts. Secondary aims include examining the impact of remotely delivered EMDR on symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, emotional dysregulation, and dissociation. We will also report on adverse events in the EMDR group to explore whether targeting suicidal ideation with EMDR is safe. Finally, we will compare dropout rates between the treatment groups. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 80 adults who express suicidal ideation and meet the study criteria will receive either 12 sessions of twice weekly EMDR plus treatment as usual or treatment as usual alone. EMDR sessions will focus on the most distressing and intrusive memories associated with suicidal ideation. Data for primary and secondary objectives will be collected at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months after enrollment. A subsequent longer-term analysis, beyond the scope of this protocol, will examine differences between the groups with respect to the number of posttreatment emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and overall health care use in the year before and after therapy. RESULTS: The protocol was approved by the University of Alberta Research Health Ethics Board (protocol ID Pro00090989). Funding for this study was provided by the Mental Health Foundation (grant RES0048906). Recruitment started in May 2021, with a projected completion date of March 2023. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this trial will contribute to knowledge on whether web-based delivery of EMDR is a safe and effective treatment for reducing suicidal ideation and potentially reducing the incidence of suicide attempts in this patient population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04181047; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04181047. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/30711.