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3: EMDR Therapy for Traumatized Patients With Psychosis

DOI:

10.1891/9780826131652.0003

Authors

  • Vleugel, Berber van der
  • Berg, David van den
  • Bont, Paul de
  • Staring, Tonnie
  • Jongh, Ad de
  • Vleugel, Berber van der
  • Berg, David van den
  • Bont, Paul de
  • Staring, Tonnie
  • Jongh, Ad de

Abstract

This chapter describes possible interactions between trauma and psychosis and offers several methods for conceptualizing a case to facilitate the application of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of people with psychosis. A psychotic disorder is often accompanied by at least one comorbid disorder, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive disorder, social phobia, substance abuse and dependence, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. A comprehensive treatment program offered by a multidisciplinary team is recommended. This includes pharmacotherapy, case management, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supported employment, family interventions, and peer support. Standardized treatment protocols are feasible without adaptations and are effective in treating comorbid PTSD. Both antipsychotic medications and medication preventing motor side effects of anti-psychotics can affect cholinergic receptors. It can be difficult to judge the distress that a patient experiences during EMDR, due to some of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.