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Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing as Treatment for Chronic Pain Syndromes: A Literature Review
Angela J Tefft1, Irma O Jordan2
11 Angela J. Tefft, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, Kitsap Mental Health Services, Bremerton, WA, USA.
Background:
Chronic pain is public health problem in the United States, costing upwards of $560 to $635 billion annually. Guidelines consistently recommend psychological treatment for chronic pain. Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy may provide an alternate approach to treating chronic pain.
Objective:
Review of literature to evaluate the effectiveness of EMDR in the treatment of chronic pain.
Method:
A literature search of seven databases was conducted to find relevant studies addressing the use of EMDR for chronic pain.
Results:
Most studies reported improvement in pain and psychological indices with EMDR.
Conclusions:
Because most literature reported case studies, the results have limited generalizability. However, for clients who suffer from chronic pain, EMDR is a reasonable treatment alternative.
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