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An orienting response model of eye movement desensitization
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|March 1, 1996
Summary
This study presents a new model for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMR) therapy, suggesting the therapist's hand movements trigger an orienting response (OR) to help process trauma memories and reduce PTSD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Dyck's conditioning model of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) explains habituation failure in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- However, this model may not fully encompass all observed EMDR phenomena.
- An alternative model is proposed to address these limitations.
Discussion:
- The proposed model posits that a therapist's hand movements, in conjunction with trauma-related cognitive states, elicit an intense orienting response (OR).
- The intrinsic effects of the OR facilitate sustained attention to trauma memories without avoidance.
- This process allows for the integration of new, safety-related information, updating the individual's neuronal model of the traumatic event.
Key Insights:
- The orienting response (OR) plays a crucial role in processing trauma memories during EMDR.
- This model suggests that EMDR facilitates a re-evaluation of trauma outcomes, emphasizing survival and current safety.
- Conditioned responses associated with trauma extinguish as the neuronal model is updated.
Outlook:
- The paper outlines proposals for experimental evaluations to test this alternative EMDR model.
- Further research is needed to validate the proposed mechanisms of the orienting response in trauma processing.
- This work may lead to refined therapeutic strategies for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.