Event-related potentials and EMDR treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder

Neurosci Res. 2004 Jun;49(2):267-72. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2004.02.013.

Abstract

Ten patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a severe traumatic event, were assessed with event-related brain potentials (ERPs) in a modified oddball paradigm containing auditory standard, target, and novel tones. ERPs were assessed before and after a treatment session using the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing method. Compared to a control group that underwent sham treatment, ERPs of the patients showed a reduction of the P3a component in the post-treatment recording, suggesting a reduced orienting to novel stimuli and reduced arousal level after the treatment. Moreover, psychometric assessment revealed a marked improvement of the PTSD symptoms after treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Desensitization, Psychologic / methods*
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Eye Movements*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / physiopathology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*
  • Trauma Severity Indices