Neurophysiological correlates of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing sessions: preliminary evidence for traumatic memories integration

作者：Farina Benedetto; Imperatori Claudio^*; Quintiliani Maria I; Gattinara Paola Castelli; Onofri Antonio; Lepore Marta; Brunetti Riccardo; Losurdo Anna; Testani Elisa; Della Marca Giacomo

来源：Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, 2015, 35(6): 460-468.

DOI：10.1111/cpf.12184

• EEG coherence
• EEG Power Spectra
• eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• standardized Low Resolution Electric Tomography

We have investigated the potential role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in enhancing the integration of traumatic memories by measuring EEG coherence, power spectra and autonomic variables before (pre EMDR) and after (post EMDR) EMDR sessions during the recall of patient's traumatic memory. Thirteen EMDR sessions of six patients with post traumatic stress disorder were recorded. EEG analyses were conducted by means of the standardized Law Resolution Electric Tomography (sLORETA) software. Power spectra, EEG coherence and heart rate variability (HRV) were compared between pre and post EMDR sessions. After EMDR, we observed a significant increase of alpha power in the left inferior temporal gyros (T = 3.879; P = 0.041) and an increased EEG coherence in beta band between C3 and T5 electrodes (T = 6.358; P<0.001). Furthermore, a significant increase of HRV in the post EMDR sessions was also observed (pre EMDR: 6.38 +/- 6-83; post EMDR: 2.46 +/- 2.95; U-Test=45, P = 0.043). Finally, the valises of lagged coherence were negatively associated with subjective units of disturbance (r(24) = -0.44, P<0.05) and positively associated with parasympathetic activity (r(24)=0.40, P<0.05). Our results suggest: that EMDR leads to an integration of dissociated aspects of traumatic memories and, consequently, a decrease of hyperarousal symptoms [Correction made here after initial publication].

• 出版日期2015-11