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

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.

• Authors: Friedhelm Lamprecht, Christine Köhnke, Wolfgang Lempa, Martin Sack, Mike Matzke, Thomas F Münte
• Journal: Neuroscience research (Neurosci Res) Vol. 49 Issue 2 Pg. 267-72 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 0168-0102 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 15140569 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• 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, therapy)
• Trauma Severity Indices