title: Distribution of targets in 400 eye-movement desensitization cases.
abstract: In a series of 400 patients undergoing Eye-movement Desensitization (EMD), patients rarely reported more than nine flashbacks or other focal targets, which may indicate the working memory limit. Eye-movement desensitization may operate by freeing working memory capacity, enabling cognitive change and memory recovery to occur. Complete EMD treatment may require sufficient eye movements to free up working memory capacity. Patients given less than this requirement may not be adequately treated. This may account for variable results in evaluations of eye-movement desensitization. Such possible dose effects may be important in this therapy.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Psychology Department, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK. alan.hassard@phnt.swest.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hassard
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods*; D005133:Eye Movements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors