The use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the treatment of psychogenic seizures.
We present a case illustrating the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of psychogenic seizures. These seizures were events lasting many hours, necessitating frequent emergency room visits and an extensive medical work up. Given the patient's history, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was diagnosed. EMDR is widely used as a treatment modality for PTSD, and the patient was referred for once-per-week treatment, with complete recovery after 18 months of therapy. The impact of her recovery on her quality of life was astonishing. This case supports the notion that EMDR can be an effective alternative treatment for psychogenic seizures, especially when the history reveals a traumatic event or abusive experiences.
Chemali
Zeina
Z
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. zelchemali@partners.org <zelchemali@partners.org>
Meadows
Mary-Ellen
ME
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D020195:Epilepsy, Reflex / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy
D000927:Anticonvulsants