[On the relationship between traumatization, amnesia and symptom stress--an empirical pilot study].
OBJECTIVE
In the present study we examined facial affective behavior in acutely traumatized patients undergoing EMDR therapy. Furthermore, we analyzed whether a decrease in emotional numbing was due to a reduction of symptoms. Amnestic tendencies were used as a moderator variable.


METHODS
The facial affective behaviour was coded using the Emotional Facial Acting Coding System, an instrument for the registration of facial movements with emotional relevance. The facial affective behavior of the patient's first and last EMDR session was compared.


RESULTS
A significant increase in facial affective behavior as well as an increase in mental complaints were found. Furthermore, the reduction in amnestic tendencies did not result in a reduction of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Under the influence of the treatment it is possible to improve access to episodic affective memory. Nevertheless, a positive influence cannot be denoted at the end of the treatment.
Krause
Rainer
R
Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie and Psychotherapie der Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken.
Kirsch
Anke
A
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000647:Amnesia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005133:Eye Movements; D005149:Facial Expression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome