Search Results (37)

Non-organic (muscle) weakness (NOw) is proposed as a distinct pathological entity characterized by maladaptive neuroplasticity (learning) affecting motor control. Functional deficits are most directly revealed through the manual muscle testing (MMT) break test, which uniquely exposes a muscle’s ability to adapt to increasing external load, potentially serving as an index of motor control integrity. We advance the “muscle-motor-movement PTSD” (mPTSD) model in which learning during pain or stress (trauma) yields chronic avoidance (inhibition) of the associated muscles. In a second stage, compensatory synergies develop, overriding attempts at hypertrophy-oriented training. This non-systematic, integrative review synthesizes clinical reports, learning theories, motor control and pain literature, and objective tests of force and movement over time during MMT. Predictive processing and reinforcement learning offer complementary accounts of how hyper-precise priors and passive avoidance may maintain NOw beyond functional recovery. Unexplained muscle weakness is found in non-specific musculoskeletal disorders and functional motor disorder (functional weakness), but may also contribute to other conditions, such as kinesiophobia. Effective alternative treatments for NOw may act by updating or erasing maladaptive motor learning by disrupting memory reconsolidation, allowing immediate restoration of function. Analogous to psychoneuroimmunology’s role in immune function, we propose “psychoneurokinesiology”, the study of how maladaptive learning affects movement. Full article

Background/Objectives: The treatment of dual disorders (DDs) must be comprehensive and multidisciplinary. Evidence supports the effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating DDs. The second part of this consensus synthesizes the available evidence on psychological treatment for specific DDs. Methods: Two consensus methods were sequentially implemented: the nominal group technique and the Delphi method. Results: This consensus review encompassed a compilation of recommendations for the psychological treatment of neurodevelopmental, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, somatic symptom, eating, and personality disorders. Finally, recommendations for the future research agenda on the psychological treatment of DD were included. Conclusions: (1) Psychological treatment, particularly integrated treatment, is effective. (2) In the case of dual autism, interventions for substance use disorders should be adapted to this population’s characteristics. (3) More research is needed on dual social anxiety, panic, generalized anxiety, somatic symptom, and eating disorders, for which Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used treatment. (4) For dual attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, multicomponent treatment is recommended (psychoeducation, CBT, and peer or family support). (5) For dual anxiety disorders, CBT is the first-line treatment. (6) For dual post-traumatic stress disorder, CBT (cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure therapy), acceptance and commitment therapy, stress inoculation training, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective. (7) For dual personality disorders, evidence is scarce. (8) For borderline personality disorder, dialectical behavior therapy, dynamic deconstructive psychotherapy, and dual-focus schema therapy show promise. (9) For antisocial personality disorder, CBT, contingency management, and counseling on impulsive lifestyles may be useful. (10) Much more evidence is needed from studies that overcome the methodological limitations of existing ones. Full article

Dental phobia is a disabling yet underdiagnosed condition that prevents many patients from seeking essential oral healthcare, leading to avoidable pain, disease progression, and reduced quality of life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most widely supported psychological intervention for specific phobias and has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing dental anxiety and avoidance. This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence on CBT applications for phobia management, with particular emphasis on dental settings. In addition to reviewing established mechanisms of CBT, this paper highlights emerging adjunctive approaches such as virtual reality, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and hypnosis. Special attention is given to pediatric populations, trauma-exposed individuals, and patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, who are often underrepresented in clinical research. The findings underscore the central role of CBT in addressing dental phobia while identifying gaps in standardized protocols, long-term outcomes, and accessibility across diverse healthcare contexts. Future research should prioritize controlled trials, cultural adaptations, and the integration of psychological training into dental curricula to enhance the translation of evidence into everyday practice. Full article

Hypersomnia may be classified as primary or secondary, with secondary hypersomnia arising from a variety of underlying causes. Thus, according to ICSD3-TR classification, the diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is established based on (1) excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS); (2) electrophysiological findings including either a mean sleep latency of less than 8 min on the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) or increased total sleep (≥11 h) on 24 h polysomnography; and (3) systematic elimination of other potential etiologies, including sleep deprivation, substances, and medical, psychiatric (notably mood disorders), or sleep disorders. Nevertheless, the clinical heterogeneity observed in IH fuels an ongoing debate, reflecting the limited understanding of its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. This report describes the case of a patient presenting with a clinical and polysomnographic phenotype of IH (MSLT < 8 min). A comprehensive psychopathological evaluation was performed to explore the possibility of secondary hypersomnia, which revealed features consistent with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD). Psychotherapy focused on c-PTSD was administered with positive and objective results in hypersomnolence/EDS. This clinical improvement suggests a potential relationship between psychological trauma and hypersomnia, a connection that is rarely described in the literature and warrants further investigation. This case highlights the need for a comprehensive assessment of secondary factors, particularly complex trauma, even in the presence of a clinical and polysomnographic phenotype consistent with IH. Full article

Background/Objectives:Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, is a prevalent and often distressing condition with complex neurobiological and psychological underpinnings. A growing body of literature suggests a frequent co-occurrence between tinnitus and psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. However, the extent to which these conditions are associated, and whether treatments targeting one domain impact the other, remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to (1) identify associations between tinnitus and mental health comorbidities, (2) evaluate whether tinnitus treatments affect psychiatric outcomes, and (3) explore whether psychiatric treatments influence tinnitus symptoms. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar was conducted for articles published between January 2014 and May 2025. Eligible studies were written in English, French, or Spanish, focused primarily on tinnitus, included at least one co-occurring psychiatric condition, and described how tinnitus was evaluated. A total of 30 studies were included. Data were extracted and synthesized thematically. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and relevant Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Results: Most studies reported significant associations between tinnitus and psychiatric symptoms, particularly anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and, in some cases, psychosis. Treatments aimed at tinnitus, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive behavioral therapy, were sometimes associated with secondary improvements in mental health. Conversely, limited evidence suggested that psychiatric treatment, including antipsychotic medication and psychotherapy, may reduce tinnitus severity in selected cases. Conclusions: Tinnitus and psychiatric comorbidities frequently co-occur, and early evidence suggests that addressing one may benefit the other. Given the specific inclusion criteria, this review presents a selected subset of the broader literature, focusing only on studies that evaluated tinnitus alongside clinically measured psychiatric symptoms. Future research should prioritize integrated, longitudinal interventions to better understand these complex interactions. Full article

Given the suboptimal responses to medication and cognitive behavioral therapies in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new approaches are needed. Background/Objectives: Therapies that include a somatic component such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of PTSD in numerous clinical trials. This case series introduces the Trauma Reintegration Process (TRP), a psychotherapeutic process developed by the author that can be combined with somatic therapies to enhance their effectiveness, especially in patients with dissociation. Methods: This case series describes the use of TRP in combination with EFT, an energy-based somatic treatment that engages the meridian system of the body through gentle tapping on acupressure points. TRP uses EFT in combination with a focused guided imagery sequence. This case series describes the treatment of two patients: a 20-year-old woman who experienced PTSD and somatic symptoms following a serious motor vehicle accident (MVA) and a 45-year-old woman with a history of severe abuse as a child as well as adult trauma who had also been in a serious MVA. The cases contrast the way TRP can be applied in patients with single versus multiple traumas and who experience dissociation. Results: In both cases, EFT treatment stalled when the patient dissociated. After TRP was introduced, however, the EFT treatment regained momentum, leading to significant improvement in PTSD symptoms including a reduction of nightmares and flashbacks and resolution of other somatic symptoms. Conclusions: The trauma reintegration process (TRP) in combination with EFT has the potential to assist in the memory processing of patients with dissociation and complicated trauma presentation without retraumatizing the client and causing further distress or dissociation. In addition, it provides the patient with a self-empowering method to alleviate any additional traumatic sequelae. Full article

Background: Induced after-death communication (IADC) therapy is an emerging approach for addressing grief-related distress, particularly in individuals experiencing complicated grief (CG). Developed from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), IADC therapy aims to change the meanings with which loss is read and to transform acute grief into integrated grief. While spontaneous after-death communications (ADCs) have been widely reported across different cultures, IADC therapy provides a structured procedure for inducing a state of mind in which such experiences can spontaneously arise and develop. Methods: This study employed a prospective observational cohort design with a retrospective analysis, comparing the effectiveness of IADC therapy (experimental group, n = 42) to standard grief interventions combining talk therapy and EMDR (control group, n = 43). Participants completed standardized measures, including the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) and the IADC Grief Questionnaire (IADC-GQ), at pre-treatment (T1), post-treatment (T2), and six-month follow-up (T3). Additional analyses explored the role of spirituality, religious affiliation, and therapist characteristics in grief processing. Results: IADC therapy led to a significantly greater reduction in grief intensity (ICG scores) immediately after the intervention and at the six-month follow-up compared to the control group. The experimental group also showed a more pronounced decrease in distress symptoms (CS scores) and higher ratings of therapeutic satisfaction. Furthermore, participants in the experimental group exhibited a significantly greater increase in their continuing bond (CB) scores, suggesting a more adaptive connection with the deceased. Additional analyses examined therapist characteristics, treatment-related factors, and the nature of ADC experiences, which are further explored in the discussion. Conclusions: These findings highlight the clinical utility of IADC therapy as a brief and cost-effective grief intervention, offering comparable or superior outcomes to traditional grief therapies. The results suggest that recognizing and integrating spontaneous ADC experiences into grief therapy may provide a valuable therapeutic pathway. Future research should further explore the long-term effects, cultural variations, and therapist characteristics to optimize the integration of IADC therapy into mainstream clinical practice. Full article

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was recognized by the World Health Organization in 2013 as an evidence-based therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and found to be effective for depression. Since then, EMDR has evolved into a personalized treatment focusing on stabilizing the physiological and psychological processes to alleviate symptoms of depression and stress. However, optimized parameters for video stimuli, such as speed (s_sp), distance (d), and size (s_sz), are not yet well defined in EMDR protocols. This study addresses this gap by employing an artificial neural network (ANN) methodology based on Francine Shapiro’s Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. The ANN was used to determine ideal values for video stimuli parameters, developing an integrated model to enhance EMDR outcomes. Of the 2860 ANN-modeled combinations, stimulus settings of 1.8 Hz speed, 70-pixel size, and 1440-pixel distance achieved the highest Predicted Effectiveness Score (PES) of 98.7%. An EMDR field test with electroencephalography (EEG) was conducted to assess the optimized video stimuli’s efficacy. Further, 16 participants, selected from a sample of 56 meeting CES-D depression criteria, were evaluated, and the top 50 PES values were selected for further analysis. EEG results indicated a 12.31% increase in effectiveness, showing a reduction in right frontal lobe beta waves. These findings highlight the technical advancements and therapeutic potential of the proposed ANN-optimized EMDR stimuli, demonstrating statistically significant improvements over traditional methods. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased mental health issues, particularly among long-COVID patients, who experience persistent symptoms post-recovery, potentially leading to chronic conditions. The psychological impact of long-COVID is still largely unknown, but it may contribute to mental disorders like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Given the global rise in anxiety and depression, exploring therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for long-COVID traumatic disorders is crucial. This study explores the effectiveness of remote EMDR therapy for PTSD-like symptoms in long-COVID conditions (LCC), assessing their emergence, the impact of LCC on mental health, and identifying key commonalities. It also examines the potential advantages of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform for EMDR treatments for both therapists and patients, evaluating the response differences between remote and in-person treatment. Methods: We enrolled a total of 160 participants divided into two groups of 80, with the experimental group receiving EMDR treatment for PTSD-like symptoms via a remote AI-powered platform, and the control group receiving traditional in-person therapy. We compared the ANOVA for Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUDs) scores, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) scores, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) scores between our two groups for three cases: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and decrement. Results: Statistical significance analysis showed a consistent absence of significant differences between online AI-powered platforms and traditional in-presence sessions. This effectively confirms our hypothesis and highlights that no significant differences were observed between the two groups. Conclusions: The AI-supported remote platform demonstrates comparable efficacy in delivering EMDR therapy, confirming its potential as an effective alternative to traditional in-person methods while providing added advantages in accessibility and adaptability (e.g., remote areas, hikikomori, natural disasters). Full article

Substance use disorder (SUD) significantly impacts public health, economics, and legal systems worldwide. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was initially developed in the late 1980s as a therapeutic approach for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), using bilateral stimulation to integrate traumatic memories with calming physiological responses. However, the effectiveness of EMDR in treating SUD remains unclear. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of EMDR therapy on craving reduction in individuals with SUD. The search was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, focusing on studies that measured craving and employed EMDR interventions. Both random and fixed effects models were used to pool effect sizes, utilizing an R software meta-package (R-4.4.1). The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The results indicated a significant reduction in cravings among patients undergoing EMDR therapy. Specifically, under the fixed effect model, the standardized mean difference (SMD) was −0.866 with a 95% confidence interval ranging from −1.121 to −0.611 (z = −6.66, p < 0.0001). These findings may demonstrate the significant efficacy of EMDR therapy in decreasing cravings in people with SUD. Full article

Background: Mental healthcare for children and adolescents with a history of childhood abuse constitutes a major public health issue. Indeed, abuse exposes children to severe and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) but also to neurodevelopmental and psychological repercussions impacting the developmental trajectory. Trauma-focused care is essential to avoid the chronicization of symptoms and disorders. Objective: The aim of this prospective case series study was to investigate the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on complex post-traumatic symptoms and associated psychiatric disorders in adolescents with a history of abuse. Method: Twenty-two adolescents, aged 12 to 17, who had been abused during childhood were included. All adolescents met ICD-11 criteria for complex PTSD. Subjective measures of PTSD and associated psychiatric disorders were taken before (T0) and after 3 months of EMDR therapy (T1). Results: The average PTSD symptom score on the CPTS-RI significantly decreased from 40.2 to 34.4 after EMDR, indicating improvement in post-traumatic symptoms. A significant decrease in the average depression score (CDI from 18.2 at T0 to 10.6 at T1), anxiety score (R–CMAS from 21.3 at T0 to 13.3 at T1), emotional regulation score (ALS from 29 at T0 to 10.8 at T1), insomnia score (ISI from 18.5 at T0 to T1 of 9.2 at T1), and harmful use of alcohol and drugs score (ADOSPA from 2.3 at T0 to 0.3 at T1) was observed after EMDR therapy, as well as an increase in quality of life (CBCL 4–16 score from 57.9 at T0 to 77.4 at T1). Conclusions: The results of this study are encouraging and suggest that EMDR may be effective in the symptom management reducing post-traumatic symptoms and certain comorbid disorders frequently seen in adolescents who have experienced childhood abuse. Further research is needed on adolescent populations suffering from cPTSD (e.g., randomized controlled trials with control groups and other therapies or evaluating the action of the different phases of the study). Full article

Background: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained attention for its potential effectiveness in treating depression beyond its initial use for PTSD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of EMDR in treating depression and to identify the variables influencing its effectiveness. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, covering studies up to January 2023. A total of 521 studies were screened, and 25 studies with 1042 participants (522 EMDR, 520 control) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The inclusion criteria involved randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EMDR to control conditions such as usual care or waitlist groups, with outcomes focused on changes in depression symptoms. Results: The results show that EMDR had a significant effect on reducing depression symptoms (Hedges’ g = 0.75), with moderate heterogeneity being observed. The meta-regression indicated that the severity of depression was a significant predictor of EMDR’s effectiveness, with greater effects in severe cases. Additionally, the systematic review analyzed and evaluated various theoretical models and related studies that explain how EMDR works for the treatment of depression, reporting on neurobiological models proposed in previous research. Conclusions: This study confirms that EMDR is effective in treating depression, particularly in severe cases, and highlights its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention. However, this study highlights the need for more standardized research and long-term evaluations to assess EMDR’s lasting impact. Integrating EMDR into multimodal treatment plans and primary care, especially for treatment-resistant depression, could significantly improve patient outcomes. Full article

Background: Anxiety disorders significantly reduce patients’ quality of life. Current pharmacological treatments, primarily benzodiazepines and antidepressants, are associated with numerous side effects. Consequently, there is a continual search for alternative methods to traditional therapies that are less burdensome for patients and broaden their therapeutic options. Our objective was to determine the role of selected alternative methods in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Methods: In this review, we examined recent evidence on alternative treatments for anxiety disorders, including physical activity, mindfulness, virtual reality (VR) technology, biofeedback, herbal remedies, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), cryotherapy, hyperbaric therapy, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. For this purpose we reviewed PubMed and after initial search, we excluded works unrelated to our aim, non-orginal data and animal studies. We conducted second search to cover all minor methods. Results: We included 116 studies, which data is presented in Tables. We have investigated which methods can support treatment and which can be used as a stand-alone treatment. We assessed the risks to benefits of using alternative treatments. Conclusion: Alternative treatments significantly expand the options available to patients and clinicians, with many serving as adjuncts to traditional therapies. Among the methods presented, mindfulness has the most significant therapeutic potential. Full article

This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) method on chronic subjective tinnitus. The research was planned as an observational study. The study group comprises individuals who applied to the training and research hospital in Ankara between 2019 and 2020 and were aged between 15 and 60 years old. They were identified as having tinnitus. The study samples were determined as 36 participants selected through purposeful sampling. The samples of the 36 participants included in the study. 12 were assigned to the 1st Group EMDR and Masking Group, 12 to the 2nd Group Masking and EMDR Group, and 12 to the 3rd Control Group. The study’s dependent variable was the tinnitus levels of the participants, and the independent variable was EMDR and the Masking method. The dependent variable data of the study was collected with the Visual Analog Scale and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). EMDR and Masking methods used as independent variables in the study were conducted in eight sessions for two months. As a result of the Wilcoxon Sign test used to determine whether the EMDR Method is effective on tinnitus severity level, the difference between tinnitus severity level pretest and post-test median scores of tinnitus patients was found to be statistically significant. Our research findings show that the EMDR method reduces and improves chronic subjective tinnitus, and further studies with a larger sample size could confirm our results. Full article