An Analysis of the Relationship between EMDR, Panic Attacks and Anxiety

In the literature, there are many randomized controlled studies (RCT) and studies on the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for adults with anxiety disorders. Three RCTs focusing on panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PDA); While two studies targeted specific phobias, the dependent variable of another RCT was “self-esteem,” which was considered a mediating factor for anxiety disorders. In four RCTs, EMDR therapy showed a positive effect on panic and phobic symptoms, while one RCT on PDA was partially negative, and one study failed to improve self-esteem in patients with anxiety disorders. Taken as a whole, these preliminary data suggest that EMDR therapy may be effective not only for PD but also for certain phobias. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings and to systematically evaluate the efficacy of EMDR therapy for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and agoraphobia. Because cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is currently considered first-line therapy for anxiety disorders, controlled comparisons between EMDR therapy and CBT will be particularly useful in future investigations of EMDR therapy of anxiety disorders. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy that has been extensively evaluated in its approach to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In summary, the AIP model is based on the idea that the neurobiological system naturally tries to process existing perceptions in a way that promotes associations with relevant stored information, facilitates learning, and relieves emotional distress. Consequently, the transfer of information from implicit memory systems to explicit memory systems (Shapiro 2001) allows for the resolution of disturbing thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations by facilitating access to the stored material and associating it with more coherent information. However, the intense impact and subsequent dissociation that accompanies trauma can interfere with this process and cause dysfunctional storage of information (for example, images, thoughts, emotions, and sensations) in the memory network