Exploring the Benefits of EMDR Therapy for OCD Treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (or OCD) is an extremely dangerous disease of the psyche involving permanent obsessive thoughts and recurring actions. People with obsession compulsion disorder find it hard to control their symptoms that may result into poor life management. There has been a development in the form of EMDR therapy, which is a newer approach to treating obsessive compulsive disorder while traditional therapeutically approaches like CBT and medication have shown effectiveness. A discussion of how EMDR therapy helps in OCD treatment.

Understanding EMDR Therapy

EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy first developed by Francine Shapiro in 1980’s, has been known to be effective in the treatment of PTSD. It is an organized as well as proof-based method, which constitutes a mixture of sense-cognitive stimuli, making it applicable in a broad array of mental health disorders. Bilateral stimulation, a component of EMDR therapy that can be induced by means of eye movement, tactile sensation, and audial stimuli. It is thought that the brain processes trauma-related distresses more adaptively due to this bilateral stimulation.

Relationship between OCD and EDMR.

EMDR therapy was traditionally meant for traumas but it is now used more extensively in OCD treatments. OCD goes beyond thinking intrusions and compulsions. It includes emotional factors which usually have to do with trauma behind the disorder. These roots form the basis of OCD as a result of which EMDR appears to be a useful therapy.

Advantages of EMDR therapy in treating OCD.

Targeting Underlying Trauma:
EMDR therapy can be used to treat emotional traumas that might underlie some of the symptoms associated with OCD. Commonly, OCD develops as a defense against overpowering emotions that result from prior traumas. Through identification and treatment of the traumatic memories, EMDR works to cut off the emotional fuel for the obsessions and compulsions.

Reduction in Obsessive Thoughts:
The presence of disturbing and obsessive thoughts is one of the main characteristics of OCD. Through the EMDR therapy these thoughts are re- processed leading to reduced distress associated with their management. Thereby, there would be a considerable decrease in obsessionality.

Lessening Compulsive Behaviors:
In this therapy, EMDR breaks the chain of the compulsive behaviors through targeting the underlying emotions which in turn cause the acts. Individuals can be able to refrain from carrying out their compulsions by having them process the emotions triggered.

Improved Emotional Regulation:
Such individuals suffering from OCD are usually anxious and distressed. OCD is usually preceded by emotional dysregulation that requires management through EMDR therapy in order to restore emotional regulatory abilities. It may reduce anxiety and improve their coping skills for stress.

Enhanced Quality of Life:
EMDR therapy works towards the core emotional factors for obsessive-compulsive disorder. If they can keep the symptoms of OCD under check, individuals will be able to deal with the daily routine better and enjoy healthy coexistence.

Customized Treatment:
Emdr therapy is very flexible and it can be adjusted for a particular person. It is a very specific approach that enables therapists to deal with the individual triggers, experience and emotions of people experiencing such behavior disorder.

Reduced Relapse Rates:
There are indications that EMDR might have less relapsing rates than other OCD treatments but further long-term studies need to be done in this aspects. This could be attributed to its ability to resolve the innermost emotional problems that form the basis of traditional OCD treatment.

Complementary Approach:
The use of the EMDR therapy together with other therapies like the cognitive behavioral approach and/or medications for example would improve their effect. A more comprehensive solution to dealing with severe OCD may be achievable using this multifaceted approach.

Conclusion

However, it is vital to mention again that EMDR therapy might not work for all OCD patients. A psychomotor psychotherapy is a technique of treatment, which must be conducted by a qualified and competent physiotherapist. Moreover, EMDR therapy works differently in each person, it does not solve the problem in all cases.

Lastly, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can be helpful for people with OCD. This type of therapy is based on pinpointing at the originating traumas, cutting down the thoughts that are obsessively repeating themselves, minimizing the acts of compulsion, and improving self-management skills with respect to emotions. It is a tailored and flexible method aimed at meeting specific needs of people suffering from OCD which leads to improvement in their health as well. Although it is not the universal answer, EMDR therapy could present an option that makes one give another hope when dealing with OCD. People who have OCD, including yourself, should visit doctors in order to discuss about combining EMDR and other treatment methods.