Date of Award
6-2008
Document Type
Union College Only
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Neuroscience
Language
English
Keywords
ptsd, medial, patients, study, design
Abstract
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a novel therapy that has been effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have explored the neurological underpinnings of EMDR effectiveness. Utilizing a symptom provocation study design, this study assessed non-PTSD car accident patients. These pilot participants were scanned for comparison to PTSD patients and to explore the task design effectiveness for the future study of PTSD patients. One pilot participant exhibited activation in the left precuneus, and left medial temporal gyrus, and also in the left medial frontal gyrus. In PTSD patients the medial prefrontal cortex is often hypoactive, and inversely correlated with a hyperactive amygdala. The robust activation of medial frontal gyrus in the pilot subject with a corresponding inactivation of the amygdala indicates the participant’s normal processing of the car accident traumatic memories, and that task design and study parameters are being effectively implemented.
Recommended Citation
Langwig, Kate E., "A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of the effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder car accident patients : a pilot study" (2008). Honors Theses. 1481.
https://digitalworks.union.edu/theses/1481