I had a string of mutiple traumas over five years ago. But only 12 months ago, It was recognised that I was suffering from PTSD. I also suffer from Manic depression/Bipolar affective disorder, and also psychosis, which I have had since I was 12.

I have been through alot, but thought things were on the up when I was told by my therapist that I might respond from EMDR treatment. I have now had three sessions and am seriously considering about having any more.

Of course, I knew it would be a bumpy road to possible recovery. But I never banked on it taking my therapist 30 minutes to 'pull me out' of the disturbed state I went into. Although I wasn't reliving the trauma, my mind was there and so were my feelings. I was petrified, shaking and crying.It also bought on some of the psychotic symptoms I have only when I am becoming seriously unwell.

I think my memories were too strong for the EMDR, which was why I was sucked back in time. My family who I live with obviously can't stand to see me in this depressed state I have been left in, and are asking me to see sense and not have any more EMDR.I was determined to have more, as I thought I'd be getting back part of me that was lost in the traumas, but now I'm not so sure.

This treatment, so I hear, has only been going for around 10 years, but I wonder if enough research has been done. Can people with psychosis have EMDR? Or would this have happened anyway?I would be so pleased if anyone could offer their views/thoughts/advice/oppinions!!


Many thanks.

Hi,

I tried looking online quickly to see if I could find out anything regarding psychosis and EMDR, but wasn't able to find anything substantial.

I will tell you that, from what I know and have read about EMDR, that your symptoms will increase, at times significantly.

Did your therapist pre-screen you for EMDR treatment? Meaning, did he/she spend a few sessions understanding your trauma and your responses? Did your T explain to you how the EMDR would work and what to expect before starting?

You said you were shaking, crying, and that you were petrified, basically you were "feeling" the emotions - this is what is supposed to happen. While your family thinks that this is making you worse than better, they are correct, but that is what happens whenever you commit yourself to real therapy.

I would open up the communication with your T about how you're feeling with regards to the psychosis aspect of this. Additionally, EMDR is a new treatment and not a lot is known about it. I would simply surf the net, look around the forum and you'll find bits and pieces.

Personally, I do think EMDR is risky, but it is a risk that I, myself, have chosen to take. Good luck.

Best,
Rachel

I agree with Rachel, I also believe EMDR is a bit of a risk. But I also have decided to follow that path, after not having much progress with CBT type therapy. It IS very hard work, and I was also very close to quiting today, due to a severe increase in my symptoms. I am very scared that things will only continue to get worse and not to get better. But at the same time I feel like this is my last chance to feel better, since I feel that I have tried so many other options. The increase in symptoms scares the hell out of me, particularly the acute depression.

I decided to continue with the EMDR today, folowing a definate 'wobble', because I want to know that I have done my best to try to get better. Obviously, I hope and pray that it will have positve effects, but if not, then at least I know I have tried. I know that if I had given up today, that I would have felt like a failure. (However that is just me, and the way my mind works). You must do what you feel is right for you.

As for the effects regarding psychosis and EMDR, I don't know. I just hope you have fully discussed this with your T. At the end of the day, only you know how you feel, and whether you can cope with this type of therapy. Also it might be a timing thing; maybe you are not in a good place right now to undergo this type of therapy, but in a few months time things may be somewhat different for you.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Cherry

I think you need to raise your concerns with your therapist, do a heap of research on the net and ask all the questions you have.

You know what is best for you, you are the expert on you, so don't be afraid of being your own advocate. It's very difficult when your family is telling you one thing and your therapist is telling you another. Just trust in your own inner voice.

That said, I myself am very hesitant about EMDR. I know that for some people it has worked well for but my view is tarnished by the one person I know who has gone through it - a family member. She had a trauma but after EMDR she got worse and stayed worse. To me she became psychotic & delusional. Police involved. One trauma turned into several with some bizarre claims. She became extremely paranoid, trusted no one, turned against all the people in her life and started doing things like stealing and down right lying. I since found out that at some stage she was diagnosed with borderline. Also suspect bipolar. But who knows. I guess my point is I think EMDR may work if you have straight PTSD, I wonder about how it works with those with comorbid disorders. She may well be okay now, I have not had anything to do with her for a few years.

I know at the time I raised my concern about EMDR with this family member with the psychological board and they had reservations about EMDR being performed on someone with potential multiple traumas and potentially multiple diagnosises.

But this is one case only. As I understand there are many cases where people have made a remarkable recovery. You can even search on this forum "EMDR" and find quite a few threads.

It's your health, so ask heaps of questions. Trust your gut.

I was told i couldnt have EMDR because i suffer from multiple disorders...like yourself...evidently it can be dangerous depending on the combination of your disorders.

Thank you all for your quick responses! I do agree that EMDR is a treatment that many people respond to, and I have been fortunate to know a few.
I am going to take on board pieces of what each of you have said, because it makes sense to me.
My therapist didn't pre-screen me for EMDR treatment in the sense they didn't ask me about my respnses to the truama. Also, my therapist questions my psychosis,although 2 seperate consultants who have altogether been treating me for over 10 years, have diagnosed me with it. And I've had a number of psychotic episodes which have all led to my admission to hospital. But my T doesn't want to talk about that!!
My T won't aknowledge I have anything but PTSD, and yet my consultant is a phonecall away who will confirm the extent of my troubles.
I think I will have some questions for them when I next see them!

Thanks again for your posts, as I was feeling a bit lost in the sense of having no one to
talk to about this problem, and my family are pulling in one direction, my heart and mind is pulling in another...(!)