Multiple Sclerosis. Lupus. Crohn’s. Cystic Fibrosis. Fibromyalgia. Celiac Disease.
Chronic illnesses pose significant challenges to well being and enjoying life. While traditional medical treatments target the physical aspects of these conditions, there is growing recognition that the psychological impacts of chronic illness—such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma—also require attention. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has emerged as a promising approach to address these psychological aspects, as well as the bodily experience of physical pain and discomfort. Research indicates that EMDR can help improve overall well being and quality of life for folks experiencing chronic illness.
The Toll of Chronic Illness
Chronic illness often involves persistent symptoms, limited mobility, and significant lifestyle changes. Many folks with chronic illness experience anxiety and depression due to the ongoing nature of their conditions, as well as feelings of hopelessness, frustration, and isolation. Additionally, the experience of living with a chronic illness can sometimes be traumatic, leading to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research has shown that PTSD symptoms can develop in response to chronic illness, particularly when someone has lived with the condition for a long time or experienced severe medical interventions.
Addressing these psychological factors is critical, as they can worsen physical symptoms and limit quality of life. For example, stress and anxiety are known to worsen the level of identified physical pain and inflammation, creating a vicious cycle that further complicates the management of chronic illness. This is where EMDR therapy can play a significant role.
How EMDR Works
EMDR is a structured therapy that involves eight phases. It was traditionally developed as the gold standard for recovery from trauma though has since become an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, anger, and other issues. The hallmark of EMDR is the use of bilateral stimulation, or stimulation that utilizes both sides of the body, such as guided eye movements, taps, or auditory tones, while the person mentally focuses on distressing memories or future fears. This process helps reprocess distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity, helping people to reclaim their lives.
EMDR and Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is one of the most challenging aspects of chronic illness. Pain itself can be traumatic, particularly when it is persistent and not fully managed by treatment. Several studies have explored the effectiveness of EMDR in managing chronic pain with promising results.
A meta-analysis reviewed studies regarding EMDR for chronic pain and found that EMDR significantly reduced pain intensity and distress associated with pain. An additional study examined the use of EMDR in patients with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. The study found that EMDR led to significant reduction in pain intensity and improvements in well-being, including reductions in anxiety and depression. The authors suggested that EMDR could be a valuable addition to the treatment of fibromyalgia and similar conditions.
EMDR and Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis, are characterized by chronic inflammation and immune system deregulation. These conditions are often associated with high levels of psychological distress, which can worsen symptoms and trigger flare-ups.
Research has shown that EMDR may help reduce stress and improve emotional regulation in individuals with autoimmune disorders. For example, a study found that EMDR significantly reduced stress levels and improved quality of life for individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study’s authors suggested that EMDR could help patients reprocess traumatic memories related to their diagnosis and illness progression, leading to better emotional regulation and reduced symptom severity.
EMDR for Overall Well-being in Chronic Illness
Beyond specific conditions, EMDR therapy can contribute to overall well-being in individuals with chronic illness by addressing the psychological factors that often accompany these conditions. By reprocessing traumatic memories and reducing the emotional impact of distressing experiences, EMDR can help individuals develop a more positive outlook and improve their ability to cope with the challenges of chronic illness.
An extensive study explored the use of EMDR in individuals with various chronic illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The study found that EMDR led to significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improvements in overall quality of life. The researchers concluded that EMDR serves as a valuable treatment for individuals managing chronic illness, particularly those who have experienced trauma related to their condition.
Conclusion
Chronic illnesses are multifaceted conditions that affect both the body and the mind. EMDR therapy offers a promising approach to improving psychological well-being and even physiological symptoms in individuals with chronic illness by reducing the emotional impact of distressing experiences and future fears, as well as the intensity and intrusiveness of physiological symptoms, such as physical pain.
Research has shown that EMDR can be effective in managing chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions associated with chronic illness, leading to reductions in symptoms and improvements in quality of life. As the understanding of the mind-body connection continues to evolve, therapies like EMDR will likely play an increasingly important role in the comprehensive treatment of chronic illness.
Interested in exploring the possibility of EMDR as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for your chronic illness? Schedule your free consultation today.
Want to learn more regarding the benefits of EMDR and various types of chronic illness? In addition to the research linked above, check out the articles below:
Jeanne Cross, LCSW, LAC
Jeanne Cross has more than ten years of experience working with adults. She is formally trained in EMDR and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and specializes in helping people find relief from depression, anxiety, grief and loss, addiction, and trauma. She has both a License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) and License in Addiction Counseling (LAC). She graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Master’s in Divinity from Duke University with esteemed honors including the Robert E Bryan Public Service Award and Bosch Award from UNC at Chapel Hill and the McMurray Richey Outstanding Student Award, Marsha Sterns Award, and Addie Davis Leadership Nominee from Duke University. Jeanne’s career has taken her everywhere from training a team of social workers in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) who assisted children removed from human trafficking in the Philippines to helping people find relief from depression, addiction, grief and loss, and anxiety in outpatient, residential, and hospital settings. She looks forward to working with you!