Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a condition that can affect many facets of a person’s life to the point that it can be debilitating. Because of this, many people with OCD will look at a variety of ways to treat their compulsions and intrusive thoughts.
One of the methods that they might look to help reduce their obsessions and compulsions is a form of therapy known as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing or EMDR.
But does EMDR help with OCD? Or is OCD better suited to other forms of treatment?
Does EMDR Treat OCD?
Yes, EMDR therapy can be an effective treatment for OCD. While primarily a trauma treatment, it can treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. EMDR for OCD is not often the first treatment option.
Therapists usually treat obsessive-compulsive disorder with cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure and response prevention therapy. That said, there has been some research that has found that EMDR as a treatment for OCD may be effective.
EMDR may help reduce the intensity and frequency of a person’s obsessive thoughts, as well as improve the anxious and depressive symptoms that may come from OCD.
Can OCD Stem from Trauma?
Many people who have OCD repeat rituals or act in a certain way because they’re compelled to do so; otherwise, something terrible may occur. However, there are cases wherein a person’s OCD symptoms are rooted in a traumatic event. The symptoms of OCD, such as compulsive behaviours, could be a potential coping mechanism for a person’s trauma.
If a person’s OCD symptoms stem from trauma, then EMDR therapy can be effective at addressing the root cause. In doing so, it may alleviate their symptoms.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a form of therapy that is often used to treat trauma. EMDR works by having a therapist use bilateral stimulation while the patient puts a traumatic memory at the forefront of their mind. The bilateral stimulation, including gentle, alternating taps or following the therapist’s finger, replicates REM sleep.
The rationale behind EMDR is that some traumatic memories can get ‘stuck’ in the mind and aren’t properly processed. By replicating REM sleep while thinking of the traumatic memory, the memory, as mentioned above, can be processed, and its emotional impact can be blunted.
Many therapists use EMDR for people who have post-traumatic stress disorder or other trauma-related conditions, and there is ample evidence for EMDR being an incredibly effective treatment and one that acts relatively quickly. Many people undergoing EMDR treatment can find almost immediate relief after just a few sessions.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
OCD is an anxiety disorder wherein a person struggles with unwanted thoughts and obsessions. Many people who have OCD engage in compulsions or repetitive behaviours or rituals. People who have OCD can become incredibly distressed if their rituals are disrupted.
For example, some people with OCD may become incredibly fearful of germs. Because of this, they may wash their hands in a certain way or do so in a specific manner. If anything interrupts this ritual, they will start over until they get it right, even if the skin breaks or becomes raw.
Effects of OCD
OCD can have major effects on a person’s life. A person’s rituals can get in the way of day-to-day life. Shopping, eating, and reading can all be difficult. There’s also the fact that it can greatly affect a person’s relationships.
Many people may not be equipped to handle the challenges of interacting with someone who has OCD. This can make it hard for many people to form or maintain relationships.
OCD can also affect a person’s mental health. Many people can develop anxiety and depression symptoms. Some people may develop agoraphobia as a result of their intrusive thoughts.
It can also affect a person’s self-esteem. Many people who have OCD can often feel deeply ashamed of their symptoms and the way that it affects the people around them.
Are There Potential Risks of EMDR Therapy?
EMDR can be an effective therapy for OCD. However, are there any risks to trying EMDR? No. EMDR therapy is generally safe. There can be risks when it is performed by someone who is not fully trained in it.
That’s not to say that there aren’t side effects to EMDR therapy. People can recover lost memories and have altered and more vivid dreams. Younger patients who go through the treatment may become more emotionally sensitive.
Another drawback can be a person’s expectations. Some people may research beforehand and discover that it can help people process traumatic memories quickly. While EMDR therapy has been shown to take effect quickly in some people, it is not an instant fix, and patients respond differently to treatment.
Some people may be disappointed when it takes a while to resolve their trauma. Some may not even need therapy to handle their trauma.
Overcome Your Anxiety Disorder
EMDR therapy can help manage OCD, especially if it’s a response to trauma. Anxiety disorders can be debilitating and emotionally draining. However, these disorders can be treated, and appropriate healing will allow a person to regain a fulfilling life. If you or a loved one are suffering from OCD or any other anxiety disorder, know that help is available.
