EMDR therapy on trauma-based restrictive eating cases

Abstract

Introduction

Eating Disorders (ED) affect an individual's physical and mental health with abnormal eating habits. Traumatic life events may underlie the development of ED as many studies document [1]. In the present study, we examined the effectiveness of EMDR therapy that was originally used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [2], on restrictive eating symptoms associated with trauma. Cases B.Ö. (18) and B.S. (20) came to the clinic consecutively for resembling complaints about the sense of food sticking in their throat, breathing difficulties, raised heart beatings, unease to swallow, and choking fear. The patients revealed past traumatic events about being out of breath while swallowing their bites. Then, they have started to restrict their food intake and the types of food consumed, which led to emaciation with health problems, interrupted daily routines, and social isolation; meeting the diagnosis of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in DSM-5. Due to traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy was applied.

Discussion

After five EMDR therapy sessions, patients turned back to healthy eating habits, normal BMI, and effective daily life. As expected, EMDR therapy made significant improvements in the treatment of ARFID.

Conclusion

EMDR can be useful to treat ED with traumatic background.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.