EMDR
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Psychology
| Stands for | Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
EMDR stands for Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, a psychology abbreviation also used in medicine.
Structured psychotherapy for trauma in which a person recalls distressing memories while following side-to-side eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, such as taps or tones. It is recommended for post-traumatic stress by the World Health Organization and several national guidelines.
Example: After eight EMDR sessions the memory of the accident no longer triggered panic.
Usage notes
Psychologist Francine Shapiro developed EMDR after noticing in 1987 that moving her eyes seemed to ease disturbing thoughts, and she published the first study in 1989. Research supports its effectiveness, but whether the eye movements themselves add anything beyond exposure to the memory remains debated.
Related abbreviations
More psychology abbreviations
- CR – Conditioned response
- CS – Conditioned stimulus
- DBT – Dialectical behavior therapy
- DV – Dependent variable
- EI – Emotional intelligence
- ELM – Elaboration likelihood model
- EQ – Emotional quotient
- ERP – Event-related potential
- FAE – Fundamental attribution error
- FFM – Five-factor model
- fMRI – Functional magnetic resonance imaging
- FSIQ – Full-scale intelligence quotient