Re:Bipolar/Anxiety - EMDR

Just a reminder that here we don't make case recommendations or consultations, just general comments.

EMDR not uncommonly produces a temporary increase in anxiety which is followed by a reduction in anxiety. This occurs when that which has been disowned or pushed away in the mind's eye gets pulled forward and processed. On the way, the feelings can be intense. Afterwards, there is relief typically.

There is a great frequency of bipolar diagnoses right now. In some cities, it is the prominent diagnosis. Some people with that diagnosis are correctly diagnosed, and some are not. Alot of people with trauma histories get misdiagnosed as bipolar, when PTSD or another trauma related diagnosis might be more appropropriate. However, the medications may provide some mood stabilization so both doc and patient find the medication and therefore the diagnosis helpful. I don't know whether this applies in your case and am not saying whether or not your diagnosis is correct. I'm sure I don't know; I'm only making some general comments about what I have observed.

I know of no contraindications for people with accurate diagnoses of bipolar in the use of EMDR. I had one experience where somjeone with a true bipolar condition had a relief from depression after doing the EMDR and was somewhat agitated until we finished a piece of work related to her trauma.

Replies:

Re:Bipolar/Anxiety - EMDR, by , 03/27/03 Re:Bipolar/Anxiety - EMDR, by Sandra Paulsen Inobe PhD, 03/27/03

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