RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Theories of Working Memory and Consolidation/RECOnsolidation in the Process of Resorption of Post-traumatic Symptoms.

This study explores how a therapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) can help people who suffer from upsetting or intrusive memories, often linked to stress or trauma. EMDR is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and uses gentle alternating actions like following a light with your eyes, listening to sounds in each ear, or gentle tapping on your shoulders. These actions are done while you think about the upsetting memory. The main goal is to find out if doing these alternating actions yourself can make intrusive thoughts less emotionally intense and less vivid. Researchers believe this could reduce distress by making these memories less powerful. Understanding how this therapy works could lead to better ways to help people cope with difficult past experiences.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Lorraine

Enrolment target

150

Start

06 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Working Memory Consolidation/Recconsolidation Memory Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Alterning Bilateral Stimulation Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Intrusive Memories Vividness Emotivity

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a therapy called EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests EMDR for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. A common problem experienced by people with these conditions are 'intrusive thoughts' or 'intrusions'. These are upsetting memories that pop into your mind, often feeling very real and causing strong emotions.

EMDR therapy uses gentle, alternating actions — like watching a light move from side to side, listening to sounds in one ear then the other, or gentle tapping on alternating shoulders. The idea is that when you focus on an upsetting memory while doing these actions, it helps to make the memory feel less emotional and less vivid. This study wants to see if doing these alternating actions yourself, without a therapist directly guiding every step, can still help to lessen the emotional impact of these upsetting thoughts.

Researchers believe that EMDR works by affecting how your brain processes and stores memories. It's thought to make those strong, upsetting memories less 'stuck' and less powerful, much like how your brain organises and stores other memories. By understanding this better, we hope to find new ways to help people effectively manage and reduce the distress caused by intrusive memories.

Key takeaways

The study explores how self-administered actions from EMDR therapy can help with upsetting memories.
It aims to make intrusive thoughts feel less vivid and emotional.
Participants will use a computer and perform gentle alternating actions (e.g., eye movements).
It's for people experiencing stress or PTSD symptoms who haven't started therapy yet.
The goal is to understand how these techniques work to reduce distress.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be experiencing symptoms of stress or PTSD, or generally feeling quite distressed. You might be considering therapy but haven't started yet.

You must be between 18 and 65 years old and be able to understand and complete questionnaires on your own. It's important to have good vision, hearing, and touch so you can follow the instructions for the eye movements, sounds, or tapping. You'll also need a computer with a webcam.

However, you won't be able to join if you have certain existing conditions, like some neurological problems, or if you're already receiving therapy for your condition. Also, if you have severe memory or dissociative disorders, or if you've recently had EMDR therapy, this study might not be right for you. They also can't include people with drug or alcohol dependence.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you have upsetting or intrusive memories that cause distress?
Do you have good vision, hearing, and touch?
Do you have access to a computer with a webcam?
Are you not currently receiving psychotherapy or have not recently had EMDR therapy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will be asked to complete several questionnaires about your experiences and feelings. You will also use a computer with a webcam to perform certain tasks. The main part of the study involves learning to do some alternating actions (like eye movements, listening to sounds, or tapping) yourself, while focusing on an upsetting memory. You will be asked to practice these techniques and report on how they affect your intrusive thoughts. The study doesn't involve any medication. The total duration of your participation will be explained in detail by the study team, along with how often you'll need to check in or complete assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you understand and manage your intrusive memories better, making them less distressing. However, focusing on upsetting memories can sometimes be uncomfortable or bring up strong emotions. Although the study uses a gentle approach, there's always a small chance of feeling temporarily worse before feeling better. You will be fully informed about what to expect. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your care.

Locations (1)

Umr U1319 Inspiire
Verified postcode
Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What are 'intrusive memories'?

Intrusive memories are unwanted, upsetting thoughts or images from the past that pop into your mind, often feeling very real and causing strong emotions.

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a therapy that uses gentle actions like eye movements, sounds, or tapping to help reduce the emotional impact of upsetting memories.

Will I need to see a therapist for this study?

This study is testing if you can do some of the EMDR-like actions yourself, focusing on how that affects your memories. You won't be having full EMDR therapy sessions within the study.

What if I feel worse during the study?

The study team will provide information on what to do if you feel distressed. You can also withdraw from the study at any time if it becomes too much for you.

Is this study safe?

The study is designed with your safety in mind, using techniques recommended by health organisations. You will be carefully screened to ensure it's a suitable study for you.

How to find out more

Christine Rotonda

christine.rotonda@univ-lorraine.fr +33 03 72 74 82 26 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.