Visual schema displacement therapy
Visual schema displacement therapy (VSDT) is a therapeutic approach developed to mitigate distressing memories and trauma.[1][2][3] It shares some similarities with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), as both techniques seek to facilitate the reprocessing of memories by reducing emotional disturbances, in line with the adaptive information processing model.[3]
History
[edit]VSDT was developed by British psychotherapists Nik & Eva Speakman.[1][4] Research on VSDT was first published in 2019 through two analogue studies. The initial study used a within-group design, comparing the effects of VSDT and EMDR to a control condition.[2] The second study applied a between-group design, incorporating follow-up assessments.[2] Results indicated that both VSDT and EMDR were more effective than the control at reducing emotional disturbance and memory vividness, with VSDT showing some advantages over EMDR.[2]
Further research investigated potential mechanisms, such as counterconditioning and arousal due to unexpected elements, but these did not conclusively explain the efficacy of the treatments.[3][5] At a four-week follow-up, both VSDT and EMDR demonstrated comparable results.[3][5] These findings suggested the need for additional research and clinical trials to understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of VSDT, particularly for treating conditions like PTSD.[3]
Clinical trials
[edit]In 2024, a clinical post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) trial by Suzy J. M. A. Matthijssen et al. evaluated the effectiveness of VSDT and EMDR therapy in reducing PTSD symptoms, finding both therapies equally effective compared to a waitlist control, with sustained benefits at a 3-month follow-up.[3] The study confirmed the safety and clinical feasibility of VSDT, noting no adverse events and a feasible dropout rate.[3] It also highlighted that VSDT requires less time per treatment target than EMDR, although the total number of sessions remained similar.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Nieuwe oogbewegingstherapie tegen trauma's". December 5, 2018 – via eenvandaag.avrotros.nl.
- ^ a b c d Matthijssen, Suzy J. M. A.; van Beerschoten, Lucinda M.; de Jongh, Ad; Klugkist, Irene G.; van den Hout, Marcel A. (June 2, 2019). "Effects of "Visual Schema Displacement Therapy" (VSDT), an abbreviated EMDR protocol and a control condition on emotionality and vividness of aversive memories: Two critical analogue studies". Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry. 63: 48–56. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.11.006. hdl:1874/387769. PMID 30514434 – via PubMed.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Matthijssen, Suzy J. M. A.; Brouwers, Thomas C.; de Jongh, Ad (March 26, 2024). "Visual Schema Displacement Therapy versus Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy versus waitlist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: results of a randomized clinical trial". Frontiers in Psychiatry. 15. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1377108.
- ^ "Nieuwe therapie helpt defensiefotograaf van PTSS af". www.rtvdrenthe.nl. January 27, 2020.
- ^ a b Matthijssen, Suzy J. M. A.; Brouwers, Thomas C.; van den Hout, Marcel A.; Klugkist, Irene G.; de Jongh, Ad (April 9, 2021). "A randomized controlled dismantling study of Visual Schema Displacement Therapy (VSDT) vs an abbreviated EMDR protocol vs a non-active control condition in individuals with disturbing memories". European Journal of Psychotraumatology. 12 (1): 1883924. doi:10.1080/20008198.2021.1883924. PMC 8043526. PMID 33889309.