Figure 10 - uploaded by Melvin Harper
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EEG produced by right lateral eye movements during lab experiment; difference of power between the two hemispheres (left, top curve; right, bottom curve) is principally due to the purely electrical component of eye movement in right hemisphere (Fp1 = 46 uV 2 , Fp2 = 191 uV 2 )
Source publication
Abstract
Animal and human studies have shown that the emotional aspects of fear memories mediated in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala can be extinguished by application of low-frequency tetanic stimulation or by repetitive sensory stimulation, such as tapping the cheek. Sensory input creates a remarkable increase in the power of the low-frequen...
Citations
... Resting-state QEEG during wakefulness is also sensitive to experimental settings, including environmental and sensorial inputs (4,7). Because sensory integration problems are common in autistic individuals with an estimated rate of 90% (8), the experimental environment and sensorial input could influence EEG activity (9). ...
We tested the hypothesis of an atypical scalp distribution of electroencephalography (EEG) activity during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep in young autistic adults. EEG spectral activity and ratios along the anteroposterior axis and across hemispheres were compared in 16 neurotypical (NT) young adults and 17 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). EEG spectral power was lower in the ASD group over the bilateral central and right parietal (beta activity) as well as bilateral occipital (beta, theta, and total activity) recording sites. The NT group displayed a significant posterior polarity of intra-hemispheric EEG activity while EEG activity was more evenly or anteriorly distributed in ASD participants. No significant inter-hemispheric EEG lateralization was found. Correlations between EEG distribution and ASD symptoms using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) showed that a higher posterior ratio was associated with a better ADI-R score on communication skills, whereas a higher anterior ratio was related to more restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. EEG activity thus appears to be atypically distributed over the scalp surface in young adults with autism during REM sleep within cerebral hemispheres, and this correlates with some ASD symptoms. These suggests the existence in autism of a common substrate between some of the symptoms of ASD and an atypical organization and/or functioning of the thalamo-cortical loop during REM sleep.
... Moreover, studies using sophisticated equipment such as electroencephalography (EEG), quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), and electromyography (EMG) have documented beneficial changes in brain-wave activity and physiological arousal after using acupressurebased EP techniques (Diepold & Goldstein, 2009;Lambrou, Pratt, & Chevalier, 2003;Swingle, Pulos, & Swingle, 2004). Alternately, other types of sensory stimulation (e.g., non-acupressure point tapping), when coupled with exposure therapy, have also been beneficial for reducing fear among study participants (Harper, 2012). Continued dismantling studies may lead to better understanding of the mechanisms behind EP techniques. ...
Reducing communication apprehension (CA) in university public speaking classes has been traditionally achieved by strategies such as skills training, rehearsal, preparation, and repeated performance. Yet, some highly anxious speakers require more intensive interventions. Recently, Energy Psychology (EP) protocols such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Primordial Energy Activation and Transcendence (PEAT) have significantly reduced CA after brief interventions. Other studies have investigated the therapeutic effects of the various components of selected EP protocols through dismantling studies. This study contributes to existing EP dismantling and CA studies by exploring the efficacy of two modified PEAT protocols. Participants (N = 51) were randomly placed into one of three groups: a modified PEAT acupressure group, a modified PEAT non-acupressure group, and a no-treatment control group. Mixed method analyses did not find a significant difference in CA scores (p < .05) or reported subjective experiences between groups at posttest, and highly anxious speakers benefitted more from the public speaking course than less anxious ones. The authors suggest that dismantling the original PEAT technique may have limited its efficacy and further study on PEAT for CA is required.
... Harper 60 and Carletto et al. 15 have reported that repetitive sensory stimulation can generate large increases in delta wave activity in areas of the brain involved in fear memories, as detected by EEG readings. After several minutes of stimulation, these amplified delta waves disrupted activated memory networks, reminiscent of the "natural memory editing system" found in delta-wave sleep (Harper, p. 61 60 ). Glutamate receptors on synapses that mediate a fear memory were "depotentiated by these powerful waves of neuronal firing" (p. ...
... These oscillations act to depotentiate the receptors that maintain the fear component of the memory, preventing future exposure from causing the release of stress hormones. Harper 60 and Carletto et al. 15 have reported that repetitive sensory stimulation can generate large increases in delta wave activity in areas of the brain involved in fear memories, as detected by EEG readings. After several minutes of stimulation, these amplified delta waves disrupted activated memory networks, reminiscent of the "natural memory editing system" found in delta-wave sleep (Harper, p. 61 60 ). ...
... Harper 60 and Carletto et al. 15 have reported that repetitive sensory stimulation can generate large increases in delta wave activity in areas of the brain involved in fear memories, as detected by EEG readings. After several minutes of stimulation, these amplified delta waves disrupted activated memory networks, reminiscent of the "natural memory editing system" found in delta-wave sleep (Harper, p. 61 60 ). Glutamate receptors on synapses that mediate a fear memory were "depotentiated by these powerful waves of neuronal firing" (p. ...
The most well known forms of “energy psychology” combine cognitive and exposure techniques with the stimulation of selected acupuncture points (acupoints) by tapping on them. Most clinicians who learn and utilize an acupoint tapping protocol integrate the approach within their existing clinical frameworks rather than using it as a stand-alone therapy. The method has been highly controversial, with its efficacy, purported speed, and explanatory models all questioned. Nonetheless, its utilization within clinical settings and as a self-help method has continued to expand since it was introduced more than three decades ago. This paper reviews the most salient criticisms of the method and presents research and empirically based theoretical constructs that address them. More than 100 peer-reviewed outcome studies—51 of which are randomized controlled trials—provide an evidential base for evaluating the claims and criticisms surrounding the approach. This review concludes that a growing body of evidence indicates that acupoint-based energy psychology protocols are rapid and effective in producing beneficial outcomes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and possibly other conditions. Mechanisms by which acupoint tapping might bring about these treatment outcomes are also proposed.
... The acupoint stimulation is believed to send a signal to the limbic system and reduce hyperarousal (Feinstein, 2010). Studies indicate that EFT may be decreasing the activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for signaling a threat response to perceived dangers to the autonomic nervous system (Harper, 2012). The therapeutic effects produced by EFT are suggested to result from the synergy between the somatic acupoint stimulation and cognitive strategies (Stapleton, Sheldon, & Porter 2012). ...
Purpose:
The objective of the present study was to explore Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) practitioners' experiences of using EFT to support chronic disease patients. This was part of a larger study exploring chronic disease patients' and EFT practitioners' experiences of using EFT to support chronic disease healthcare.
Methods:
A qualitative approach was deemed suitable for this study. Eight practitioners were interviewed using semi-structured interviews via telephone or Zoom (an online video-conferencing platform). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis methodology.
Results and conclusion:
This article presents two super-ordinate themes which explore application of EFT for addressing emotional issues faced by chronic disease patients, and for management of physical symptoms, respectively. Chronic disease patients may benefit from a holistic biopsychosocial, patient-centered healthcare approach. EFT offers potential as a technique that may be used by health practitioners to support the psychosocial aspect of chronic disease healthcare. Implications for Rehabilitation Rehabilitation professionals should incorporate suitable psychological interventions (e.g., EFT) to improve coping and acceptance in physical chronic disease patients and alleviate their fears about the future. Rehabilitation professionals are also recommended to address in chronic disease patients, long-standing or unresolved emotional issues, including past traumas from early life, using EFT or another suitable intervention. Rehabilitation professionals should help improve patients' emotional states using EFT to enhance physical symptom management.
... Another shared feature of TDD and EMDR is elements of exposure, which has become common in several therapies including those that are not considered exposure therapies. As an acknowledgment of this trend, Harper (2012) has coined the term Stephanie was taking care of the children on her own because her husband was deployed. ...
La dépression constitue l'un des troubles psychiatriques les plus fréquents. La dépression post-partum affecte environ 9 % des femmes qui accouchent. Malgré des progrès importants en recherche, pharmacothérapie et psychothérapie, les troubles dépressifs demeurent difficiles à traiter. L'application de la psychothérapie EMDR (désensibilisation et retraitement par les mouvements oculaires) à la dépression connaît un retard par rapport à son utilisation dans le traitement de troubles anxieux ou dans le domaine du trauma. Je présente deux cas de dépression post-partum qui ont été traités avec succès à l'aide d'une psychothérapie combinée intégrant l'EMDR dans un cadre psychothérapeutique novateur, développé spécialement pour les troubles dépressifs et fondé sur la théorie évolutionnaire de la dépression : « traiter la dépression en descente » ( treating depression downhill [TDD]). Dans la psychothérapie intégrée TDD-EMDR, j'ai apporté quelques ajustements au protocole EMDR standard, de telle sorte que le choix et le type de cibles, le cadre cognitif et le changement affectif attendu sont déterminés par le cadre TDD. Les cas décrits illustrent le processus thérapeutique, y compris les modifications apportées aux procédures EMDR standard ainsi que les résultats du traitement. J'identifie et traite des différences entre la théorie de l'EMDR et celle du TDD.
... The acupoint stimulation is believed to send a signal to the limbic system and reduce hyperarousal . Studies indicate that EFT may be decreasing the activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for signaling a threat response to perceived dangers to the autonomic nervous system (Harper, 2012). The therapeutic effects produced by EFT are suggested to result from the synergy between the somatic acupoint stimulation and cognitive strategies (Stapleton, Sheldon, & Porter 2012). ...
Biopsychology is a rapidly expanding field of study since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. There is little data measuring the effect of psychotherapeutic interventions on gene expression, due to the technical, logistical, and financial requirements of analysis. Being able to measure easily the effects of therapeutic experiences can validate the benefits of intervention. In order to test the feasibility of gene expression testing in a private practice setting, this study compared messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and gene expression before and after psychotherapy and a control condition. With four non-clinical adult participants, it piloted a novel methodology using saliva stored at room temperature. A preliminary test of the interleukin-8 (IL8) gene in both blood and saliva was performed in order to determine equivalency in the two biofluids; convergent validity was found. Following saliva test validation, a broad, genome-wide analysis was performed to detect differential gene expression in samples collected before and after treatment with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an
evidence-based practice combining acupressure and cognitive exposure. The control treatment was non-therapeutic social interaction. To establish a baseline, participants received the control first, followed a week later by EFT. Analysis of samples was performed at three time points: immediately before treatment, immediately after, and 24 hours later. Differential expression between EFT and control was found in numerous genes implicated in overall health (p < 0.05). Further, the differentially expressed genes in this study were shown to be linked to immunity, pro or anti-inflammatory, as well as neuronal processes in the brain. Ten of the 72 differentially expressed genes are identified as promising targets for downstream research. The data show promise for the future use of salivary samples to determine the effects of therapy; this pilot protocol also illustrated the challenges and limitations of novel technologies employed in biopsychology.
Keywords: epigenetics, DNA, mRNA, gene expression, protein synthesis, brain plasticity, neurogenesis, biopsychology
... Shapiro (1989) utilisait initialement la stimulation bilatérale visuelle au moyen d'un mouvement latéral des doigts à travers le champ visuel du patient, à une cadence approximative de deux mouvements oculaires par seconde. Toutefois, depuis la découverte des contributions de cette composante au traitement des souvenirs traumatiques, les stimulations bilatérales auditive et kinesthésique ont également été employées, avec des résultats équivalents (Harper, 2012). ...
Dans une enquête sur le modèle de cohérence interhémisphérique (CIh) dans la désensibilisation et le retraitement par les mouvements oculaires (EMDR) et les effets des mouvements oculaires bilatéraux (MOB), 30 sujets ont été exposés à un point fixe, à un point clignotant vert/rouge ou à des MOB alternés pendant la visualisation d'un souvenir agréable. On a mesuré ensuite les électroencéphalogrammes (EEG) lors d'une étape de traitement où les participants avaient les yeux fermés. Les analyses n'ont pas révélé d'amélioration significative de la CIh pour la condition MOB, mais des augmentations importantes dans la cohérence MOB intrahémisphérique des EEG des ondes delta et bêta basses dans les zones frontales droites et gauches, respectivement, et une augmentation tendancielle dans la cohérence MOB des ondes bêta basses de la zone frontale droite. On a eu recours à la neuro-imagerie LORETA afin de visualiser les changements significatifs d'amplitude correspondants aux effets de cohérence observés. Nous exposons ici la signification fonctionnelle de ces effets de cohérence intrahémisphérique et nous suggérons d'étendre le modèle CIh à la cohérence corticale.
... Another shared feature of TDD and EMDR is elements of exposure, which has become common in several therapies including those that are not considered exposure therapies. As an acknowledgment of this trend, Harper (2012) has coined the term Stephanie was taking care of the children on her own because her husband was deployed. ...
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Postpartum depression affects about 9% of women who give birth. Despite significant advances in research and in pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, depressive disorders remain difficult to treat. The application of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to depression has lagged behind its applications to trauma-related and anxiety disorders. I present 2 cases of postpartum depression successfully treated with a combined therapy, where EMDR is integrated into a novel therapeutic framework developed specifically for depressive disorders and based on evolutionary theory of depression, treating depression downhill (TDD). In the integrated TDD-EMDR therapy, I have made adjustments to the standard EMDR protocol such that the choice and nature of targets, the cognitive frame, and the objective for change in affect are determined by TDD framework. The described cases demonstrate the treatment process, including the modifications made to the standard EMDR procedures, and the treatment's outcome. I identify and discuss the differences between theories of EMDR and TDD.
... Bergmann (2008) asserts that synchronized neuronal oscillations as indexed broadly by cortical EEG coherence are the basis of human perception and functioning. If the selected recording sites are homologous sites on opposite sides of the cortex discovery of the contributions of this component to traumatic memory reprocessing, bilateral auditory and kinesthetic stimulation has been used as well with equivalent anecdotal effects (Harper, 2012). ...
In an investigation of the interhemispheric coherence (IhC) model for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) bilateral eye movement (BEM) effects, 30 participants were exposed to a stationary dot, a blinking red/green dot, or saccadic BEMs during the contemplation of a
positive emotional memory. Electroencephalographies (EEGs) were measured afterward during an eyes-closed processing stage. Analyses revealed no significant IhC enhancement for the BEM condition but significant increases in Delta and Low Beta EEG intrahemispheric BEM coherence in the right
and left frontal areas, respectively, and a trend increase in Right Frontal Low Beta BEM coherence. LORETA neuroimaging was employed to visually present significant amplitude changes corresponding to observed coherence effects. The functional significance of these intrahemispheric coherence
effects is presented and a cortical coherence extension of the IhC model is suggested.
