Pruritus is a common symptom of numerous dermatological and non-dermatological conditions. Current treatments for chronic pruritus (CP) are often not fully effective and may have burdensome side effects. Recently, the trauma exposure technique Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) that is recommended as first line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder has been reported to be also effective in the treatment of CP in anecdotal clinical case observations. However, to the best of the investigator's knowledge, the efficacy of EMDR in CP has not yet been systematically explored. This study aims at addressing this unmet need in a prospective pilot study comparing EMDR versus treatment as usual (TAU).
Provided written informed consent
Age 18 to 75 years
Skindex-29 (questionnaire) symptoms subscale ≥42
Confirmed diagnosis CP
Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, severe psychiatric disorders such as delusional disorder, suicidality or dementia.
Patients on phototherapy
Acute attacks of an autoimmune disease such as Crohn's disease
Serious cardiac disease
Parallel
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
BehavioralEMDR is a psychotherapeutic approach originally designed for individuals suffering from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It facilitates the processing of memories through a structured eight-phase treatment, involving the patient's focused attention on traumatic images, thoughts, and sensations while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. This process aims to reduce the emotional distress associated with aversive memories, promoting adaptive coping mechanisms and psychological healing. Recently, the indications for the method have been extended so that EMDR is also used for chronic pain and depressive disorders.
Adherence (%)
Adherence/ receipt of intervention and retention will be assessed by tracking % of sessions completed, number of dropouts and number of patients completing final assessment.
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