To study the feasibility and effects of EMDR on FCR.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Anxiety disorders and symptoms
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
During a period of twelve weeks participants are asked to daily score their
level of FCR with one question via an app on their phone. The scores during the
waiting list period in which no intervention is offered (phase A) will be
compared to the scores in the intervention period, in which the EMDR protocol
is offered plus a follow-up period (phase B). The start of phase B is randomly
allocated between day 7 and 37. It is hypothesized that FCR scores are lower in
phase B than phase A.
Secondary outcome
After a twelve-week study period, participants and therapists are interviewed
to examine the feasibility of the used EMDR protocol. In these interviews, we
will explore to what extent is EMDR experienced as helpful in reducing FCR and
to what extent does FCR require additional treatment after EMDR.
Background summary
Many patients suffer from fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) after cancer
treatment. Psychological treatments are generally effective in reducing FCR,
but not for each patient. These methods focus less explicitly on specific
catastrophic scenarios of the future or frightening memories, by which FCR
often seems to be triggered and maintained. Eye Movement Desensitization
Reprocessing (EMDR), has been effective in diminishing the impact of such
catastrophic scenarios and frightening memories in post-traumatic stress
disorder and Panic Disorder, resulting in reduced anxiety symptoms. This
proof-of-principal study will examine whether EMDR has the potential to reduce
FCR.
Study objective
To study the feasibility and effects of EMDR on FCR.
Study design
A mixed-method design in which quantitative data are gathered via a sequential,
replicated, randomized single-case AB phase design and qualitative data are
gathered with interviews. The case studies will be implemented in the routine
clinical care of the Helen Dowling Institute (HDI).
Intervention
The Dutch EMDR-protocol will be used, in which the flash forward is an
important feature. The *flash forward* focuses on catastrophic scenarios in the
future. This protocol contains two to five weekly sessions.
Study burden and risks
Participation includes filling out a daily question on fear of recurrence. To
minimize potential negative effects of a focus on anxiety, a daily question on
positive enjoyment will be asked as well. Moreover, the most convenient time of
answering the question in a specific time-period in the evening will be set in
consultation with the participant. It is not expected that EMDR treatment gives
rise to more discomfort or distress in comparison to treatment as usual.
Following clinical practice, therapists will closely monitor the functioning of
the participants during the treatment phase. After the study period, treatment
goals will be evaluated. If FCR is diminished insufficiently or other treatment
goals remain unmet, additional treatment will be offered.
*
Biezenstraat 24
Nijmegen 6541ZT
NL
Biezenstraat 24
Nijmegen 6541ZT
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
- Having received medical treatment for cancer; after the acute phase (i.e. no
actual chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery)
- Suffer from fear of cancer recurrence (score of 22 or higher on Fear of
Cancer Recurrence Inventory - Short Form)
- Referred to HDI for psychological care for fear of recurrence
- Being 18 years or older
- Being able to understand the Dutch language sufficiently.
Exclusion criteria
- Acute suicidal threat
- Acute psychotic disorder
- A history of severe early traumatic experiences
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL76078.028.21 |