EMDR Flash Forward as an intervention on the mental images of worst case scenarios in paranoid delusions

With psychosis there is a changed experience of reality, which influences perception, thinking and emotions. One of the psychotic symptoms is the presence of delusions. It is assumed that delusions are being developed to explain strange experiences and striking signals within psychosis on the basis of available knowledge and experience. The associated, intense emotions are a determining factor for the development and persistence of the delusion. Attention is often focused, the available information is perceived selectively and as a result the fear is mainly reinforced. The danger that one fears, can persist in imposing a worst case scenario on the patient in the form of a terrifying image. Correction of false delusions does not occur because of the persistence of avoidance behavior aimed at preventing this worst case scenario.
The intrusive image of the expected worst case scenario can be considered as a mental representation. Disturbing mental representations are effectively treated with Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), even in people with psychosis, when it comes to traumatic experiences in the past (flashbacks). The idea that mental representations that take place in the future (flash forwards) can also be treated with this technique, is elaborated in the EMDR Flash Forward protocol. Where is can be considered an effective treatment method for various anxiety disorders. Logically one could assume that the mental representations associated with paranoid delusions can therefore be edited by the EMDR Flash Forward, in order to reduce the anxious disturbance associated with the delusion. As a longer term consequence it can be assumed that the patient is less preoccupied with the delusional belief, can let go of safety behavior and be better able to organize his life more satisfactorily.

The preoccupation with the paranoid delusion decreases after intervention with EMDR Flash Forward

T0-T5

EMDR Flash Forward on the worst case scenario's