Effects of EMDR Therapy in Patients With Severe Obesity

Effects of EMDR Therapy in Patients With Severe Obesity Submitted to Bariatric Surgery

The aims of the study are to perform psychological intervention using EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) in the preoperative period, evaluate the personality of each patient through the PFB test (Personality Factor Battery Test) at different times, compare the results obtained in the PFB test at different times of application and verify the existence of changes in the five major Personality Factors: Neuroticism, Extroversion, Socialization, Realization and Openness.

Obesity is a multi-factorial disease requiring a multi-professional approach. Psychological causes also contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity. Traumatic experiences may be a risk factor for it as well. Emotional issues of obese patient often interfere with the results of bariatric surgery, where a large number of bariatric patients regain the weight or change symptoms.

The aim of the Effects of EMDR therapy with Severe Obesity Bariatric Surgery Patients randomized controlled trial is to determine the effects of 11 sessions of EMDR therapy, prior to surgery as compared to a control group. The Big Five personality factors will be used to evaluate the results. Both groups of patients will complete the Factorial Personality Battery, before the surgery, and 6 months and 12 months following bariatric surgery.

The initial hypothesis is that EMDR therapy will provide sufficient changes after surgery in the personality dynamics of obese patients, which will in turn favor emotional balance and weight maintenance as compared to the control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• both sexes
• BMI between 40 Kg/m2 and 50 Kg/m2
• ages between 30 and 55 years,
• minimum level of Elementary School, previously evaluated psychologically by the Psychology Service - University of São Paulo Medical School

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of severe personality disorders: psychotic symptoms or schizophrenia; bipolar disorder or dementia - groups A and B (DSM - IV);
• patients who present severe dissociative disorders (score above 25%), evaluated through the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES);
• patients with heart problems and current pregnancy, with information obtained through the participants' reports.