Definition
Medical experiences — procedures, ICU stays, cancer diagnoses, birth trauma, chronic-illness experiences — can become trauma targets in their own right, and EMDR is one treatment option that has been applied to them.
Why it matters
Medical trauma is often under-recognized. Naming it as trauma opens access to appropriate treatment.
The Science
Case reports and small trials support EMDR for medical trauma, though the evidence base is smaller than for combat or interpersonal PTSD.
The NSI Perspective
NSI treats medical trauma as legitimate trauma. The absence of a perpetrator does not make it lesser.
Clinical Implications
Trauma-informed medical care can also reduce the incidence of medical trauma in the first place.
Practical Application
If a medical experience is still shaping how your body responds to care, consider whether trauma treatment is worth exploring.
References
- 1.Hall MF, Hall SE. Managing the psychological impact of medical trauma. Front Psychol. 2013;4:1032.