Rainer Krause | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

[On the relationship between traumatization, amnesia and symptom stress--an empirical pilot study].

OBJECTIVES: In the present study we examined facial affective behavior in acutely traumatized patients undergoing EMDR therapy. Furthermore, we analyzed whether a decrease in emotional numbing was due to a reduction of symptoms. Amnestic tendencies were used as a moderator variable. METHODS: The facial affective behaviour was coded using the Emotional Facial Acting Coding System, an instrument for the registration of facial movements with emotional relevance. The facial affective behavior of the patient's first and last EMDR session was compared. RESULTS: A significant increase in facial affective behavior as well as an increase in mental complaints were found. Furthermore, the reduction in amnestic tendencies did not result in a reduction of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Under the influence of the treatment it is possible to improve access to episodic affective memory. Nevertheless, a positive influence cannot be denoted at the end of the treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Initial affective facial behaviour and outcome satisfaction in the psychotherapy of patients with panic disorder].

OBJECTIVES: On the basis of characterizations of the psychodynamics of panic patients and previous findings on their affective facial behavior in first psychotherapy sessions, hypotheses are made on affective facial behavior of the therapist and its relationship to outcome satisfaction. METHODS: Affective facial behaviour in 20 female patients with panic disorder and their male therapists in the first session of psychotherapy was coded with EMFACS. The data of facial behaviour was correlated with outcome ratings at the end of treatment. RESULTS: Therapists show less affective facial behaviour than panic patients; particularly, they smile less frequently. The frequency of smiling in the first session correlated negatively with outcome ratings. Therapists adapted their interactive behaviour to the relationship offers of their patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results are discussed on the background of the psychodynamics of panic disorders. Considering the different relationship offers, the results indicate that the interactive dialogue should be formed very specifically in order to create a helpful therapeutic relationship.

Adult↗