Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a Treatment for Chronic Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in reducing pain intensity in individuals with chronic painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does EMDR therapy significantly reduce pain intensity in individuals with chronic PDN? 2. What is the impact of EMDR therapy on secondary outcomes, specifically anxiety, sleep disturbances, and personalized pain-related limitations? Additionally, the study will explore the correlation between pain scores and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals with chronic PDN. Participants will undergo EMDR therapy sessions, focusing on the processing of emotionally charged pain-related events and addressing the pain itself. Main tasks for participants include active engagement in EMDR therapy sessions. Treatment outcomes, including changes in pain intensity, anxiety levels, sleep quality, and personalized pain-related limitations, will be monitored throughout the study.

Eligibility

Inclusion criteria:

* Age: ≥ 18 years.
* Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus.
* Severity of pain in the past month, NRS-pain score ≥ 6.
* Ability to communicate in both written and spoken Dutch.
* Willingness to participate in the study (signed informed consent (IC)).

Exclusion criteria:

* Severe psychiatric disorders requiring immediate treatment.
* IQ \< 80.
* Initiation of medication within 3 months before the start of the study (medication in use for more than 3 months can be maintained; discontinuation of medication during the study is possible but not desirable).
* Concurrent psychotherapeutic treatment targeting neuropathic pain during the study.
* Substance abuse and/or dependence, unless medically prescribed.
* Inability to complete the questionnaires.
* Co-morbid conditions affecting the lower extremities, such as peripheral arterial disease, severe rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis. Other conditions causing pain in the feet and/or damage to the peripheral nervous system, for example, ulcers.
* Co-morbid chronic pain syndromes.

Conditions3

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