MedPath

Effects of EMDR Therapy in Patients With Severe Obesity

Not Applicable
Conditions
Emotional Trauma
Obesity
Registration Number
NCT03555110
Lead Sponsor
University of Sao Paulo General Hospital
Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
60
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.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
change in emotional balancePostoperative (3 months, 12 months and 36 months after bariatric surgery)

This will be evaluated by the Factorial Personality Battery before and after surgery

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Total Weight lossPostoperative (3 months, 12 months and 36 months after bariatric surgery)

weight loss measured in percentage of weight loss (%WL)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP

🇧🇷

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP
🇧🇷Sao Paulo, Brazil
Roberto de Cleva
Contact
55 11 999774502
roberto.cleva@hc.fm.usp.br
Vivian Stipp
Contact
55 11 986206060
vivistipp@hotmail.com

MedPath

Empowering clinical research with data-driven insights and AI-powered tools.

© 2025 MedPath, Inc. All rights reserved.