ATI Mental Health Practice Exam Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice Exam related questions and content

What is the primary goal of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) when treating a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

  • A. To help the patient confront and process traumatic memories
  • B. To help the patient change negative thought patterns
  • C. To help the patient develop relaxation techniques
  • D. To help the patient avoid triggers
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To help the patient confront and process traumatic memories. In EMDR for PTSD, the primary goal is to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories to reduce their emotional charge and associated distress. By confronting and processing these memories, the patient can reprocess them in a healthier way, leading to symptom reduction and improved functioning. Other choices are incorrect because EMDR does not solely focus on changing negative thought patterns (B), developing relaxation techniques (C), or avoiding triggers (D) as its primary goal. The essence of EMDR lies in the desensitization and reprocessing of traumatic memories to promote healing and recovery from PTSD symptoms.