Living with Essential Tremor: Psychosocial Features and Recommendations for Group Therapy to Mitigate Symptoms
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Authors
Ribeiro, Kamilla
Issue Date
2025-08-18
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
essential tremor , movement disorders , emotional distress , mindfulness-based cognitive therapy , somatic therapy , psychosocial impact
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone project focuses on Essential Tremor (ET), a common yet often overlooked movement disorder that affects millions of people, including those who may not even have a name for their symptoms. ET causes involuntary, rhythmic shaking that can affect the hands, arms, head, voice, and other parts of the body. It can begin at any age and is frequently mistaken for Parkinson’s disease, even though it is much more common, nearly eight times so. Despite its prevalence, ET remains widely misunderstood, not only by the public but also by medical professionals. Beyond the physical challenges, this project emphasizes the emotional and social toll the disorder can take, such as struggling with everyday tasks, feeling embarrassed in public, and dealing with anxiety or depression. In response, this capstone proposes a therapeutic group that combines Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and somatic practices to help individuals manage stress and emotional distress, which can often make tremors worse. The goal is to offer not just coping tools, but also a sense of community and support for those living with ET.
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License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess