Nightmares: Etiological, Theoretical, and Behavioral Treatment Considerations

Abstract

3 studies investigated the sleep patterns, test-measured anxiety, physiologically measured arousal, and nightmare characteristics of Ss with and without nightmares and implosive therapy therapy treatment of Ss with frequent nightmares. In Study I a questionnaire assessing manifest anxiety, nightmare frequency, and typical sleep patterns was administered. Significant positive relationships were found between nightmare frequency and report of insomnia, manifest anxiety, and various insomniac sleep patterns. In Study II Ss were administered a questionnaire assessing manifest anxiety, nightmare frequency and characteristics, and various sleep patterns; and frontalis electromyogram (EMG) measurements were taken. A significant positive relationship was found between EMG and manifest anxiety, the occurrence of recurrent nightmares, and rate of nighttime awakenings. Study III involved implosive therapy treatment of Ss with histories of frequent nightmares. The Ss demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in nightmare rate and intensity which was maintained at a 3-month follow-up.