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Kehr T, Haeyen S. Drawing your way out: Imagery rehearsal based art therapy (IR-AT) for post-traumatic nightmares in borderline personality disorder. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1015-1030. [PMID: 38193630 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Posttraumatic nightmares (PTN) are a frequent symptom after a traumatic event and often play part in the psychopathology of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) currently offers the best evidence for an effective treatment to reduce PTNs, although high drop-out rates are common. Art therapy in IRT may counteract this, by its indirect, nonverbal, and often playful approach that helps to break through avoidance. This case study focusses on the perception of a patient with BPD in an art therapy based IRT treatment for patients with PTNs. It tells the story of Aurelia, a 40-year-old woman who, within this treatment, processes traumatic contents of her childhood like physical and sexual violence, but also current interactional problems that manifest themselves in her nightmares. Following the IR-AT treatment for PTNs Aurelia noticed a reduction in her nightmares, was less afraid of them and felt calmer towards her trauma. She expressed herself in the art medium and by this developed more self-efficacy. Her process resulted in an integration of the trauma and a perceived decrease in borderline symptoms. Future research can build on this basis to further explore the mechanisms and effects of IR-AT for PTNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timea Kehr
- LVR, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotraumatology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Suzanne Haeyen
- Academy of Health and Vitality, Research Group Arts & Psychomor Therapies in Health Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- GGNet, Centre for Mental Health, Scelta, Expert Centre for Personality Disorders Apeldoorn, Warnsveld, The Netherlands
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2
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Aleksic M, Reineck A, Ehring T, Wolkenstein L. When does imagery rescripting become a double-edged sword? - Investigating the risk of memory distortion through imagery rescripting in an online Trauma film study. Behav Res Ther 2024; 174:104495. [PMID: 38401468 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) has proven effective in reducing involuntary emotional memories. However, it is unclear whether and when it may lead to reduced accuracy of voluntary memory. Although previous analogue studies suggest that ImRs does not pose a general risk regarding memory distortion, it can not be ruled out that ImRs could cause memory impairment under certain risk conditions. In our three-day online trauma film study we investigated in a healthy sample (N = 267) whether specific instructions during ImRs as typically provided in clinical practice (i.e., detailed imagery with a sensory focus) increase the risk of memory distortions. Additionally, we examined whether the completeness of the original memory moderates these instruction effects. Contrary to our expectations, a sensory focus during ImRs was associated with higher memory accuracy in a recognition task, independently of the quality of the original memory. These results extend previous findings by suggesting that ImRs does not even impair memory performance when the quality of the original memory is poor and when the production of sensory-rich images is specifically encouraged. Our results question current practices employed to assess witness statement credibility, which are partly based on concerns that trauma-focused interventions like ImRs undermine memory accuracy.
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3
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Gan QW, Yu R, Lian ZR, Yuan YL, Li YP, Zheng LL. Relationship between nightmare distress and depressive symptoms in Chinese emergency department nurses: A cross-sectional study. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:1087-1095. [PMID: 38186729 PMCID: PMC10768490 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i12.1087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most of the recent research on nightmare distress and depressive symptoms has focused on adolescents and students, with less research on the nurse population. Emergency department nurses are at high risk for nightmare distress and depressive symptoms, but no studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between the two; thus, further investigation is needed. AIM To understand the relationship between nightmare distress and depressive symptoms among emergency department nurses in China. METHODS A convenience sampling method was used to select 280 emergency department nurses from nine provinces, including Jiangxi, Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Shanxi Provinces. The Chinese version of the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were administered. RESULTS Emergency department nurses' nightmare distress scores were positively associated with depressive symptom scores (r = 0.732), depressed affect (r = 0.727), somatic symptoms (r = 0.737), and interpersonal difficulty (r = 0.647). Further multiple linear regression analyses showed that education level, work pressure, self-reported health, and CES-D scores were factors that influenced nightmare distress among Chinese emergency department nurses (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Nightmare distress is closely associated with depressive symptoms in Chinese emergency department nurses, and early intervention is recommended for professionals with this type of sleep disorder to reduce the occurrence of depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Wen Gan
- School of Nursing, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ran Yu
- School of Nursing, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ze-Rong Lian
- Department of Nursing, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yi-Ling Yuan
- School of Nursing, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yuan-Ping Li
- School of Nursing, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Li-Lan Zheng
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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Kroener J, Hack L, Mayer B, Sosic-Vasic Z. Imagery rescripting as a short intervention for symptoms associated with mental images in clinical disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 166:49-60. [PMID: 37738780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
There is an unmet need for effective short-term therapeutic techniques to reduce clinical symptoms associated with prospective-, as well as retrospective aversive mental images across mental disorders. We investigated the efficacy of imagery rescripting (IR) as a short-term intervention across clinical disorders, as the literature suggests that this technique could be a promising intervention to reduce psychopathology by altering intrusive mental images. A systematic literature review identified 23 trials including 805 adult patients, out of which 15 trials were designed as randomized controlled trials (RCT) including patients with the following diagnoses: Social anxiety disorder (SAD), Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder (PTSD), Bulimia Nervosa, Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, nightmare disorder, test anxiety, health anxiety, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Most studies (14) comprised of one treatment session. Effect size estimates indicate that IR is highly effective in reducing clinical symptoms associated with mental images from pre-, to post-treatment (g = 1.09, 95% CI = [0.64; 1.53]), as well as from pre-treatment to follow-up (g = 1.90, 95% CI = [1.02; 2.77]). Comparing the IR intervention to a passive control group showed large effect sizes at post-treatment (g = -0.99; 95% CI = [-1.79; -0.20]), however, comparing IR to an active control group resulted in a small effect (g = -0.05; 95% CI = [-0.43; 0.33]). Lastly, large effects of IR were found for the SAD and PTSD subgroups, for comorbid symptoms of depression. In summary, our results indicate that IR is a promising short-term therapeutic technique for clinical symptoms associated with aversive prospective-, and retrospective mental images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kroener
- Department of Applied Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Christophsbad Goeppingen, Jahnstraße 30, 73037, Goeppingen, Germany; Medical Department, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Lisa Hack
- Department of Applied Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Christophsbad Goeppingen, Jahnstraße 30, 73037, Goeppingen, Germany; Medical Department, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Schwabstraße 13, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zrinka Sosic-Vasic
- Department of Applied Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Christophsbad Goeppingen, Jahnstraße 30, 73037, Goeppingen, Germany; Medical Department, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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5
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Schwartz S, Clerget A, Perogamvros L. Enhancing imagery rehearsal therapy for nightmares with targeted memory reactivation. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4808-4816.e4. [PMID: 36306786 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nightmare disorder (ND) is characterized by dreams with strong negative emotions occurring during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. ND is mainly treated by imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), where the patients are asked to change the negative story line of their nightmare to a more positive one. We here used targeted memory reactivation (TMR) during REM sleep to strengthen IRT-related memories and accelerate remission of ND. Thirty-six patients with ND were asked to perform an initial IRT session and, while they generated a positive outcome of their nightmare, half of the patients were exposed to a sound (TMR group), while no such pairing took place for the other half (control group). During the next 2 weeks, all patients performed IRT every evening at home and were exposed to the sound during REM sleep with a wireless headband, which automatically detected sleep stages. The frequency of nightmares per week at 2 weeks was used as the primary outcome measure. We found that the TMR group had less frequent nightmares and more positive dream emotions than the control group after 2 weeks of IRT and a sustained decrease of nightmares after 3 months. By demonstrating the effectiveness of TMR during sleep to potentiate therapy, these results have clinical implications for the management of ND, with relevance to other psychiatric disorders too. Additionally, these findings show that TMR applied during REM sleep can modulate emotions in dreams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Schwartz
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alice Clerget
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lampros Perogamvros
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Center for Sleep Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, 1225 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, 1225 Geneva, Switzerland.
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6
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Zoellner LA, Lehinger BA, Rosencrans PL, Cornell-Maier SM, Foa EB, Telch MJ, Gonzalez-Lima F, Bedard-Gilligan MA. Brief Imaginal Exposure for PTSD: Trajectories of Change in Distress. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Liu X, Liu ZZ, Liu BP, Jia CX. Nightmare frequency and psychopathological problems in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:805-816. [PMID: 35064282 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02224-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nightmares are common, especially in pediatric populations and psychiatric patients. Nightmares are associated with daytime distress and negative health outcomes. The data on the prevalence and psychopathological profiles of nightmares in Chinese adolescents are limited. This study examined age and gender differences in nightmare frequency and associated psychopathological problems in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. METHODS A total of 11,831 adolescent students (mean age = 14.9, 12-18 years) participated in the baseline survey of Shandong Adolescent Behavior and Health Cohort. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to report their nightmare frequency, trait anger, hopelessness, and multiple domains of behavioral/emotional problems. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine psychopathological problems in relation to nightmare frequency. RESULTS Of the sample, 45.2% reported having nightmares at least once in the past month and 7.9% at least once/week. Girls reported more frequent nightmares than boys. Nightmare frequency significantly declined with age for both boys and girls. Mean scores on trait anger, hopelessness, attention, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems significantly increased with nightmare frequency. Frequent nightmares (at least once/week) were significantly associated with 2-4-fold increased likelihood of behavioral/emotional problems after adjusting for adolescent and family covariates. CONCLUSION Nightmares are prevalent in Chinese adolescents. Frequent nightmares are associated with multiple domains of psychopathological problems. Assessment and intervention of frequent nightmares should be incorporated into routine clinical practice and mental health services in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianchen Liu
- Center for Public Health Initiatives, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Zhen-Zhen Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bao-Peng Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cun-Xian Jia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Yang XF, Liu ZZ, Liu SJ, Jia CX, Liu X. Nightmare distress as a mediator between frequent nightmares and depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents. J Affect Disord 2022; 296:363-369. [PMID: 34634692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequent nightmares are related to depressive symptoms in adolescents. Little is known about pathways from frequent nightmares to depressive symptoms. This study aimed to examine the mediation effect of nightmare distress in the association between frequent nightmares and depressive symptoms in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. METHODS A total of 11,831 adolescents who participated in the baseline survey of Shandong Adolescent Behavior and Health Cohort were included in the analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure nightmare frequency, nightmare distress, depressive symptoms, sleep duration, insomnia, and demographic characteristics. Linear regressions and mediation analyses were performed to examine the associations between frequent nightmares, nightmare distress and depressive symptoms. RESULTS Of 11,831 participates, 50.9% were males and the mean age was 14.97 ± 1.45. Adolescents with frequent nightmares scored significantly higher on nightmare distress (t = 29.87, P < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (t = 20.05, P < 0.001) than those adolescents without frequent nightmares. Frequent nightmares (β = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.48-1.60) and nightmare distress (β = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.28-0.32) were associated with depressive symptoms. Mediation analyses showed that nightmare distress accounted for 63.76% of the total effects in the entire sample, 51.17% in males and 80.00% in females, respectively. LIMITATION No causality could be made from the cross-sectional data and possible information bias due to self-report. CONCLUSIONS The association between frequent nightmares and depressive symptoms appears to be substantially mediated by nightmare distress. Assessing and intervening distress associated with frequent nightmares may have important clinical implications for reducing the risk of depression in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong University Center for Suicide Prevention Research, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong University Center for Suicide Prevention Research, Jinan, Shandong, China; School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Shu-Juan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong University Center for Suicide Prevention Research, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cun-Xian Jia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong University Center for Suicide Prevention Research, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Xianchen Liu
- Center for Public Health Initiatives, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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9
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Fink-Lamotte J, Platter P, Stierle C, Exner C. Mechanisms and Effectiveness of Imagery Strategies in Reducing Disgust in Contamination-Related Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: Comparing Imagery Rescripting, Imagery Self-compassion and Mood-Focused Imagery. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-021-10275-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Strong feelings of disgust and anxiety are maintaining factors in contamination-related obsessive–compulsive disorder (C-OCD). To this day there are not many studies that investigated strategies for changing pathological disgust. In a previous study, it was shown that imagery rescripting could successfully change disgust. However, whether imagery rescripting or more general imagery processing, helps to reduce pathological disgust, remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate how successful imagery rescripting is in comparison to imagery self-compassion and a passive positive imagery condition in reducing disgust.
Methods
For this, the three strategies were compared to each other on 2 days (within-subject) in a laboratory experiment. The study included 24 subjects with diagnosed C-OCD, and 24 matched, healthy controls (between-subject).
Results
The results show that all three strategies changed disgust, they do not differ from each other and that different traits appear to influence the strategies’ success or failure. The theoretically derived underlying mechanisms of the strategies were found in an elaborate content analysis.
Conclusions
The present study provides first indications that imagery in general can help to change pathological disgust experience.
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Schmid C, Hansen K, Kröner-Borowik T, Steil R. Imagery Rescripting and Imaginal Exposure in Nightmare Disorder Compared to Positive Imagery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021; 90:328-340. [PMID: 33477151 DOI: 10.1159/000512757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Both imagery rescripting and imaginal exposure have been proven to be effective in the treatment of chronic nightmares when compared to a waitlist condition. Little is known about their comparative efficacy and their efficacy compared to an active control. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to compare the two treatments to one another and to positive imagery as an active control, and to explore covariates of the treatment effect. METHODS In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 96 patients with nightmare disorder (idiopathic nightmares) from an outpatient clinic were randomly assigned to a single individual treatment session of rescripting, exposure, or positive imagery and 4 weeks of practice at home. The primary outcome was nightmare distress, and the secondary outcomes were nightmare frequency, nightmare effects, self-efficacy, and general psychopathology. RESULTS Nightmare distress was reduced in all groups (imagery rescripting: Cohen's d = -1.04, imaginal exposure: d = -0.68, positive imagery: d = -0.57), as were nightmare frequency, nightmare effects, and psychopathology. Self-efficacy was enhanced. No differential treatment effects were found on any primary or secondary measure. Treatment gains were not associated with demographic or disorder characteristics, baseline values, treatment credibility, or the number of practice sessions. CONCLUSIONS Even short nightmare treatments are effective regardless of personal characteristics, and different interventions produce similar results. Future research should aim to clarify the mechanisms of action. Health care should make more use of these powerful and easy-to-administer nightmare treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Schmid
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
| | - Kathrin Hansen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tana Kröner-Borowik
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Regina Steil
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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11
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Becker PM. Nightmare distress and subsyndromal psychotic experiences. Sleep Med 2020; 77:313-314. [PMID: 33268312 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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12
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Kammerer MK, Bub K, Lincoln TM. The relationship between nightmares and psychotic experiences in young adults. Sleep Med 2020; 77:315-322. [PMID: 32980251 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is indication that frequent nightmares are an early indicator of psychotic disorders in adolescents and young adults. Yet which aspects of nightmares are relevant and how they contribute to psychotic experiences has remained unclear. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in a community sample of young adults between the ages of 18 and 27 (n = 486) to identify aspects of nightmares (nightmare frequency (NF), nightmare distress (ND), nightmare contents), that are related to specific psychotic experiences (paranoid thoughts, hallucinations, negative symptoms) after controlling for sleep quality, and examined factors that potentially mediate this relationship (stress, depression). RESULTS Nightmare frequency and -distress were significantly associated with paranoid thoughts, hallucinations and negative symptoms (NF: rs = 0.293 - 0.139; ND: rs = 0.411 - 0.166). Nightmares significantly added to explaining paranoid thoughts and hallucinations, over and above sleep quality, but not to explaining negative symptoms. The relations between nightmare distress and psychotic experiences were partially mediated by stress (percentage mediated for paranoid thoughts: 38.20%; for hallucinations: 11.77%) and depression (percentage mediated for paranoid thoughts: 56.61%; for hallucinations: 28.02%). The most commonly reported nightmare contents revolved around being chased, falling and losing a close relative and specific contents were significantly related to the frequency of hallucinations (eg, threatening surroundings, OR = 1.73) or paranoia (eg, workspace bullying, OR = 2.02). CONCLUSIONS Thorough assessments of nightmares and sleep disturbances in young individuals could facilitate early detection of those at risk and help to target preventive treatments. However, longitudinal studies are needed to test for a causal relationship between nightmares and the development of psychotic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias K Kammerer
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Movement Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Konstantin Bub
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Movement Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tania M Lincoln
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Movement Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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13
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Lancee J, Effting M, Kunze AE. Telephone-guided imagery rehearsal therapy for nightmares: Efficacy and mediator of change. J Sleep Res 2020; 30:e13123. [PMID: 32567103 PMCID: PMC8244061 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The currently best‐supported psychological treatment for nightmares is imagery rehearsal therapy. The problem, however, is that not enough trained practitioners are available to offer this treatment. A possible solution is to conduct imagery rehearsal therapy in a guided self‐help format. In the current study, 70 participants with nightmares according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders were randomized to either telephone‐guided imagery rehearsal therapy (n = 36) or a wait‐list condition (n = 34). Participants in the imagery rehearsal therapy condition received three sessions over the course of 5 weeks. Every treatment session was followed by telephone support delivered by postgraduate students. Participants who received imagery rehearsal therapy showed larger improvements on nightmare frequency (d = 1.03; p < .05), nightmare distress (d = 0.75; p < .05) and insomnia severity (d = 1.12; p < .001) compared with the participants in the wait‐list condition. The effects were sustained at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up. No significant effects were observed on the number of nights with nightmares per week, anxiety and depression. In line with earlier reports, the treatment effect was mediated by the increase of mastery at mid‐treatment, underlining the mechanistic value of mastery in imagery rehearsal therapy. The present study demonstrates that it is possible to deliver imagery rehearsal therapy in a self‐help format supported by unexperienced therapists and with relatively little time investment. This opens possibilities in terms of cost‐effectiveness, scalability and dissemination of imagery rehearsal therapy in the treatment of nightmares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaap Lancee
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,PsyQ Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Effting
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna E Kunze
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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14
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Schaitz C, Kroener J, Maier A, Connemann BJ, Sosic-Vasic Z. Short Imagery Rescripting Intervention to Treat Emotionally Dysregulated Behavior in Borderline Personality Disorder: An Exploratory Study. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:425. [PMID: 32508686 PMCID: PMC7251139 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current research on borderline personality disorder report an association between emotionally dysregulated behaviors and intrusive mental imagery depicting similar scenes. Imagery rescripting techniques have proven effective in reducing intrusive mental imagery in numerous contexts. We developed a two session-short intervention in which intrusive mental images are identified, analyzed, and modified for daily rehearsal at home. This study aimed to reduce the negative emotions and cognitions associated with self-injurious behaviors by replacing unhealthy imagery with more adaptive content. METHODS Seven females diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who reported intrusive mental imagery of dysregulated behaviors were recruited for participation. Each participant engaged in two individualized treatment sessions and daily homework requiring the rehearsal of modified imagery. Emotion regulation strategies, borderline symptom severity, and depressiveness were assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS Acceptance was positive, as no patient dropped out from treatment. Symptom exacerbation was not observed. Borderline symptom reduction was noted and indicia of emotional dysregulation and negative affect declined. LIMITATIONS The generalizability of results is limited by the small sample size and the absence of a control group. Conclusions: This new two-session short intervention was shown to decrease the emotionally dysregulated behaviors that accompany negative feelings in females with borderline personality disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Schaitz
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julia Kroener
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna Maier
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bernhard J Connemann
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zrinka Sosic-Vasic
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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15
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Romano M, Moscovitch DA, Huppert JD, Reimer SG, Moscovitch M. The effects of imagery rescripting on memory outcomes in social anxiety disorder. J Anxiety Disord 2020; 69:102169. [PMID: 31862574 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2019.102169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Imagery rescripting (IR) is an effective intervention for social anxiety disorder (SAD) that targets negative autobiographical memories. IR has been theorized to work through various memory mechanisms, including modifying the content of negative memory representations, changing memory appraisals, and improving negative schema or core beliefs about self and others. However, no prior studies have investigated the unique effects of rescripting itself relative to other IR intervention components on these proposed mechanisms. In this preliminary study, 33 individuals with SAD were randomized to receive a single session of IR, imaginal exposure (IE), or supportive counselling (SC). Memory outcomes were assessed at 1- and 2-weeks post-intervention and at 3-months follow-up. Results demonstrated that the content of participants' autobiographical memory representations changed in distinct ways across the three conditions. Whereas IR facilitated increases only in positive/neutral memory details, IE facilitated increases in both positive/neutral and negative memory details and SC facilitated no changes in memory details. Although memory appraisals did not differ across conditions, participants who received IR were more likely to update their negative memory-derived core beliefs. These unique effects of rescripting on memory representations and core beliefs enhance our understanding of the memory-based mechanisms of IR within the context of exposure-based learning for people with SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Romano
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | - David A Moscovitch
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment, University of Waterloo, Canada.
| | | | - Susanna G Reimer
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | - Morris Moscovitch
- University of Toronto and the Rotman Research Institute and Department of Psychology, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Canada
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16
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Ntafouli M, Galbiati A, Gazea M, Bassetti CLA, Bargiotas P. Update on nonpharmacological interventions in parasomnias. Postgrad Med 2019; 132:72-79. [PMID: 31760836 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2019.1697119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Parasomnias are abnormal behaviors that occur during sleep and can be associated, in particular during adulthood, with impaired sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, and occasionally with violent and harmful nocturnal behaviors. In these cases, therapies are often considered. Longterm pharmacological treatments are not always well tolerated and often have limited efficacy. Therefore, behavioral approaches remain an important treatment option for several types of parasomnias. However, the evidence-based approaches are limited. In the current review, we highlight results from various nonpharmacological techniques on different types of parasomnias and provide a glimpse into the future of nonpharmacological treatments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ntafouli
- Sleep Wake Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Galbiati
- Faculty of Psychology, "Vita-Salute" San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology - Sleep Disorders Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mary Gazea
- Centre for experimental Neurology, Dept. of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Research (DBMR), Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudio L A Bassetti
- Sleep Wake Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Panagiotis Bargiotas
- Sleep Wake Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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17
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Mediators of Change in Imagery Rescripting and Imaginal Exposure for Nightmares: Evidence From a Randomized Wait-List Controlled Trial. Behav Ther 2019; 50:978-993. [PMID: 31422852 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Imagery rescripting (IR) and imaginal exposure (IE) are two efficacious treatments for nightmare disorder, but their discrete underlying mechanism(s) remain largely unknown. We therefore examined mediators of the treatment effects of IR and IE in a randomized wait-list controlled trial (N = 104). Therapeutic outcomes were assessed at pre- and post-assessment, and mediator assessment took place in between treatment sessions to establish a temporal relationship between mediators and nightmare symptoms (i.e., frequency and distress). In line with the hypothesis, enhanced mastery (or self-efficacy) of the nightmare content mediated the therapeutic efficacy of IR. Furthermore, the treatment effects of IE were mediated by increased tolerability of the negative emotions elicited by nightmares. Even though IR and IE for nightmares seem to produce similar therapeutic effects, the results of this study suggest that IR and IE tap into different underlying processes.
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18
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Schredl M, Hoppe J. Ursache und Therapie von Albträumen. SOMNOLOGIE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11818-019-0198-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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19
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Gieselmann A, Ait Aoudia M, Carr M, Germain A, Gorzka R, Holzinger B, Kleim B, Krakow B, Kunze AE, Lancee J, Nadorff MR, Nielsen T, Riemann D, Sandahl H, Schlarb AA, Schmid C, Schredl M, Spoormaker VI, Steil R, van Schagen AM, Wittmann L, Zschoche M, Pietrowsky R. Aetiology and treatment of nightmare disorder: State of the art and future perspectives. J Sleep Res 2019; 28:e12820. [PMID: 30697860 PMCID: PMC6850667 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This consensus paper provides an overview of the state of the art in research on the aetiology and treatment of nightmare disorder and outlines further perspectives on these issues. It presents a definition of nightmares and nightmare disorder followed by epidemiological findings, and then explains existing models of nightmare aetiology in traumatized and non‐traumatized individuals. Chronic nightmares develop through the interaction of elevated hyperarousal and impaired fear extinction. This interplay is assumed to be facilitated by trait affect distress elicited by traumatic experiences, early childhood adversity and trait susceptibility, as well as by elevated thought suppression and potentially sleep‐disordered breathing. Accordingly, different treatment options for nightmares focus on their meaning, on the chronic repetition of the nightmare or on maladaptive beliefs. Clinically, knowledge of healthcare providers about nightmare disorder and the delivery of evidence‐based interventions in the healthcare system is discussed. Based on these findings, we highlight some future perspectives and potential further developments of nightmare treatments and research into nightmare aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Gieselmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Malik Ait Aoudia
- Centre du Psychotrauma de l'Institut de Victimologie à Paris, Paris, France
| | - Michelle Carr
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Anne Germain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Gorzka
- Central Institute for Mental Health, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Barry Krakow
- Maimonides Sleep Arts and Sciences, Ltd, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Anna E Kunze
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jaap Lancee
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael R Nadorff
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Tore Nielsen
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dieter Riemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hinuga Sandahl
- Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Angelika A Schlarb
- Department of Psychology and Sports, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Carolin Schmid
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Michael Schredl
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Regina Steil
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Annette M van Schagen
- Foundation Centrum '45, Partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Oegstgeest, the Netherlands
| | - Lutz Wittmann
- International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Zschoche
- Department of Psychology and Sports, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Reinhard Pietrowsky
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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20
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Self-efficacy as a Mechanism of Action of Imagery Rehearsal Therapy's Effectiveness: An Exploratory Mediation Analysis. J Nerv Ment Dis 2018; 206:749-756. [PMID: 30273270 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is an empirically validated therapy targeting recurring nightmares, for which the mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate how an exploratory measure of self-efficacy could mediate IRT's effectiveness. Thirty-five victims of sexual assault with recurring nightmares were randomly assigned to either IRT or a control condition. Participants completed questionnaires about self-efficacy and nocturnal symptoms at pre- and posttreatment. Regression analyses showed that IRT predicted greater self-efficacy about dreams (β = .578) and that self-efficacy about dreams predicted improvement in insomnia (β = -.378). IRT also predicted greater self-efficacy about nightmares (β = .366), which in turn predicts sleep quality (β = -.412). However, self-efficacy was not a significant mediator of IRT's effectiveness on insomnia and sleep quality. Although IRT did increase patients' self-efficacy over dreams and nightmares, self-efficacy may not be a primary mechanism of action explaining IRT's effectiveness.
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