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Carpenter JK, Pineles SL, Griffin MG, Werner K, Resick PA, Galovski TE. Effect of PTSD treatment on cardiovascular reactivity during trauma memory recall and correspondence with symptom improvement. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2335865. [PMID: 38597201 PMCID: PMC11008309 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2335865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACTBackground: Prior research has shown PTSD treatment leads to reductions in cardiovascular reactivity during trauma recall, but the extent to which such reductions are associated with changes in PTSD symptoms is less clear. Moreover, such relationships have not been investigated in a cognitively focused PTSD treatment.Objective: To examine changes in cardiovascular reactivity to the trauma memory in patients receiving cognitive processing therapy (CPT), CPT with a written trauma account, and a written account only condition. We also examined the association of such changes with symptom improvement.Method: 118 women with PTSD secondary to interpersonal violence completed pre- and post-treatment assessments of PTSD symptoms and cardiovascular reactivity during a script-driven imagery task.Results: Results indicated a significant but modest reduction in cardiovascular reactivity in CPT conditions. Changes in cardiovascular reactivity and reexperiencing symptoms were significantly associated among the whole sample. Among individuals with the greatest reactivity to the trauma memory at pretreatment, associations were also seen with changes in total PTSD, numbing, and trauma-related guilt.Conclusions: Results indicate that previous findings on the effect of PTSD treatment on cardiovascular reactivity during trauma recall extend to cognitively oriented treatment. Baseline cardiovascular reactivity may influence the extent to which reductions in PTSD symptoms and reactivity during trauma recall are related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K. Carpenter
- National Center for PTSD, Women’s Health Sciences Division, Boston, MA, USA
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne L. Pineles
- National Center for PTSD, Women’s Health Sciences Division, Boston, MA, USA
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael G. Griffin
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kimberly Werner
- College of Nursing, University of Missouri St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Patricia A. Resick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tara E. Galovski
- National Center for PTSD, Women’s Health Sciences Division, Boston, MA, USA
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Garriques VR, Dhruve DM, Nadorff MR. Nightmare Disorder. Sleep Med Clin 2024; 19:111-119. [PMID: 38368059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2023.10.011] [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] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
This article presents a comprehensive review of nightmare disorder, covering diagnosis, treatment approaches, guidelines, and considerations. It begins with an introduction, defining the disorder and addressing its prevalence and psychosocial implications. The article explores assessment tools for diagnosis and then delves into psychological and pharmacologic treatment modalities, examining their efficacy and side effects. Considerations for optimizing therapeutic outcomes are highlighted, including medication versus psychotherapy, co-morbidities, cultural implications, and the use of technology and service animals. The review concludes by offering key recommendations for effective treatment and clinical care for individuals with nightmare disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R Garriques
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, 110 Magruder Hall, P.O. Box 6161, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Deepali M Dhruve
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, 110 Magruder Hall, P.O. Box 6161, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Michael R Nadorff
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, 110 Magruder Hall, P.O. Box 6161, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
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Saguin E, Hulot LJ, Roseau JB, Metlaine A, Paul F, Nicolas F, Sipahimalani LG, Leger D, Gomez-Merino D, Chennaoui M. Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Preliminary Validation of a French Version of the Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey (TRNS-FR) in a PTSD Veteran Population. Mil Med 2023; 188:3182-3190. [PMID: 35472134 PMCID: PMC10464873 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the military population, trauma-related nightmares (TRNs) are highly associated with deployments and combat-related events. Trauma-related nightmares are also correlated with severity, treatment resistance, and chronicity of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, to date, no specific measure of TRNs has been validated for use in the French language. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the English version of the Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey into French and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the translation on veterans. MATERIALS AND METHODS After the translation and cultural adaptation process, we evaluated the reliability and validity of the French version of the questionnaire (TRNS-FR) in a population of veterans suffering from PTSD with nightmare complaints (n = 56 patients for test-retest and n = 60 for internal consistency), recruited from five French military hospitals. RESULTS Analyses demonstrated that TRNS-FR has good test-retest reliability (r = 0.59) and good internal consistency with PTSD symptoms, insomnia symptoms, and subjective sleep parameters assessed at home. This questionnaire provides a rapid and comprehensive assessment of sleep disturbance and a specific description of TRNs in the population of veterans with severe PTSD. Our results allowed us to propose a valid and reliable French adaptation of the questionnaire. CONCLUSION Because sleep disturbances and TRNs require specific therapeutic management, the psychometric qualities of TRNS-FR make it a tool of choice for assessing TRNs in future clinical research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeric Saguin
- Psychiatric Department, Begin Military Teaching Hospital, Saint-Mandé 94160, France
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
| | | | - Jean-Baptiste Roseau
- Pneumology and Sleep Medicine Department, Clermont-Tonnerre Military Teaching Hospital, Brest 29240, France
| | - Arnaud Metlaine
- Centre du Sommeil et de la Vigilance, Hôtel-Dieu, APHP, Paris 75004, France
| | - Frédéric Paul
- Psychiatric Department, Laveran Military Teaching Hospital, Marseille 13384, France
| | - Florian Nicolas
- Psychiatric Department, Sainte-Anne Military Teaching Hospital, Toulon 83800, France
| | | | - Damien Leger
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
- Centre du Sommeil et de la Vigilance, Hôtel-Dieu, APHP, Paris 75004, France
| | - Danielle Gomez-Merino
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge 91220, France
| | - Mounir Chennaoui
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge 91220, France
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4
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Gill P, Fraser E, Tran TTD, De Sena Collier G, Jago A, Losinno J, Ganci M. Psychosocial treatments for nightmares in adults and children: a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:283. [PMID: 37085821 PMCID: PMC10122409 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04703-1] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As nightmares may be a risk factor for, or symptom of, multiple psychological disorders, some researchers suggest that nightmares should be screened, diagnosed, and treated. Treatments for nightmares include trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Image Rehearsal Therapy, and pharmacological interventions such as prazosin and nitrazepam. As recent research has put into question our current understanding of treatment efficacy, there is a need to systematically review findings related to the effectiveness of nightmare treatments to inform best practice. The current review assessed the efficacy of psychosocial treatments of nightmare in all cohorts. METHODS A systematic search of four databases for peer reviewed journal articles from 2000 onwards produced 69 (35 RCTs, 34 non-RCTs) eligible articles that underwent narrative synthesis. RESULTS The results provide strong evidence for exposure and image rehearsal treatments for the reduction of nightmare frequency, severity, and distress, in civilian, military, idiopathic, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cohorts. There is emerging evidence that self-guided and brief treatment modalities offer efficient and effective treatment options. There is an urgent need for clinical trials of treatment effectiveness in children. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that treatments for nightmares are most effective when they facilitate a sense of control or mastery by directly targeting the nightmare content and/or the client's emotional responses to the nightmare content. TRIAL REGISTRATION A review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020204861).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Gill
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University Australia, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Emily Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University Australia, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Thong Thai Diep Tran
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University Australia, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gabriel De Sena Collier
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University Australia, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Jago
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University Australia, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joe Losinno
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University Australia, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Ganci
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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5
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Sheaves B, Rek S, Freeman D. Nightmares and psychiatric symptoms: A systematic review of longitudinal, experimental, and clinical trial studies. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 100:102241. [PMID: 36566699 PMCID: PMC10933816 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nightmares occur across a wide range of psychiatric disorders, but outside of PTSD presentations are infrequently considered a treatment priority. We aimed to assess evidence for a contributory causal role of nightmares to the occurrence of psychiatric disorders, and vice versa. A systematic review was conducted of longitudinal, experimental, and clinical trial studies. Twenty-four longitudinal, sixteen trials, and no experimental studies were identified. Methodological shortcomings were common, especially the use of single-item nightmare assessment. Thirty-five studies assessed the path from nightmares to psychiatric symptoms. Depression (n = 10 studies), PTSD (n = 10) and anxiety (n = 5) were the most commonly assessed outcomes in trials. Most were not designed to assess the effect of nightmare treatment on psychiatric symptoms. Treating nightmares led to moderate reductions in PTSD and depression, small to moderate reductions in anxiety, and potentially moderate reductions in paranoia. Nightmares increased the risk of later suicide outcomes (n = 10), but two small pilot trials indicated that treating nightmares might potentially prevent recovery of suicidal ideation. PTSD treatment led to large reductions in trauma-related nightmares (n = 3). The limited literature suggests that treating nightmares may be one route to lessening threat-based disorders in particular, suggestive of a causal relationship. Overall, however, nightmares in most disorders are greatly understudied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Sheaves
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom.
| | - Stephanie Rek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Freeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
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6
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Isaac F, Toukhsati SR, DiBenedetto M, Kennedy GA. Cognitive behavioral therapy-based treatments for insomnia and nightmares in adults with trauma symptoms: a systematic review. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-11. [PMID: 35891889 PMCID: PMC9303051 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03512-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fadia Isaac
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Office 211, Building HP, Mt Helen Campus, PO Box 663, Ballarat, Victoria 3353 Australia
| | - Samia R. Toukhsati
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Office 211, Building HP, Mt Helen Campus, PO Box 663, Ballarat, Victoria 3353 Australia
| | | | - Gerard A. Kennedy
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Office 211, Building HP, Mt Helen Campus, PO Box 663, Ballarat, Victoria 3353 Australia
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Zhang Y, Ren R, Vitiello MV, Yang L, Zhang H, Shi Y, Sanford LD, Tang X. Efficacy and acceptability of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for trauma-related nightmares: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104717. [PMID: 35661755 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This network meta-analysis compares the efficacy and acceptability of all published psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for trauma-related nightmares (TRN) in adults. The analysis included data from 29 randomized clinical trials involving 14 psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions and involved 2214 trauma survivors. Prazosin and image rehearsal therapy (IRT) were found to be the two effective interventions for TRN. Other interventions such as risperidone, paroxetine, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), CBT-I+IRT, prolonged exposure (PE), and IRT+PE, did not show significantly greater efficacy compared with control conditions. The rates of all-cause discontinuations were comparable among majority of the interventions and did not show significant differences compared with control conditions. Prazosin and IRT should be considered as the initial choice of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for TRN. The efficacy of other pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions remains to be demonstrated. Future guidelines and daily clinical decision making on the choice of interventions for TRN should consider these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Ren
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Vitiello
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6560, USA
| | - Linghui Yang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haipeng Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Shi
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Larry D Sanford
- Sleep Research Laboratory, Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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8
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Ucun Y, Küçük L. The efficacy of complementary and traditional practice on psychiatric patients with depression symptoms: A meta- analysis study. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:744-757. [PMID: 33969496 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12844] [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: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the effect sizes of the complementary and traditional practices on the depressive symptom levels in psychiatric patients DESIGN AND METHODS: The "Health Evidence™ Quality Assessment Tool" and "Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3" program was used. FINDINGS A total of 81 studies with 5934 patients were included. The effect size of the complementary and traditional methods applied to psychiatric patient on depressive symptoms was calculated as d = 0.718 (p = 0.000). According to Cohen, studies have moderate effect size. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Complementary and traditional practices were found to be significant and effective on depressive symptoms in psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leyla Küçük
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Istanbul, Turkey
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9
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Weber FC, Wetter TC. The Many Faces of Sleep Disorders in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Update on Clinical Features and Treatment. Neuropsychobiology 2022; 81:85-97. [PMID: 34474413 PMCID: PMC9153357 DOI: 10.1159/000517329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disorders and nightmares are core symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The relationship seems to be bidirectional, and persistent disturbed sleep may influence the course of the disorder. With regard to sleep quality, insomnia and nocturnal anxiety symptoms, as well as nightmares and stressful dreams, are the most prominent sleep symptoms. Polysomnographic measurements reveal alterations of the sleep architecture and fragmentation of rapid eye movement sleep. In addition, sleep disorders, such as sleep-related breathing disorders and parasomnias are frequent comorbid conditions. The complex etiology and symptomatology of trauma-related sleep disorders with frequent psychiatric comorbidity require the application of multimodal treatment concepts, including psychological and pharmacological interventions. However, there is little empirical evidence on the effectiveness of long-term drug treatment for insomnia and nightmares. For nondrug interventions, challenges arise from the current lack of PTSD-treatment concepts integrating sleep- and trauma-focused therapies. Effective therapy for sleep disturbances may consequently also improve well-being during the day and probably even the course of PTSD. Whether early sleep interventions exert a preventive effect on the development of PTSD remains to be clarified in future studies.
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10
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Roche L, McLay L, Sigafoos J, Whitcombe‐Dobbs S. A review of behavioral treatments for sleep disturbances in civilians who have experienced trauma. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Roche
- School of Education University of Newcastle Newcastle New South Wales Australia
| | - Laurie McLay
- School of Health Sciences University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education Victoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand
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11
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Maguire D, Watt J, Armour C, Milanak M, Lagdon S, Lamont JV, Kurth MJ, Fitzgerald P, Moore T, Ruddock MW. Post-traumatic stress disorder: A biopsychosocial case-control study investigating peripheral blood protein biomarkers. Biomark Neuropsychiatry 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bionps.2021.100042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Saguin E, Gomez-Merino D, Sauvet F, Leger D, Chennaoui M. Sleep and PTSD in the Military Forces: A Reciprocal Relationship and a Psychiatric Approach. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11101310. [PMID: 34679375 PMCID: PMC8533994 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are well-recognised symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This review updates knowledge regarding the relationship between sleep during deployment, combat-related trauma, and PTSD in military personnel, from which the importance of restorative sleep results. The description of the characteristics of sleep in military forces with the considerable roles of the operational and training contexts highlights the important consequences of degraded sleep. Indeed, a lot of data suggest a dynamic link between sleep and the onset and chronicity of PTSD. We propose a reciprocal relationship model with strategies strongly recommended or already adopted by the military to promote restorative sleep before and after combat exposure. Among the alterations in a variety of sleep architecture and sleep patterns described in PTSD, the physiological hypothesis of REM sleep fragmentation in the development of PTSD symptoms may be important because REM sleep is generally associated with emotional memory. Finally, we address clinical and research perspectives that could be used to detect or restore sleep continuity before and during military deployment to possibly alleviate nightmares and insomnia related to combat exposure and PTSD occurrence and improve our understanding of sleep in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeric Saguin
- Psychiatric Department, Begin Military Teaching Hospital, 94160 Saint-Mandé, France
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-0143985440
| | - Danielle Gomez-Merino
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France; (D.G.-M.); (F.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Fabien Sauvet
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France; (D.G.-M.); (F.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Damien Leger
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
- Centre du Sommeil et de la Vigilance, Hôtel-Dieu, APHP, 75004 Paris, France;
| | - Mounir Chennaoui
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France; (D.G.-M.); (F.S.); (M.C.)
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13
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Kartal D, Arjmand HA, Varker T, Cowlishaw S, O'Donnell M, Phelps A, Howard A, Hopwood M, McFarlane A, Bryant RA, Forbes D, Cooper J, Hinton M. Cross-Lagged Relationships Between Insomnia and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Treatment-Receiving Veterans. Behav Ther 2021; 52:982-994. [PMID: 34134836 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Insomnia is a risk factor for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while it is also plausible that PTSD symptoms can maintain insomnia symptoms. The present study examined longitudinal bidirectional relationships between insomnia and PTSD symptoms in treatment-seeking veterans. Participants were 693 ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force who participated in an accredited, hospital-based outpatient PTSD program. Participants completed self-reported assessments of PTSD and insomnia symptoms at four time points: intake, discharge, 3-month, and 9-months posttreatment follow-up. Cross-lagged pathway analyses indicated significant bi-directional pathways between insomnia symptoms and PTSD symptoms at most time points. A final cross-lagged model between insomnia symptoms and the PTSD symptom clusters indicated that the PTSD symptom paths on insomnia symptoms, between intake and discharge, were attributable to reexperiencing PTSD symptoms. In contrast, across posttreatment follow-up time points there were significant paths of insomnia symptoms on all PTSD symptom clusters except from insomnia at 3-months to avoidance symptom at 9-months. PTSD symptoms and insomnia symptoms have bidirectional associations over time that may lead to the mutual maintenance or exacerbation of each condition following PTSD treatment. Where residual insomnia symptoms are present post-treatment, a sleep-focussed intervention is indicated and a sequenced approach to treatment recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzenana Kartal
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and University of Melbourne.
| | | | - Tracey Varker
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and University of Melbourne
| | - Sean Cowlishaw
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and University of Melbourne
| | - Meaghan O'Donnell
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and University of Melbourne
| | - Andrea Phelps
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and University of Melbourne
| | - Alexandra Howard
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and University of Melbourne
| | | | | | | | - David Forbes
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and University of Melbourne
| | - John Cooper
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and University of Melbourne
| | - Mark Hinton
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and University of Melbourne
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14
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Brownlow JA, Miller KE, Gehrman PR. Treatment of Sleep Comorbidities in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 7:301-316. [PMID: 33552844 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-020-00222-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of the review Sleep disturbances, insomnia and recurrent nightmares in particular, are among the most frequently endorsed symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present review provides a summary of the prevalence estimates and methodological challenges presented by sleep disturbances in PTSD, highlights the recent evidence for empirically supported psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for comorbid sleep disturbances implicated in PTSD, and provides a summary of recent findings on integrated and sequential treatment approaches to ameliorate comorbid sleep disturbances in PTSD. Recent Findings Insomnia, recurrent nightmares, and other sleep disorders are commonly endorsed among individuals with PTSD; however, several methodological challenges contribute to the varying prevalence estimates. Targeted sleep-focused therapeutic interventions can improve sleep symptoms and mitigate daytime PTSD symptoms. Recently, attention has focused on the role of integrated and sequential approaches, suggesting that comprehensively treating sleep disturbances in PTSD is likely to require novel treatment modalities. Summary Evidence is growing on the development, course, and treatment of comorbid sleep disturbances in PTSD. Further, interventions targeting sleep disturbances in PTSD show promise in reducing symptoms. However, longitudinal investigations and additional rigorous controlled trials with diverse populations are needed to identify key features associated with treatment response in order to alleviate symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeese A Brownlow
- Department of Psychology, College of Health & Behavioral Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katherine E Miller
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philip R Gehrman
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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15
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Abstract
Objectives: Research on dissociative symptomatology in the context of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been gaining traction, with dissociation being studied as a set of complex symptoms following trauma exposure and as a specific subtype of PTSD. The aims of this review are to summarize the literature as it stands, examine the efficacy of existing interventions in treating dissociative symptomatology within the context of PTSD, and offer potential suggestions for future research. Methods: A systematic approach was taken to locate empirical studies on PTSD that included dissociation as an outcome in the PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases. Recent experimental designs with adult subjects (18+ years) in the English language were included, yielding 103 potentially eligible studies. Thirty-three full-text articles were screened with 17 articles meeting criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Results: Designs, populations, treatments, and inventories were extremely diverse. Most therapies did not target dissociation specifically, although the results of this review suggest that PTSD patients who experience dissociative symptoms could benefit from trauma-focused treatments, which often significantly reduced dissociative and trauma-related symptoms. Conclusion: Future work should consider the evaluation of dissociation as a unique outcome to gain understanding about the nature of traumatic stress and to develop treatment options for its many presentations. The current literature displays limited generalizability to the treatment of individuals with high dissociation, which is a line of inquiry that should be explored. More RCTs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Atchley
- Department of Precision Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carter Bedford
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University , Tallahassee, FL, USA
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16
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Melton H, Meader N, Dale H, Wright K, Jones-Diette J, Temple M, Shah I, Lovell K, McMillan D, Churchill R, Barbui C, Gilbody S, Coventry P. Interventions for adults with a history of complex traumatic events: the INCiTE mixed-methods systematic review. Health Technol Assess 2020; 24:1-312. [PMID: 32924926 DOI: 10.3310/hta24430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with a history of complex traumatic events typically experience trauma and stressor disorders and additional mental comorbidities. It is not known if existing evidence-based treatments are effective and acceptable for this group of people. OBJECTIVE To identify candidate psychological and non-pharmacological treatments for future research. DESIGN Mixed-methods systematic review. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged ≥ 18 years with a history of complex traumatic events. INTERVENTIONS Psychological interventions versus control or active control; pharmacological interventions versus placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, common mental health problems and attrition. DATA SOURCES Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (1937 onwards); Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (from inception); EMBASE (1974 to 2017 week 16); International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970 onwards); MEDLINE and MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print and In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations (1946 to present); Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress (PILOTS) (1987 onwards); PsycINFO (1806 to April week 2 2017); and Science Citation Index (1900 onwards). Searches were conducted between April and August 2017. REVIEW METHODS Eligible studies were singly screened and disagreements were resolved at consensus meetings. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and a bespoke version of a quality appraisal checklist used by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. A meta-analysis was conducted across all populations for each intervention category and for population subgroups. Moderators of effectiveness were assessed using metaregression and a component network meta-analysis. A qualitative synthesis was undertaken to summarise the acceptability of interventions with the relevance of findings assessed by the GRADE-CERQual checklist. RESULTS One hundred and four randomised controlled trials and nine non-randomised controlled trials were included. For the qualitative acceptability review, 4324 records were identified and nine studies were included. The population subgroups were veterans, childhood sexual abuse victims, war affected, refugees and domestic violence victims. Psychological interventions were superior to the control post treatment for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (standardised mean difference -0.90, 95% confidence interval -1.14 to -0.66; number of trials = 39) and also for associated symptoms of depression, but not anxiety. Trauma-focused therapies were the most effective interventions across all populations for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Multicomponent and trauma-focused interventions were effective for negative self-concept. Phase-based approaches were also superior to the control for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and showed the most benefit for managing emotional dysregulation and interpersonal problems. Only antipsychotic medication was effective for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms; medications were not effective for mental comorbidities. Eight qualitative studies were included. Interventions were more acceptable if service users could identify benefits and if they were delivered in ways that accommodated their personal and social needs. LIMITATIONS Assessments about long-term effectiveness of interventions were not possible. Studies that included outcomes related to comorbid psychiatric states, such as borderline personality disorder, and populations from prisons and humanitarian crises were under-represented. CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based psychological interventions are effective and acceptable post treatment for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and depression and anxiety in people with complex trauma. These interventions were less effective in veterans and had less of an impact on symptoms associated with complex post-traumatic stress disorder. FUTURE WORK Definitive trials of phase-based versus non-phase-based interventions with long-term follow-up for post-traumatic stress disorder and associated mental comorbidities. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017055523. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 43. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollie Melton
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Nick Meader
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Holly Dale
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kath Wright
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | | | | | | | - Karina Lovell
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dean McMillan
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK.,Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simon Gilbody
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK.,Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Peter Coventry
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK.,Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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17
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Reiter H, Humphreys L. Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy for Trauma-Related Nightmares With Psychiatric Inpatients: A Case Series. Clin Case Stud 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1534650120953614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research has shown that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent diagnosis for psychiatric patients, yet individualized care and treatment is limited in the inpatient acute care sector. Two case studies are presented which examine the use of Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy (ERRT) for chronic trauma-related nightmares, within a private acute care inpatient psychiatric hospital setting. ERRT is empirically supported with efficacy for veteran and civilian populations, however no research to date has been conducted with psychiatric inpatients. Two participants diagnosed with PTSD, suffering distressing trauma-related nightmares, completed ERRT over three sessions during their psychiatric hospital admission, with the aim of reducing the frequency and severity of nightmares and related psychological symptoms. PTSD, depression, sleep quality and quantity, and nightmare frequency and related distress, were measured pre-treatment, during treatment, and follow-up at one, 3 and 6 months. Only one participant reported ongoing nightmares by the third week of the intervention, with both participants reporting an absence of nightmares at the one and 3-month follow-ups, but mixed results by the 6-month follow-up. One participant also reported a reduction in PTSD symptoms and a mild improvement in depression. The results offer some preliminary support for the provision of ERRT for the treatment of trauma-related nightmares for psychiatric inpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Reiter
- Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Fear of sleep and trauma-induced insomnia: A review and conceptual model. Sleep Med Rev 2020; 55:101383. [PMID: 32992229 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Trauma-induced insomnia is a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and is reported to be particularly distressing and often persists even after remission of the core symptoms of PTSD. Recently, it has been suggested that fear of sleep plays an important role in the development and maintenance of trauma-induced insomnia. The aim of this review is to propose a conceptual model of fear of sleep as a maintaining factor of trauma-induced insomnia. After a brief overview of the role of sleep in PTSD, the concept of fear of sleep is introduced. Theoretical considerations and empirical findings on the role of fear of sleep for trauma-induced insomnia in the context of PTSD are summarized and integrated. Specifically, links between PTSD symptoms and fear of sleep are presented, as well as possible consequences of fear of sleep leading to trauma-induced insomnia. Finally, we highlight methodological issues, identify areas for future research, and discuss potential clinical implications.
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19
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Werner GG, Danböck SK, Metodiev S, Kunze AE. Pre-Sleep Arousal and Fear of Sleep in Trauma-Related Sleep Disturbances: A Cluster-Analytic Approach. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2020; 2:e2699. [PMID: 36397829 PMCID: PMC9645493 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.v2i2.2699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trauma-related sleep disturbances constitute critical symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but sleep symptoms often reside even after successful trauma-focused psychotherapy. Therefore, currently unattended factors - like fear of sleep (FoS) - might play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of residual sleep disturbances. However, it is unclear whether trauma-exposed individuals exhibit different symptomatic profiles of sleep disturbances that could inform individualized therapeutic approaches and eventually enhance treatment efficacy. Method In a large online study, a two-step cluster analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward's method were performed to explore subgroups among trauma-exposed individuals (N = 471) in terms of FoS, different aspects of trauma-related sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia symptoms, nightmares, arousal), and PTSD symptoms. These variables were compared between resulting clusters using ANOVAs and Scheffé's post-hoc tests. Results The hierarchical cluster analysis supported 3- and 4-cluster solutions. The 3-cluster solution consisted of one "healthy" (n = 199), one "subclinical" (n = 223), and one "clinical" (n = 49) cluster, with overall low, medium, and high symptomatology on all used variables. In the 4-cluster solution, the clinical cluster was further divided into two subgroups (n = 38, n = 11), where one cluster was specifically characterized by elevated somatic pre-sleep arousal and high levels of FoS. Conclusions A subgroup of trauma-exposed individuals with PTSD and sleep disturbances suffers from increased pre-sleep arousal and FoS, which has been suggested as one possible explanation for residual sleep disturbances. In these patients, FoS might be a relevant treatment target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela G. Werner
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich [study institution], Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah K. Danböck
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich [study institution], Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stanislav Metodiev
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich [study institution], Munich, Germany
| | - Anna E. Kunze
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich [study institution], Munich, Germany
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20
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Yücel DE, van Emmerik AA, Souama C, Lancee J. Comparative efficacy of imagery rehearsal therapy and prazosin in the treatment of trauma-related nightmares in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sleep Med Rev 2020; 50:101248. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2019.101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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21
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Raskind MA. Toward a personalized medicine approach to trauma-related nightmares. Sleep Med Rev 2020; 50:101272. [PMID: 32088375 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Murray A Raskind
- Department of Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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22
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Maguire DG, Ruddock MW, Milanak ME, Moore T, Cobice D, Armour C. Sleep, a Governor of Morbidity in PTSD: A Systematic Review of Biological Markers in PTSD-Related Sleep Disturbances. Nat Sci Sleep 2020; 12:545-562. [PMID: 32801980 PMCID: PMC7402856 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s260734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disturbances (SD) are the most impactful and commonly reported symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet, they are often resistant to primary PTSD therapies. Research has identified two distinct SDs highly prevalent in PTSD; insomnia and nightmares. Those who report SDs prior to a traumatic event are at greater risk for developing PTSD; highlighting that sleep potentially plays a role in PTSD's pathology. To further understand the pathobiological mechanisms that lead to the development of PTSD, it is first imperative to understand the interplay which exists between sleep and PTSD on a biological level. The aim of this systematic review is to determine if biological or physiological markers are related to SD in PTSD. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted on the electronic databases; Medline, Embase, AMED and PsycINFO, using Medical Subject Headings and associated keywords. RESULTS Sixteen studies were included in the final analyses. Physiological makers of autonomic function, and biochemical markers of HPA-axis activity; inflammatory processes; and trophic factor regulation were related to the severity of SDs in PTSD. CONCLUSION These findings add to the growing literature base supporting a central focus on sleep in research aiming to define the pathophysiological processes which result in PTSD, as well as emphasising the importance of specifically targeting sleep as part of a successful PTSD intervention strategy. Resolving SDs will not only reduce PTSD symptom severity and improve quality of life but will also reduce all-cause mortality, hospital admissions and lifetime healthcare costs for those with PTSD. Limitations of the current literature are discussed, and key recommendations future research must adhere to are made within.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Maguire
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Mark W Ruddock
- Randox Laboratories Ltd, Clinical Studies, Crumlin, County Antrim BT29 4QY, Northern Ireland
| | - Melissa E Milanak
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Tara Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Diego Cobice
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Cherie Armour
- School of Psychology, David Keir Building, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, Northern Ireland
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23
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Rischard ME, Cromer LD. The Role of Executive Function in Predicting Children's Outcomes in a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Trauma-Related Nightmares and Secondary Sleep Disturbances. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2019; 12:501-513. [PMID: 32318219 PMCID: PMC7163803 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-019-00252-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Predictors of children's outcomes in trauma-focused interventions are well documented. However, little is known about the role of higher-order cognitive processes, specifically executive function (EF) abilities, in determining children's responses to treatments specifically for trauma-related sleep disturbances. EF is independently related to PTSD reactions, sleep deficits, and nightmares. Furthermore, well-developed EF can be protective; thus, we sought to examine whether higher EF predicted better treatment outcomes for trauma-related sleep disturbances. Twenty-three children aged 5 to 17 presenting with post-traumatic nightmares (PTNs) participated in a cognitive behavioral therapy to address their trauma-related nightmares (CBT-NC). Pre- and post-treatment data were used in analyses. Findings from discriminant function analyses revealed that EF was not a statistically significant predictor of treatment outcomes across indices of nightmare frequency and distress, sleep quality, and PTSD symptomology. However, effect sizes suggested that EF was a moderate predictor of sleep quality outcomes, which has clinical implications. Treatment duration for sleep problems could be related to EF with briefer interventions being more suitable for children with high EF, whereas children with low EF may benefit from longer treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie E. Rischard
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, & iNjustice (TITAN), 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104 USA
| | - Lisa D. Cromer
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, & iNjustice (TITAN), 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104 USA
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24
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Pruiksma KE, Taylor DJ, Mintz J, Nicholson KL, Rodgers M, Young-McCaughan S, Hall-Clark BN, Fina BA, Dondanville KA, Cobos B, Wardle-Pinkston S, Litz BT, Roache JD, Peterson AL. A pilot randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral treatment for trauma-related nightmares in active duty military personnel. J Clin Sleep Med 2019; 16:29-40. [PMID: 31957648 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to obtain preliminary data on the efficacy, credibility, and acceptability of Exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy for military service members and veterans (ERRT-M) in active duty military personnel with trauma-related nightmares. METHODS Forty participants were randomized to either 5 sessions of ERRT-M or 5 weeks of minimal contact control (MCC) followed by ERRT-M. Assessments were completed at baseline, posttreatment/postcontrol, and 1-month follow-up. RESULTS Differences between ERRT-M and control were generally medium in size for nightmare frequency (Cohen d = -0.53), nights with nightmares (d = -0.38), nightmare severity (d = -0.60), fear of sleep (d = -0.44), and symptoms of insomnia (d = -0.52), and depression (d = -0.51). In the 38 participants who received ERRT-M, there were statistically significant, medium-sized decreases in nightmare frequency (d = -0.52), nights with nightmares (d = -0.50), nightmare severity (d = -0.55), fear of sleep (d = -0.48), and symptoms of insomnia (d = -0.59), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (d = -0.58) and depression (d = -0.59) from baseline to 1-month follow-up. Participants generally endorsed medium to high ratings of treatment credibility and expectancy. The treatment dropout rate (17.5%) was comparable to rates observed for similar treatments in civilians. CONCLUSIONS ERRT-M produced medium effect-size reductions in nightmares and several secondary outcomes including PTSD, depression, and insomnia. Participants considered ERRT-M to be credible. An adequately powered randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm findings and to compare ERRT-M to an active treatment control. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Title: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Treatment for Trauma-Related Nightmares In Active Duty Military Personnel; Identifier: NCT02506595; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02506595.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Pruiksma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Daniel J Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Jim Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Karin L Nicholson
- Department of Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas
| | - Matthew Rodgers
- Department of Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas
| | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Brittany N Hall-Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Brooke A Fina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Katherine A Dondanville
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Briana Cobos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Brett T Litz
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiological Research and Information Center VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John D Roache
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Alan L Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
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25
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Drexl K, Kunze A, Werner G. The German version of the Fear of Sleep Inventory - Short Form: A psychometric study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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26
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Woodward E, Sachschal J, Beierl ET, Ehlers A. Night-time rumination in PTSD: development and validation of a brief measure. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1651476. [PMID: 31497260 PMCID: PMC6720014 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1651476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pre-sleep cognitive activity and arousal have long been implicated in the maintenance of insomnia. However, despite high comorbidity between insomnia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pre-sleep thoughts in PTSD and their associations with disturbed sleep, have not yet been investigated. Objective: This study presents the development and preliminary validation of a brief self-report measure of the content of trauma-related pre-sleep thoughts: the Trauma Thoughts before Sleep Inventory (TTSI). Methods: Participants (N = 285) were recruited online into five groups: three groups with clinical symptoms, 1) PTSD; 2) depression without PTSD; 3) insomnia without depression or PTSD; and two healthy control groups 4) nontrauma-exposed controls; 5) trauma-exposed controls. The questionnaire was administered at baseline, and for a subsample (n = 157) again one week later to assess test-retest reliability. At baseline, participants also completed questionnaires of sleep quality, PTSD and depression symptoms, and insomnia-related thoughts. Results: The TTSI had good reliability and validity; it discriminated participants with PTSD from those with depression and insomnia, those with depression from insomnia, and correlated with existing measures of pre-sleep thoughts, self-reported pre-sleep arousal and poor sleep. Conclusions: The results support the utility of the TTSI for measuring thoughts that keep people with PTSD awake, although replication in an independent clinical sample is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliane Sachschal
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Esther T Beierl
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anke Ehlers
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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27
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Abstract
Nightmares are considered the hallmark of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although the characteristics of these distressing dreams may vary with the type of traumatic event, the pathophysiology exposes central dysfunction of brain structures at the level of the hippocampus, amygdala, and locus coeruleus, modulated by neurochemical imbalance in nor-adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonin pathways. Underlying comorbid conditions, including other sleep disorders, may contribute to worsening symptoms. Addressing sleep disruption can alleviate the severity of these nocturnal events and augment the effectiveness of other PTSD treatments. The expansion of behavioral treatment modalities for PTSD-related nightmares has been encouraging, but the core of these interventions is heavily structured around memory manipulation and imagery rescripting. A lack of a standardized delivery and a high dropout rate continue to pose significant challenges in achieving successful outcomes. The efficacy of existing pharmacological studies, such as α-adrenergic blocking agents, antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics, has been undermined by methodological limitations and absence of large randomized controlled trials. This review is aimed at reviewing the available treatment strategies for alleviating nightmares in subjects with PTSD. Given the intricate relationship between PTSD and nightmares, future clinical trials have to adopt a more pragmatic approach focused not only on efficacy of novel interventions but also on adjunctive iteration of existing therapies tailored to individual socio-cultural background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A El-Solh
- Research Department, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA,
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA,
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA,
- Department of Community and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA,
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28
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Youngren WA, Miller KE, Davis JL. An Assessment of Medical Practitioners’ Knowledge of, Experience with, and Treatment Attitudes Towards Sleep Disorders and Nightmares. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2018; 26:166-172. [DOI: 10.1007/s10880-018-9574-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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29
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Kanady JC, Talbot LS, Maguen S, Straus LD, Richards A, Ruoff L, Metzler TJ, Neylan TC. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Reduces Fear of Sleep in Individuals With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Clin Sleep Med 2018; 14:1193-1203. [PMID: 29991428 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.7224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Our study aims were to examine (1) the association between fear of sleep and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, (2) the association between fear of sleep and subjective and objective insomnia symptoms and disruptive behaviors during sleep, and (3) whether fear of sleep decreases following cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). METHODS Forty-five adults with PTSD and insomnia participated in the study. Fear of sleep was assessed using the Fear of Sleep Inventory; PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale; and sleep disturbance symptoms were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index, polysomnography, sleep diaries, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Addendum for PTSD. Participants were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of CBT-I (n = 29) or a waitlist control condition (n = 16). RESULTS Greater fear of sleep was associated with greater PTSD symptom severity, greater nightmare frequency, and greater hypervigilance intensity. Greater fear of sleep was associated with decreased wake after sleep onset (WASO), reduced total sleep time, and greater disruptive nocturnal behaviors. Following CBT-I, there was a significant reduction in fear of sleep compared to the waitlist condition. These improvements persisted 6 months later. CONCLUSIONS Fear of sleep was related to sleep disturbances specific to trauma rather than "classic" insomnia symptoms. Unexpectedly, greater fear of sleep was associated with reduced WASO. These results may be related to having a truncated sleep period and thus more consolidated sleep. Fear of sleep deceased following CBT-I despite not being a permissible target for this research protocol and not being related to insomnia symptoms. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: CinicalTrials.gov; Name: Treating People with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia; Identifier: NCT00881647; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00881647.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Kanady
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Lisa S Talbot
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Shira Maguen
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Laura D Straus
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Anne Richards
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Leslie Ruoff
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Thomas C Neylan
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Colvonen PJ, Straus LD, Stepnowsky C, McCarthy MJ, Goldstein LA, Norman SB. Recent Advancements in Treating Sleep Disorders in Co-Occurring PTSD. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2018; 20:48. [PMID: 29931537 PMCID: PMC6645398 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-018-0916-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and insomnia, nightmares, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is high. We review recent research on psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for sleep disorders in PTSD. RECENT FINDINGS PTSD treatments decrease PTSD severity and nightmare frequency, but do not resolve OSA or insomnia. Research on whether insomnia hinders PTSD treatment shows mixed results; untreated OSA does interfere with PTSD treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the recommended treatment for insomnia; however, optimal ordering with PTSD treatment is unclear. PTSD treatment may be most useful for PTSD-related nightmares. CPAP therapy is recommended for OSA but adherence can be low. Targeted treatment of sleep disorders in the context of PTSD offers a unique and underutilized opportunity to advance clinical care and research. Research is needed to create screening protocols, determine optimal order of treatment, and elucidate mechanisms between sleep and PTSD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Colvonen
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California San Diego, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr. (116B), San Diego, CA 92161, USA,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Laura D. Straus
- Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Centers, San Francisco VA Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carl Stepnowsky
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California San Diego, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr. (116B), San Diego, CA 92161, USA,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael J. McCarthy
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California San Diego, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr. (116B), San Diego, CA 92161, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lizabeth A. Goldstein
- Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Centers, San Francisco VA Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sonya B. Norman
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California San Diego, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr. (116B), San Diego, CA 92161, USA,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA,National Center for PTSD, Boston, MA, USA
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Morgenthaler TI, Auerbach S, Casey KR, Kristo D, Maganti R, Ramar K, Zak R, Kartje R. Position Paper for the Treatment of Nightmare Disorder in Adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Position Paper. J Clin Sleep Med 2018; 14:1041-1055. [PMID: 29852917 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.7178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nightmare disorder affects approximately 4% of adults, occurring in isolation or as part of other disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and can significantly impair quality of life. This paper provides the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) position regarding various treatments of nightmare disorder in adults. METHODS A literature search was performed based upon the keywords and MeSH terms from the Best Practice Guide for the Treatment of Nightmare Disorder in Adults that was published in 2010 by the AASM. The search used the date range March 2009 to August of 2017, and sought to find available evidence pertaining to the use of behavioral, psychological, and pharmacologic therapies for the treatment of nightmares. A task force developed position statements based on a thorough review of these studies and their clinical expertise. The AASM Board of Directors approved the final position statements. DETERMINATION OF POSITION Positions of "recommended" and "not recommended" indicate that a treatment option is determined to be clearly useful or ineffective/harmful for most patients, respectively, based on a qualitative assessment of the available evidence and clinical judgement of the task force. Positions of "may be used" indicate that the evidence or expert consensus is less clear, either in favor or against the use of a treatment option. The interventions listed below are in alphabetical order within the position statements rather than clinical preference: this is not meant to be instructive of the order in which interventions should be used. POSITION STATEMENTS The following therapy is recommended for the treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares and nightmare disorder: image rehearsal therapy. The following therapies may be used for the treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares: cognitive behavioral therapy; cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; the atypical antipsychotics olanzapine, risperidone and aripiprazole; clonidine; cyproheptadine; fluvoxamine; gabapentin; nabilone; phenelzine; prazosin; topiramate; trazodone; and tricyclic antidepressants. The following therapies may be used for the treatment of nightmare disorder: cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive deep muscle relaxation; sleep dynamic therapy; self-exposure therapy; systematic desensitization; testimony method; nitrazepam; prazosin; and triazolam. The following are not recommended for the treatment of nightmare disorder: clonazepam and venlafaxine. The ultimate judgment regarding propriety of any specific care must be made by the clinician, in light of the individual circumstances presented by the patient, accessible treatment options, and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kenneth R Casey
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - David Kristo
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Rochelle Zak
- University of California, San Francisco, California
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Reiss N, Warnecke I, Tibubos AN, Tolgou T, Luka-Krausgrill U, Rohrmann S. Effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy with relaxation vs. imagery rescripting on psychophysiological stress responses of students with test anxiety in a randomized controlled trial. Psychother Res 2018; 29:974-985. [DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2018.1475767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Neele Reiss
- Department of Psychology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institut für Psychotherapie in Mainz (ipsti-mz), Mainz, Germany
| | - Irene Warnecke
- Department of Psychology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Student Counseling, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ana Nanette Tibubos
- Department of Psychology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Theano Tolgou
- Department of Psychology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Sonja Rohrmann
- Department of Psychology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Rousseau A, Belleville G. The mechanisms of action underlying the efficacy of psychological nightmare treatments: A systematic review and thematic analysis of discussed hypotheses. Sleep Med Rev 2017; 39:122-133. [PMID: 29056416 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Studies of psychotherapeutic treatments for nightmares have yielded support for their effectiveness. However, no consensus exists to explain how they work. This study combines a systematic review with a qualitative thematic analysis to identify and categorize the existing proposed mechanisms of action (MAs) of nightmare treatments. The systematic review allowed for a great number of scholarly publications on supported psychological treatments for nightmares to be identified. Characteristics of the study and citations regarding potential MAs were extracted using a standardized coding grid. Then, thematic analysis allowed citations to be grouped under six different categories of possible MAs according to their similarities and differences. Results reveal that an increased sense of mastery was the most often cited hypothesis to explain the efficacy of nightmare psychotherapies. Other mechanisms included emotional processing leading to modification of the fear structure, modification of beliefs, restoration of sleep functions, decreased arousal, and prevention of avoidance. An illustration of the different variables involved in the treatment of nightmares is proposed. Different avenues for operationalization of these MAs are put forth to enable future research on nightmare treatments to measure and link them to efficacy measures, and test the implications of the illustration.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sleep disturbances are core features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review aims to characterize sleep disturbances, summarize the knowledge regarding the relationships between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties, and highlight empirically supported and/or utilized treatments for trauma-related nightmares and insomnia. RECENT FINDINGS Trauma-related nightmares and insomnia, and other sleep disorders, are frequently reported among trauma survivors. The roles of fear of sleep, REM density, and decreased parasympathetic activity are beginning to inform the relationship between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties. Additionally, the potential adaptive role of sleep loss immediately following a traumatic experience is being recognized. Interventions targeting these sleep disturbances show promise in reducing symptoms. Research in understanding the role of sleep on the development, course, and treatment of PTSD is expanding. Longitudinal investigations are needed to further elucidate these relationships and identify treatments most effective in ameliorating symptoms.
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Preliminary validation of a brief measure of the frequency and severity of nightmares: The Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey. J Trauma Dissociation 2017; 18:88-99. [PMID: 27229449 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2016.1191578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Nightmares and sleep disturbances are gaining attention as targets of treatment interventions for trauma-exposed populations. Measures in trials evaluating these interventions tend to utilize proprietary measures of nightmare characteristics, which makes it challenging to compare findings across studies. The Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey is a questionnaire that was initially developed for utilization in efficacy studies of Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy. Preliminary examinations of the psychometric properties have demonstrated good test-retest reliability and convergent validity. The present brief report provides an updated examination of these properties and offers the first open publication of the measure for general use. Results support previous findings that the Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey demonstrates good test-retest reliability (r = .73) and moderate to strong convergent validity (rs = .44-.78) with other commonly utilized measures of sleep and mood symptoms.
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Treating your worst nightmare: a case-series of imagery rehearsal therapy for nightmares in individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x15000665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPrevious research has indicated that nightmares might be a common problem for people with psychotic symptoms. Furthermore, more distressing nightmares have been associated with higher levels of delusional severity, depression, anxiety, stress and working memory. However no known research has investigated the use of nightmare treatments in those with symptoms of psychosis. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using imagery rehearsal (IR) therapy as a treatment of nightmares for those presenting with co-morbid psychotic symptoms. Six participants presenting with frequent distressing nightmares and psychotic symptoms were recruited. Five participants attended 4–6 sessions of IR. Measures of nightmares, sleep quality, psychotic and affective symptoms were completed at baseline and immediately following the intervention. It was feasible to adapt IR for those experiencing psychotic symptoms. Descriptive improvements were noted on measures of nightmare-related distress, vividness and intensity. Positive post-session feedback endorsed the acceptability of IR. Nightmare frequency did not reduce following IR; however, participants described a change in emotional response. IR was an acceptable and feasible intervention for this small sample. A larger study powered to detect group changes, with an additional control is warranted to test the efficacy of the intervention for those with psychosis.
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Ho FYY, Chan CS, Tang KNS. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for sleep disturbances in treating posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Psychol Rev 2015; 43:90-102. [PMID: 26439674 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is evidence that sleep disturbance is not only a secondary symptom but also a risk factor for PTSD. Sleep-specific psychological treatments provide an alternative to conventional trauma-focused psychological treatments. The current meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of sleep-specific cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in mitigating PTSD, sleep, and depressive symptoms. A total of 11 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analytic comparisons between sleep-specific CBT and waiting-list control groups at posttreatment. Random effects models showed significant reduction in self-report PTSD and depressive symptoms and insomnia severity in the sleep-specific CBT group. The corresponding effect sizes, measured in Hedges' g, were 0.58, 0.44, and 1.15, respectively. The effect sizes for sleep diary-derived sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency were 0.83, 1.02 and 1.15, respectively. The average study attrition rate of sleep-specific CBT was relatively low (12.8%), with no significant difference from the control group (9.4%). In conclusion, sleep-specific CBT appears to be efficacious and feasible in treating PTSD symptoms. Due to the relatively small number of randomized controlled trials available, further research is warranted to confirm its efficacy and acceptability, especially in comparison to trauma-specific psychological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Yan-Yee Ho
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Christian S Chan
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Miller KE, Jaffe AE, Davis JL, Pruiksma KE, Rhudy JL. Relationship between self-reported physical health problems and sleep disturbances among trauma survivors: a brief report. Sleep Health 2015; 1:166-168. [PMID: 29073437 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES History of trauma exposure is often associated with negative physical health outcomes. Better understanding of this association may have important implications for improved health and decreased health care-related costs. One possible link between trauma and poor health outcomes is the pernicious impact of sleep disturbances. In the present study, it was hypothesized that sleep quality would predict physical health symptoms above and beyond posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. METHODS Fifty-four trauma-exposed adults participated in a randomized controlled trial for treatment of trauma-related nightmares. Physical health symptoms, depression, PTSD symptoms, and sleep quality were assessed via self-report. RESULTS Consistent with expectations, analyses revealed sleep quality uniquely contributed to physical health symptoms above and beyond PTSD and depression symptoms. Moreover, sleep quality mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and physical health symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest sleep disturbances may require specific interventions to maximize positive physical and mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna E Jaffe
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | | | - Kristi E Pruiksma
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Jamie L Rhudy
- University of Tulsa, 800 S Tucker Dr, Tulsa, OK 74104
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39
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Sheaves B, Onwumere J, Keen N, Stahl D, Kuipers E. Nightmares in Patients With Psychosis: The Relation With Sleep, Psychotic, Affective, and Cognitive Symptoms. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2015; 60:354-61. [PMID: 26454557 PMCID: PMC4542515 DOI: 10.1177/070674371506000804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence of nightmares in people with psychosis and to describe the link between nightmares and sleep quality, psychotic, affective, and cognitive symptoms. METHODS Forty participants with psychotic symptoms completed an assessment of nightmares, sleep quality, positive symptoms of psychosis, affect, posttraumatic stress, social functioning, and working memory. RESULTS Among the patients, 55% reported weekly distressing nightmares. Experience of more frequent nightmares was related to poorer sleep quality and sleep efficiency. More distressing nightmares were positively associated with greater delusional severity, depression, anxiety, stress, and difficulties with working memory. CONCLUSIONS Nightmares might be common in those with psychosis and are associated with increased day- and nighttime impairment. Future research should investigate treatments for nightmares, for people presenting with psychotic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Sheaves
- Research Clinical Psychologist, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Juliana Onwumere
- Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England; Consultant Clinical Psychologist, National Psychosis Unit, South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, England
| | - Nadine Keen
- Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Psychological Interventions Clinic for outpatients with Psychosis, South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, England; Honorary Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Daniel Stahl
- Senior Lecturer in Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Elizabeth Kuipers
- Professor of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, England
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40
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Pruiksma KE, Taylor DJ, Ruggero C, Boals A, Davis JL, Cranston C, DeViva JC, Zayfert C. A psychometric study of the Fear of Sleep Inventory-Short Form (FoSI-SF). J Clin Sleep Med 2015; 10:551-8. [PMID: 24812541 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.3710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Fear of sleep may play a significant role in sleep disturbances in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This report describes a psychometric study of the Fear of Sleep Inventory (FoSI), which was developed to measure this construct. METHODS The psychometric properties of the FoSI were examined in a non-clinical sample of 292 college students (Study I) and in a clinical sample of 67 trauma-exposed adults experiencing chronic nightmares (Study II). Data on the 23 items of the FoSI were subjected to exploratory factor analyses (EFA) to identify items uniquely assessing fear of sleep. Next, reliability and validity of a 13-item version of the FoSI was examined in both samples. RESULTS A 13-item Short-Form version (FoSI-SF) was identified as having a clear 2-factor structure with high internal consistency in both the non-clinical (α = 0.76-0.94) and clinical (α = 0.88-0.91) samples. Both studies demonstrated good convergent validity with measures of PTSD (0.48-0.61) and insomnia (0.39-0.48) and discriminant validity with a measure of sleep hygiene (0.19-0.27). The total score on the FoSI-SF was significantly higher in the clinical sample (mean = 17.90, SD = 12.56) than in the non-clinical sample (mean = 4.80, SD = 7.72); t(357) = 8.85 p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Although all items are recommended for clinical purposes, the data support the use of the 13-item FoSI-SF for research purposes. Replication of the factor structure in clinical samples is needed. Results are discussed in terms of limitations of this study and directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Pruiksma
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jason C DeViva
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Health Care System, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT ; Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Seda G, Sanchez-Ortuno MM, Welsh CH, Halbower AC, Edinger JD. Comparative meta-analysis of prazosin and imagery rehearsal therapy for nightmare frequency, sleep quality, and posttraumatic stress. J Clin Sleep Med 2015; 11:11-22. [PMID: 25325592 PMCID: PMC4265653 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.4354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE In this meta-analysis, we compare the short-term efficacy of prazosin vs. IRT on nightmares, sleep quality, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). METHODS Reference databases were searched for randomized controlled trials using IRT or prazosin for nightmares, sleep disturbance, and/or PTSS. Effect sizes were calculated by subtracting the mean posttest score in the control group from the mean posttest score in the treatment group, and dividing the result by the pooled standard deviation of both groups. Mixed effects models were performed to evaluate effects of treatment characteristics, as well as sample characteristics (veteran vs. civilian) on treatment efficacy. RESULTS Four studies used prazosin, 10 used IRT alone or in combination with another psychological treatment, and 1 included a group receiving prazosin and another group receiving IRT. Overall effect sizes of both treatments were of moderate magnitude for nightmare frequency, sleep quality, and PTSS (p < 0.01). Effect size was not significantly different with type of treatment (psychological vs. pharmacological) on nightmare frequency (p = 0.79), sleep quality (p = 0.65), or PTSS, (p = 0.52). IRT combined with CBT for insomnia showed more improvement in sleep quality compared to prazosin (p = 0.03), IRT alone (p = 0.03), or IRT combined with another psychological intervention, (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Although IRT interventions and prazosin yield comparable acute effects for the treatment of nightmares, adding CBT for insomnia to IRT seems to enhance treatment outcomes pertaining to sleep quality and PTSS. More randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up are warranted. COMMENTARY A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert Seda
- Department of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Maria M. Sanchez-Ortuno
- School of Nursing, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
| | - Carolyn H. Welsh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO
- Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO
| | - Ann C. Halbower
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO
| | - Jack D. Edinger
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Nadorff MR, Lambdin KK, Germain A. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for nightmare disorder. Int Rev Psychiatry 2014; 26:225-36. [PMID: 24892897 DOI: 10.3109/09540261.2014.888989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Interest in the treatment of nightmares has greatly increased over the last several years as research has demonstrated the clinical significance of nightmare disorder. This paper provides an overview of nightmare disorder, its clinical relevance, and the leading treatments that are available. In particular, the paper defines nightmare disorder and then summarize the recent literature examining the clinical relevance of nightmare disorder, including its relation to post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric conditions. The relation between nightmares and suicidality is also discussed. Recent findings on the treatment of nightmare with imagery rehearsal therapy and prazosin are then summarized. Lastly, the paper comments on potential future uses of nightmare treatment including using imagery rehearsal therapy or prazosin as a first-line intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder and using these treatments as an adjunctive therapy to reduce suicide risk in those at risk of suicide with nightmares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Nadorff
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University , Starkville, Mississippi
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43
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Coelho GA, Rodrigues E, Andersen ML, Tufik S, Hachul H. Psychotherapy improved the sleep quality in a patient who was a victim of child sexual abuse: a case report. J Sex Med 2013; 10:3146-50. [PMID: 24119035 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Victims of child sexual abuse (CSA) often experience symptoms such as recurrent nightmares, which affect their adult life. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the effect of psychotherapy on the quality of life and sleep in a female patient with a previous history of CSA. METHODS The patient was climacteric (menopausal transition) and treated in an outpatient clinic. She underwent 40 sessions of psychotherapy and was evaluated before and after the sessions using questionnaires and polysomnography (PSG). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Measurements were taken using the following: Kupperman Index (KI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire, and PSG. Reports of dream content were also evaluated during the study. RESULTS After psychotherapeutic intervention, the frequency of nightmares and their attendant suffering decreased. Additionally, the context of the nightmares changed, and a decrease was noted in the KI, BAI, and BDI parameters. The PSG indicated an increase in rapid eye movement sleep. CONCLUSION Psychotherapeutic intervention combined with zolpidem and fluoxetine treatment contributed to a resignification of the dreams of a patient with a history of CSA. The treatment also improved the quality of her dreams and her quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glaury A Coelho
- Departamento de Ginecologia da, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Psicobiologia da, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Harb GC, Phelps AJ, Forbes D, Ross RJ, Gehrman PR, Cook JM. A critical review of the evidence base of imagery rehearsal for posttraumatic nightmares: pointing the way for future research. J Trauma Stress 2013; 26:570-9. [PMID: 24114887 DOI: 10.1002/jts.21854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this article, the authors provide information on key characteristics of imagery rehearsal treatment protocols and examine the quality of reporting of randomized controlled and uncontrolled trials of imagery rehearsal for treating posttraumatic nightmares. Using a reliable and valid scale, two independent psychologists rated 16 trials. Most reports provided insufficient information on a range of variables including the definition of treatment delivery (e.g., therapist supervision, treatment fidelity), description of the participant sample, data analysis (e.g., determination of sample size), and treatment assignment (e.g., randomization procedures). Low methodological quality and poor reporting can lead to inflation of estimates of treatment effects and inadequately substantiated conclusions, such as inflated effect sizes in meta-analytic studies. Numerous imagery rehearsal protocols exist, but in some cases are given different names and tested in pilot studies, slowing progression in the field. Randomized controlled trials of imagery rehearsal with credible comparison conditions, examination of predictors of dropout and outcome, as well as dismantling studies of imagery rehearsal treatment components are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde C Harb
- Behavioral Health Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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45
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Abstract
Two case studies are presented to demonstrate that children who experience trauma-related nightmares may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy for this sleep problem. The treatment was adapted from the empirically supported adult treatment for chronic trauma-related nightmares: exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy (ERRT). Pretreatment and posttreatment nightmare frequency and severity were measured in addition to subjective nightmare-related distress, behavioral problems, sleep quality and quantity, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Improvement in nightmare and sleep disturbance frequencies were found as well as reductions in parents’ reports of child behavior problems. This study provides preliminary support for the use of ERRT with children.
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46
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Augedal AW, Hansen KS, Kronhaug CR, Harvey AG, Pallesen S. Randomized controlled trials of psychological and pharmacological treatments for nightmares: a meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev 2012; 17:143-52. [PMID: 23046846 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A meta-analysis of treatments for nightmares is reported. The studies were identified by database searches and by an inspection of relevant reference lists. The inclusion criteria were: nightmares as a target problem, studies published in English, use of a randomized controlled trials and reporting of nightmare-relevant outcomes. A total of 19 studies, published between 1978 and 2012 were identified, which included 1285 participants. Effect sizes were calculated as Cohen's d. A statistically significant improvement for all studies combined (d = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.33-0.60, fixed effects model; d = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32-0.66, random effects model) and for psychological treatments alone (d = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.36-0.60, random) and for prazosin alone (d = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.03-0.96, random) was found. Individual therapy format yielded a higher effect size than a self-help format (p = 0.03). Minimal interventions (relaxation, recording) yielded lower overall effect size than studies offering more extensive interventions (p = 0.02). It is concluded that there are both psychological and pharmacological interventions which have documented effects for the treatment of nightmares.
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Escamilla M, LaVoy M, Moore BA, Krakow B. Management of post-traumatic nightmares: a review of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments since 2010. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2012; 14:529-35. [PMID: 22865154 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-012-0306-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nightmares are a universal and timeless phenomenon. They occur in most healthy adults as well as a significant portion of clinical populations, especially those exposed to trauma. Considerable advances in the pharmacological and psychological treatment of post-traumatic nightmares have occurred over the last decade with continuing advances in psychological interventions over the last few years. Pharmacologically, the medication prazosin is showing robust clinical effects with minimal side effects. Psychologically, imagery rehearsal therapy commands the greater portion of the nightmare literature due to its established efficacy. These issues are reviewed in the following paper along with recommendations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Escamilla
- Trauma, Risk, and Resiliency Postdoctoral Fellowship Warrior Resiliency Program, San Antonio Military Medical Center, U.S. Army Southern Regional Medical Command, 7800 IH-10 West Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA.
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48
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Casement MD, Swanson LM. A meta-analysis of imagery rehearsal for post-trauma nightmares: effects on nightmare frequency, sleep quality, and posttraumatic stress. Clin Psychol Rev 2012; 32:566-74. [PMID: 22819998 PMCID: PMC4120639 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of imagery rehearsal as a treatment for nightmares, general sleep disturbance, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Bibliographic databases and cited references were searched to identify clinical trials of imagery rehearsal in individuals with post-trauma nightmares. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria and reported sleep and post-traumatic stress outcomes in sufficient detail to calculate effect sizes. Results indicate that imagery rehearsal had large effects on nightmare frequency, sleep quality, and PTSD symptoms from the initial to post-treatment assessments. These effects were sustained through 6 to 12 months follow-up. Furthermore, interventions that included both imagery rehearsal and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia resulted in greater treatment-related improvement in sleep quality than imagery rehearsal alone. Combined treatment did not improve outcomes for PTSD or nightmares. Notably, effect sizes were small in the single study that included an active-treatment control condition. Future research should identify necessary and sufficient components of interventions for trauma-related sleep disturbance and post-traumatic stress (e.g., exposure, cognitive reappraisal, sleep and circadian regulation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Melynda D Casement
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder at VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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