A Retrospective Pilot Study of Imagery Rehearsal Therapy Enhanced with Narrative Therapy Principles for the Treatment of Nightmares in US Military Veterans.
Sleep science (Sao Paulo, Brazil) December 1, 2023 Ann Marie Wagner, Anne Richards, Christine Chiros et al.
A brief intervention combining imagery rehearsal therapy with narrative therapy principles reduced nightmare frequency and intensity in eight veterans with PTSD-related nightmares. After a single 60-minute rescripting session and four weeks of homework, participants reported significant decreases in nightmare frequency and intensity, along with improvements in nightmare distress, coping, sleep quality, and overall PTSD symptoms. These pilot results suggest the approach is effective for veterans, though larger controlled trials are needed to confirm effectiveness.