Effectiveness of imagery rehearsal therapy for the treatment of combat-related nightmares in veterans.
Behavior therapy June 1, 2010 Carla M Nappi, Sean P A Drummond, Steven R Thorp et al.
Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) reduces nightmares and daytime PTSD symptoms in veterans who complete a full course of treatment. A chart review of veterans seeking outpatient care for chronic, trauma-related nightmares found that those who had completed PTSD treatment in the past year were more likely to start IRT. Treatment completers reported significant decreases in nightmare frequency and intensity, insomnia severity, and subjective daytime PTSD symptoms. After treatment, average insomnia and PTSD symptoms fell below clinical cutoffs, and 23% of patients had a complete treatment response (one or fewer nightmares per week). The findings suggest IRT may be an effective short-term treatment for veterans.