DREAMS AS A THERAPEUTIC TOOL FOR COMMON MENTAL DISORDERS: A REVIEW

Dream interpretation has been used in psychotherapy for over a century, and therapeutic groups with dreams have shown promise in controlling mental health symptoms. A review of the scientific databases EMBASE, PubMed, and LILACS found no clinical studies directly eligible on the use of dreams in treating Common Mental Disorders in Primary Health Care. However, successful experiences of group dreamwork in treating patients with mental health symptoms were identified. This could represent an innovation and an accessible approach for these patients.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Common Mental Disorders are increasing in prevalence across the world. Their treatment is challenging, as it often involves non-drug approaches that are not widely available. Dream interpretation has been used in psychotherapy for over a century, and therapeutic groups with dreams have shown promises in controlling mental health symptoms. Through a review of the scientific bases EMBASE, PubMed and LILACS, we searched for clinical studies regarding the use of dreams in the treatment of Common Mental Disorders in Primary Health Care. No study directly elegible was found. Nevertheless, we identified successful experiences of group dreamwork in the treatment of patients with mental health symptoms. This could be an innovation and a possibility of an accessible approach for these patients.