Nightmare frequency in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Michael Schredl, J Malte Bumb, Barbara Alm, Esther Sobanski
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience February 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-016-0686-5 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractNightmare frequency is elevated in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In a sample of 65 ADHD patients, 4.62% reported frequent nightmares (once a week or more), compared to 1.77% of a representative German control sample. This increase was not explained by higher general dream recall or by the presence of a comorbid mental disorder. The authors suggest that clinicians should ask about nightmares when diagnosing ADHD and consider whether established nightmare treatments, such as imagery rehearsal therapy, could help affected patients.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 65 |
| Population | Adult ADHD patients |
| Keywords | Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Comorbid mental disorder Nightmares Treatment |
| Key finding | Nightmare frequency is elevated in adult ADHD patients compared to the general population, and this increase is not explained by dream recall or comorbid mental disorders. |
Abstract
Nightmare frequency in adult ADHD patients has not yet been studied systematically. In a sample of 65 patients, it could be shown that nightmare frequency was elevated in ADHD patients compared to a sample representative for Germany. Frequent nightmares (once a week or more often) were reported by 4.62 % of the patients and 1.77 % of the controls. This increase was neither explained by the increased dream recall in general nor by the presence of a comorbid mental disorder. Questions about nightmares should be included in the diagnostic procedures for ADHD patients, and it should be tested whether well-established nightmare treatment strategies like imagery rehearsal treatment might be beneficial to those patients with nightmares.