The nightmare severity index (NSI): A short new multidimensional tool for assessing nightmares.
Pierre A Geoffroy, Émilie Stern, Julia Maruani, Renaud Cornic, Balthazar Bazin, Emmanuelle Clerici, Marine Ambar Akkaoui, Régis Lopez, Justine Frija Masson, Marie-Pia d'Ortho, Michel Lejoyeux, Jean-Arthur Micoulaud-Franchi, Camille Couffignal
Journal of Sleep Research May 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14065 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA new multidimensional scale, the Nightmare Severity Index (NSI), was tested in 102 patients, mostly women (64%) and outpatients (76%) with mood disorders (depression 31%, bipolar disorder 41%) and frequent PTSD comorbidity (44%). The NSI assesses nightmare frequency, emotional impact, diurnal impact, and nocturnal impact. The questionnaire showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.7) and was well suited for factor analysis. Higher NSI scores corresponded to individuals meeting DSM-5/ICSD-3 criteria for nightmare disorder. The NSI appears to be a promising tool for clinical assessment of nightmare severity.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Psychometric pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 102 |
| Population | Patients with mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) and frequent PTSD comorbidity, mostly women and outpatients |
| Topics | Dreaming PTSD |
| Keywords | Bad dreams Nightmare disorder Nightmares |
| Key finding | The Nightmare Severity Index demonstrates good internal validity and acceptability, with higher scores aligning with DSM-5/ICSD-3 nightmare disorder criteria. |
Abstract
This psychometric pilot study aims to evaluate a new multidimensional simple scale, named the nightmare severity index (NSI) - close to the existing insomnia (ISI) and hypersomnia (HSI) severity indexes. The NSI encompasses all main dimensions of nightmare disorder, evaluating four subdimensions: frequency, emotional impact, diurnal impact, and nocturnal impact of nightmares. The NSI was completed by a total of 102 patients. The majority of the population consisted of women (64%) and outpatient individuals (76%) diagnosed with mood disorders such as depression (31%) and bipolar disorder (41%). Comorbidity with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was prevalent (44%), and psychotropic medications were commonly used (47%). Internal validity analyses indicated that the NSI was well suited for exploratory factor analysis. All items demonstrated satisfactory correlations with the factors, and the questionnaire exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.7). Higher NSI scores were observed among individuals experiencing nightmare symptoms considering the DSM-5/ICSD-3 criteria. In summary, the NSI proves to be a promising and valuable tool for clinical practice, demonstrating good acceptability, internal validity, and the ability to assess nightmare severity.