Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and Imagery Rehearsal in Combat Veterans with Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress: A Case Series.
Todd M Bishop, Peter C Britton, Kerry L Knox, Wilfred R Pigeon
Military behavioral health 2016 DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2015.1100564 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case-series Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 14 |
| Population | Combat veterans diagnosed with insomnia and experiencing posttraumatic stress and/or depression |
| Interventions | cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia imagery rehearsal therapy |
| Keywords | Behavioral treatment Combat veterans Insomnia Nightmares Sleep |
| Key findings | Combined CBT-I and IRT led to clinically significant sleep improvements and statistically significant reductions in insomnia, nightmare, depression, and posttraumatic stress severity. |
Abstract
Disrupted sleep is common among combat veterans and can negatively impact response to mental health treatments. A trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) for nightmares was conducted with 14 combat veterans diagnosed with insomnia, and who were experiencing posttraumatic stress and/or depression. In the case-series that follows veterans experienced clinically significant changes in sleep, and statistically significant reductions in insomnia, nightmare, depression and posttraumatic stress severity following treatment. Combined CBT-I and IRT is a promising treatment for patients with combat-related trauma and psychiatric morbidity.
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Psychosocial treatments for nightmares in adults and children: a systematic review BMC Psychiatry April 21, 2023
- The Effectiveness of Imagery Rescripting Interventions for Military Veterans With Nightmares and Sleep Disturbances: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy July 1, 2024
- Dreams and nightmares: Clinical aspects, management, and links to psychiatric disorders L'Encephale April 9, 2026
- Nightmare disorder and depression: Exploring a neglected clinical association. Journal of Psychiatric Research August 1, 2026
- Clinical effectiveness of a group therapy combining cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and imagery rehearsal therapy for nightmares in an operational stress injury clinic. Behaviour Research and Therapy May 1, 2026
and 2 more in the library
Cites 3
- A combined group treatment for nightmares and insomnia in combat veterans: A pilot study Journal of Traumatic Stress November 11, 2009
- Comparative meta-analysis of prazosin and imagery rehearsal therapy for nightmare frequency, sleep quality, and posttraumatic stress. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine January 15, 2015
- A systematic review of cognitive-behavioral treatment for nightmares: toward a well-established treatment. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine October 1, 2008