Dreaming in posttraumatic stress disorder: A critical review of phenomenology, psychophysiology and treatment.

Up to 70% of people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) report posttraumatic nightmares, yet polysomnographic studies show that neither this high rate nor the timing of nightmares across the sleep cycle is explained by altered REM sleep parameters. The idea that reduced dream recall might be a coping mechanism in PTSD is questionable. About 50% of posttraumatic dreams exactly replicate the traumatic event, so dream content is not stereotypical. Data on non-replicative dreams and changes in dream content over time are preliminary. Posttraumatic dreams are linked to psychopathology. Imagery Rehearsal Therapy has repeatedly proven valuable for treating posttraumatic dream disturbance. Understanding these dreams is essential for theories of PTSD and the function of dreaming.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This review summarizes the available knowledge on the phenomenology of posttraumatic dreams. Posttraumatic nightmares are reported by up to 70% of individuals suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An extensive review of polysomnographic studies suggests that neither this high incidence nor the occurrence of posttraumatic nightmares throughout the sleep cycle can be explained by altered REM sleep parameters. The assumption that a reduction of dream recall may serve as a coping mechanism in PTSD patients is questionable. About 50% of posttraumatic dreams comprise exact replications of the traumatic events. Therefore dreams in PTSD do not have stereotypical content. Data characterizing non-replicative posttraumatic dreams and indicating a change in dream content over time must be considered preliminary. Occurrence of posttraumatic dreams is associated with psychopathological developments. Imagery Rehearsal Therapy has repeatedly been proven to be a valuable tool in treating patients suffering from posttraumatic dream disturbance. A deeper knowledge of posttraumatic dreams is essential for any theory of PTSD as well as for a better understanding of the overall function of dreaming.