Treatment of combat‐related nightmares using imagery rehearsal: A pilot study
David Forbes, Andrea J Phelps, Tony McHugh
Journal of Traumatic Stress April 1, 2001 DOI: 10.1023/a:1011133422340 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Vietnam veterans with PTSD and combat-related nightmares |
| Duration | 6 sessions |
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Key points | Imagery rehearsal therapy significantly reduced combat-related nightmares and improved PTSD and comorbid symptoms in Vietnam veterans with PTSD. |
Abstract
AbstractPosttraumatic nightmares are a hallmark of PTSD and distinct from general nightmares as they are often repetitive and faithful representations of the traumatic event. This paper presents data from a pilot study that examined the use of Imagery Rehearsal in treating combat‐related nightmares of 12 Vietnam veterans with PTSD. Three treatment groups, comprising 4 veterans in each, completed standardised treatment across 6 sessions. Treatment effects were investigated using nightmare diaries and established instruments, including the IES‐R, BDI, BAI, and SCL‐90‐R. The data demonstrate significant reductions in nightmares targeted, and improvements in PTSD and comorbid symptomatology. The paper recommends that, on the basis of the promising preliminary data, a randomised control trial be established to assess imagery ability and attidude toward nightmares.