Nightmare Frequency, Nightmare Distress and the Efficiency of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Up to 71% of trauma victims with PTSD experience frequent nightmares, versus 2–5% of the general population. In 71 individuals with PTSD receiving 20 weekly sessions of cognitive behavior therapy, the presence of nightmares did not reduce the therapy's overall effectiveness. Specific CBT components did reduce nightmare frequency and distress. After treatment, most participants no longer met PTSD criteria, though some still had nightmares.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background Up to 71% of trauma victims diagnosed with PTSD have frequent nightmares (NM), compared to only 2% to 5% of the general population. Objectives The present study examined whether nightmares before the beginning of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could influence overall PTSD symptom reduction for 71 individuals with PTSD and different types of traumatic events. Patients and Methods Participants received a validated CBT of 20 weekly individual sessions. They were evaluated at five measurement times: at pre-treatment, after the third and ninth session, at post-treatment, and at 6 months follow-up. Results The presence of nightmares did not impact overall CBT efficiency. Specific CBT components were efficient in reducing the frequency and distress of nightmares. Conclusions Most participants no longer had PTSD but some still had nightmares.