Parasomnias I

Nightmare disorder is a REM parasomnia that causes distressing dreams and significant impairment. This chapter reviews diagnostic criteria, neural correlates, and lifespan changes, noting common comorbidities including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicidality, anxiety, and personality disorders. The authors discuss therapeutic strategies and propose that nightmares may serve as a reliable index of well-being, arguing this research area warrants further investigation. Suggestions for future studies are offered.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Nightmare disorder is a rapid-eye-movement (REM) parasomnia provoking disturbing oneiric activity and significant distress. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic criteria and definition of this sleep disorder. The authors reviewed findings on neural correlates of nightmares, also examining the changes over the life span. They describe the most common comorbid psychiatric conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicidality, anxious state, and personality disorders. Also, the effectiveness of the different therapeutic strategies to treat this parasomnia is discussed. Finally, they propose a reflection on the potential functional role of nightmares. Based on the view that nightmares may represent a reliable index of individuals’ well-being, the authors believe that this field of research deserves further investigation, concluding with suggestions for future studies.