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Cited by 92Sleep and related disordersPsychoanalysis and Psychopathology ResearchSleep and Wakefulness Research

Changes in chronic nightmares after one session of desensitization or rehearsal instructions

Robert Kellner, Joseph Neidhardt, Barry J. Krakow, Dorothy R. Pathak·1992·American Journal of Psychiatry
DOI 10.1176/ajp.149.5.659
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of one session of instructions on the frequency of chronic nightmares and on self-rated distress. METHOD: Twenty-eight volunteers with chronic nightmares (mean duration = 19 years) were treated with either one session of desensitization with instructions on how to practice this treatment or with one session of instructions to change the nightmare and how to rehearse the new version. The authors administered four scales of the SCL-90 and the corresponding scales of the Symptom Questionnaire. RESULTS: At 7-month follow-up of 23 patients, there was a significant reduction in the frequency of nightmares and significant decreases in self-rated depression, anxiety, and hostility. There were no significant differences between the effects of the two types of treatment. In four patients, whose mean duration of nightmares was 23 years, the nightmares ceased. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this preliminary study suggests that the instructions given to the patients reduced the frequency of their chronic nightmares and decreased their self-rated distress.

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Crossref · 10.1176/ajp.149.5.659

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  • Awareness of one's own dream contents and the possibility of altering them may be beneficial for nightmare sufferers.

    “Interestingly, the idea that the awareness of our own dream contents and the possibility of altering them may be beneficial for nightmare sufferers has been proposed by earlier studies (Kellner et al., 1992; Neidhardt et al., 1992; Krakow et al., 2001).”

    From The Functional Role of Dreaming in Emotional Processes (2019) · cites this paper as Kellner et al., 1992

  • IRT is a cognitive-behavioral technique that effectively reduces chronic nightmares within 6-12 weeks of treatment.

    “IRT is a cognitive-behavioral technique that effectively reduces chronic nightmares within 6–12 weeks of treatment (Marks, 1978; Kellner et al., 1992; Neidhardt et al., 1992; Krakow et al., 1995, 2001, 2002; Forbes et al., 2001; Germain et al., 2004).”

    From The Functional Role of Dreaming in Emotional Processes (2019) · cites this paper as Kellner et al., 1992

  • Promoting the rehearsal of frightening contents to change them is a promising method to treat nightmares.

    “In fact, promoting the rehearsal of frightening contents to change them is a promising method to treat nightmares (Kellner et al., 1992).”

    From The Functional Role of Dreaming in Emotional Processes (2019) · cites this paper as Kellner et al., 1992

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Authors
Kellner, R., Neidhardt, J., Krakow, B. J., & Pathak, D. R.
Affiliations
University of New Mexico (US)
ORCID
Venue
American Journal of Psychiatry
Publisher
American Psychiatric Association Publishing
Published
1992-05-01
Volume
149
Issue
5
Pages
659-663
ISSN
  • 0002-953X (ISSN-L)
  • 1535-7228
DOI
10.1176/ajp.149.5.659
OpenAlex
W206429613
Cited by
92
References
13
Citations by year
2025: 4 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 4
FWCI
4.38
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • American Journal of Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and related disorders
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Sleep and Wakefulness Research
Keywords
single-session intervention, depression, anxiety, hostility
MeSH terms
Adult, Chronic Disease, Desensitization, Psychologic, Dreams, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Practice, Psychological, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Relaxation Therapy

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