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Imagery rehearsal therapy for posttraumatic nightmares in U.S. veterans
Author(s) -
Lu Mary,
Wagner Amy,
Van Male Lynn,
Whitehead Ashlee,
Boehnlein James
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.20407
Subject(s) - nightmare , posttraumatic stress , psychology , psychiatry , depression (economics) , clinical psychology , sleep quality , insomnia , economics , macroeconomics
Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) may help reduce residual nightmares and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in veterans after trauma‐focused PTSD treatment. Fifteen male U.S. veterans with PTSD and trauma‐related nightmares, who had not previously completed trauma‐focused PTSD treatment, attended 6 IRT group sessions. No benefits were observed immediately posttreatment. At 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up, however, trauma‐related nightmare frequency (nights/week) decreased ( p < .01). The number of trauma‐related nightmares/week ( p < .01), number of total nightmares/week ( p < .05), and PTSD symptoms ( p < .05) also decreased at 3 months. The overall F test for time was significant ( p < .05) for nightmare severity and fear of sleep. No effects were found on measures of the impact of nightmares, sleep quality, or depression. Clinical and research implications are discussed.