Brief cognitive therapy of nightmares and post‐traumatic ruminations in a man with a learning disability

Objectives: This is a case study of the treatment of two recurrent nightmares, one of which was accompanied by congruent post‐traumatic daytime ruminations, in a man with a mild to moderate learning disability. Method: Treatment was by a cognitive intervention in which the patient was taught new positive endings to his dream stories. Results: Both of the nightmares, as well as the post‐traumatic ruminations, responded to treatment, and gains were maintained at 12‐month follow‐up. Conclusions: Cognitive treatment of nightmares can be successful even in a patient with very limited intellectual abilities. The discussion considers the factors that may have been responsible for the success of the intervention in a man who would not be considered an obvious candidate for cognitive therapy.