Therapeutic manipulation of nightmares and the management of neuroses.
Seven cases of nightmare were treated by simple rehearsal of the nightmare and/or rehearsal with an altered ending, followed by earlier introduction of the ending. One-year follow-up of five patients showed complete relief from nightmares in the four patients who achieved early introduction of a 'masterful' ending, and marked improvement in the patient who could only imagine a neutral ending. All but one of the patients also presented with neurotic symptoms (anxiety, phobias, depression and compulsion/obsession). These were treated by rational discussion and the formulation of positive 'threat-eliminating' statements to be repeated as homework and in times of stress.
Bishay
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods; D004325:Dreams; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*