title: Treatment of combat-related nightmares using imagery rehearsal: a pilot study.
abstract: Posttraumatic nightmares are a hallmark of PTSD and distinct from general nightmares as they are often repetitive and faithful representations of the traumatic event. This paper presents data from a pilot study that examined the use of Imagery Rehearsal in treating combat-related nightmares of 12 Vietnam veterans with PTSD. Three treatment groups, comprising 4 veterans in each, completed standardised treatment across 6 sessions. Treatment effects were investigated using nightmare diaries and established instruments, including the IES-R, BDI, BAI, and SCL-90-R. The data demonstrate significant reductions in nightmares targeted, and improvements in PTSD and comorbid symptomatology. The paper recommends that, on the basis of the promising preliminary data, a randomised control trial be established to assess imagery ability and attitude toward nightmares.
authors.affiliation: PTSD Program, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia. d.forbes@medicine.unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Forbes
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Phelps
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: McHugh
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004325:Dreams / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013561:Symbolism; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D014744:Vietnam