Brief cognitive therapy of nightmares and post-traumatic ruminations in a man with a learning disability.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.
Willner
Paul
P
Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust and University of Wales Swansea, UK. p.willner@swansea.ac.uk
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D004325:Dreams; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities; D008297:Male; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome