Treatment of nightmares in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Nightmares are a common feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are frequently resistant to treatment. Two emerging treatments for nightmares are pharmacotherapy with prazosin and psychotherapy using imagery rehearsal (IR). A case illustration demonstrates the application of these treatments with a client suffering from chronic, severe PTSD. The case illustrates the use of these strategies for managing PTSD-related nightmares, as well as the novel approach of scheduled awakenings following relapse.
Gehrman
Philip R
PR
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Suite 670, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. gehrman@exchange.upenn.edu
Harb
Gerlinde C
GC
D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054523:Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004325:Dreams; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020184:Night Terrors / Q000628:therapy*; D011224:Prazosin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*
D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; D011224:Prazosin