title: Randomized controlled trials of psychological and pharmacological treatments for nightmares: a meta-analysis.
abstract: A meta-analysis of treatments for nightmares is reported. The studies were identified by database searches and by an inspection of relevant reference lists. The inclusion criteria were: nightmares as a target problem, studies published in English, use of a randomized controlled trials and reporting of nightmare-relevant outcomes. A total of 19 studies, published between 1978 and 2012 were identified, which included 1285 participants. Effect sizes were calculated as Cohen's d. A statistically significant improvement for all studies combined (d = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.33-0.60, fixed effects model; d = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32-0.66, random effects model) and for psychological treatments alone (d = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.36-0.60, random) and for prazosin alone (d = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.03-0.96, random) was found. Individual therapy format yielded a higher effect size than a self-help format (p = 0.03). Minimal interventions (relaxation, recording) yielded lower overall effect size than studies offering more extensive interventions (p = 0.02). It is concluded that there are both psychological and pharmacological interventions which have documented effects for the treatment of nightmares.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: Aslak Wøien
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Augedal
authors.forename: Kenneth Schøld
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Christian Robstad
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Kronhaug
authors.forename: Allison G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: Ståle
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pallesen
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004325:Dreams / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D020184:Night Terrors / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D011224:Prazosin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011613:Psychotherapy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011224:Prazosin