Abstract
Nightmare Disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by the occurrence of recurrent nightmares. Recent studies have found that Nightmare Disorder is associated with a variety of psychological and physical health problems, including sleep disturbances, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Treatment for Nightmare Disorder typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy. This article provides an overview of Nightmare Disorder, its associated symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Introduction
Nightmare Disorder, also known as Dream Anxiety Disorder, is a mental health disorder characterized by the occurrence of recurrent nightmares. Nightmares are intense, frightening dreams that often awaken the individual and can cause significant distress (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Recent studies have found that Nightmare Disorder is associated with a variety of psychological and physical health problems, including sleep disturbances, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders (Krakow, Hollifield, Johnston, Koss, & Schrader, 2006; Reif, 2005).
Symptoms
The most common symptom of Nightmare Disorder is recurrent nightmares (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Nightmares are defined as vivid and intense dreams that often awaken the individual and cause significant distress (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Other symptoms include sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, fear of falling asleep, decreased sleep quality, and daytime fatigue (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Causes
The exact cause of Nightmare Disorder is unknown; however, there are several factors that may contribute to the disorder, including trauma, stress, medications, and psychiatric disorders (Krakow et al., 2006; Reif, 2005). For example, trauma, such as war, abuse, or natural disasters, can trigger nightmares (Krakow et al., 2006). Stress, such as a major life change or event, can also trigger nightmares (Krakow et al., 2006). Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can also cause nightmares (Reif, 2005). Finally, psychiatric disorders, such as PTSD or depression, can also contribute to the development of Nightmare Disorder (Krakow et al., 2006; Reif, 2005).
Treatment
The treatment of Nightmare Disorder typically involves a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy. CBT focuses on identifying the underlying causes of the nightmares, such as trauma or stress, and developing coping strategies to reduce the frequency and intensity of the nightmares (Krakow et al., 2006). Pharmacotherapy involves the use of medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants and sedatives, to reduce the frequency and intensity of nightmares (Krakow et al., 2006; Reif, 2005).
Conclusion
Nightmare Disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by the occurrence of recurrent nightmares. Recent studies have found that Nightmare Disorder is associated with a variety of psychological and physical health problems, including sleep disturbances, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Treatment for Nightmare Disorder typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
Krakow, B., Hollifield, M., Johnston, L., Koss, M., & Schrader, R. (2006). Imagery rehearsal therapy for chronic nightmares in sexual assault survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 296(10), 1052-1060.
Reif, A. (2005). Nightmares: Clinical characteristics and treatment. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 9(3), 211-220.