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Postal Self-Exposure Treatment of Recurrent Nightmares

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Mary Burgess ,
Isaac M. Marks  and
Michael Gill
Mary Burgess
Affiliation:
Bethlem Royal Hospital, London
Isaac M. Marks
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London
Michael Gill*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London
*
Dr Gill, Genetics Section, Institute of Psychiatry, DeCrespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

Background

Case reports suggest that recurrent nightmares are alleviated by behavioural treatment. We have administered such treatment to a client by post.

Method

The frequency of nightmares was recorded by the client before and during treatment, and at one and six months follow-up. Nightmare problem and target scales, and treatment expectation were recorded at the end of each period. Treatment was by rehearsal relief, self-administered using written instructions.

Results

A reduction in nightmare frequency from 5.5 per week in the baseline period to an average of one per week resulted after treatment.

Conclusions

The client's chronic nightmares were lastingly relieved after self-administered exposure treatment. A controlled trial is underway.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 165 , Issue 3 , September 1994 , pp. 388 - 391
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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