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Friedmann F, Hill H, Santangelo P, Ebner-Priemer U, Neubauer AB, Rausch S, Steil R, Müller-Engelmann M, Lis S, Fydrich T, Priebe K. Women with abuse-related PTSD sleep more fitfully but just as long as healthy controls: an actigraphic study. Sleep 2021; 45:6473455. [PMID: 34932818 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsab296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Subjective reports of sleep impairments are common in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but objective assessments of sleep have yielded mixed results. METHODS We investigated sleep via actigraphy and e-diary on 6 consecutive nights in a group of 117 women with PTSD after childhood abuse (CA; PTSD group), a group of 31 mentally healthy women with a history of CA (healthy trauma controls, HTC group) and a group of 36 non-traumatized mentally healthy women (healthy controls, HC group). RESULTS The PTSD group reported lower sleep quality, more nights with nightmares, and shorter sleep duration than both HTC and HC. Actigraphic measures showed more and longer sleep interruptions in the PTSD group compared to HTC and HC, but no difference in sleep duration. While the PTSD group underestimated their sleep duration, both HTC and HC overestimated their sleep duration. HTC did not differ from HC regarding sleep impairments. CONCLUSIONS Sleep in women with PTSD after CA seems to be more fragmented but not shorter compared to sleep patterns of mentally healthy control subjects. The results suggest a stronger effect of PTSD psychopathology on sleep compared to the effect of trauma per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Friedmann
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger Hill
- Mental mHealth Lab, Institute of Sport and Sport Sciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 15, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Philip Santangelo
- Mental mHealth Lab, Institute of Sport and Sport Sciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 15, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ulrich Ebner-Priemer
- Mental mHealth Lab, Institute of Sport and Sport Sciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 15, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim/Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas B Neubauer
- Department of Education and Human Development, DIPF
- Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education, P.O. Box 900270, 60442 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sophie Rausch
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim/Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Regina Steil
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Meike Müller-Engelmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefanie Lis
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim/Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Fydrich
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathlen Priebe
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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52
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Williamson JB, Jaffee MS, Jorge RE. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Anxiety-Related Conditions. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2021; 27:1738-1763. [PMID: 34881734 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article provides a synopsis of current assessment and treatment considerations for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related anxiety disorder characteristics. Epidemiologic and neurobiological data are reviewed as well as common associated symptoms, including sleep disruption, and treatment approaches to these conditions. RECENT FINDINGS PTSD is no longer considered an anxiety-related disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition classification and instead is associated with trauma/stressor-related disorders. PTSD symptoms are clustered into four domains including intrusive experiences, avoidance, mood, and arousal symptoms. Despite this reclassification, similarities exist in consideration of diagnosis, treatment, and comorbidities with anxiety disorders. PTSD and anxiety-related disorders are heterogeneous, which is reflected by the neural circuits involved in the genesis of symptoms that may vary across symptom domains. Treatment is likely to benefit from consideration of this heterogeneity.Research in animal models of fear and anxiety, as well as in humans, suggests that patients with PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty accurately determining safety from danger and struggle to suppress fear in the presence of safety cues.Empirically supported psychotherapies commonly involved exposure (fear extinction learning) and are recommended for PTSD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective in other anxiety-related disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used in the treatment of PTSD and anxiety disorders in which pharmacologic intervention is supported. Treating sleep disruption including sleep apnea (continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP]), nightmares, and insomnia (preferably via psychotherapy) may improve symptoms of PTSD, as well as improve mood in anxiety disorders. SUMMARY PTSD has a lifetime prevalence that is close to 10% and shares neurobiological features with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are the most common class of mental conditions and are highly comorbid with other disorders; treatment considerations typically include cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacologic intervention. Developing technologies show some promise as treatment alternatives in the future.
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54
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Schmid C, Hansen K, Kröner-Borowik T, Steil R. Imagery Rescripting and Imaginal Exposure in Nightmare Disorder Compared to Positive Imagery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021; 90:328-340. [PMID: 33477151 DOI: 10.1159/000512757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Both imagery rescripting and imaginal exposure have been proven to be effective in the treatment of chronic nightmares when compared to a waitlist condition. Little is known about their comparative efficacy and their efficacy compared to an active control. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to compare the two treatments to one another and to positive imagery as an active control, and to explore covariates of the treatment effect. METHODS In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 96 patients with nightmare disorder (idiopathic nightmares) from an outpatient clinic were randomly assigned to a single individual treatment session of rescripting, exposure, or positive imagery and 4 weeks of practice at home. The primary outcome was nightmare distress, and the secondary outcomes were nightmare frequency, nightmare effects, self-efficacy, and general psychopathology. RESULTS Nightmare distress was reduced in all groups (imagery rescripting: Cohen's d = -1.04, imaginal exposure: d = -0.68, positive imagery: d = -0.57), as were nightmare frequency, nightmare effects, and psychopathology. Self-efficacy was enhanced. No differential treatment effects were found on any primary or secondary measure. Treatment gains were not associated with demographic or disorder characteristics, baseline values, treatment credibility, or the number of practice sessions. CONCLUSIONS Even short nightmare treatments are effective regardless of personal characteristics, and different interventions produce similar results. Future research should aim to clarify the mechanisms of action. Health care should make more use of these powerful and easy-to-administer nightmare treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Schmid
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
| | - Kathrin Hansen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tana Kröner-Borowik
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Regina Steil
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Gazerani P. Nightmares in Migraine: A Focused Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11090122. [PMID: 34562960 PMCID: PMC8471052 DOI: 10.3390/bs11090122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nightmares usually occur during the sleep phase of rapid eye movement (REM) and are associated with some physical symptoms, including sweating, shortness of breath, and lower limb movements. Emotions of fear, anger, shame, and sadness may also accompany nightmares. These symptoms can occur during dreaming, upon awakening, or later when the dream experience is recollected. Nightmares may sporadically occur for everyone, but nightmare disorders are associated with features of impaired mental and physical health and require professional medical treatment. The occurrence of nightmares with several disorders has been reported in the literature, but in migraines it has only been investigated in a small number of studies. Considering the existing relationship between sleep disorders and migraine, the occurrence of nightmares in migraine can negatively affect this association and elevate the risk of depression and anxiety. This, in turn, further reduces the quality of life of affected individuals. Hence, expanding the knowledge on the link between nightmares and migraine, promoting an acceptable quantity and quality of sleep through pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions in the management of nightmares in migraine, and further scientific investigation of the biopsychosocial mechanisms underlying the link, will be highly valuable for optimal care. This focused review, therefore, gives a brief overview of the current understanding of nightmares in migraine to highlight the open questions and value of further research. The ultimate goal is to contribute to timely recognition and sufficient action to offer beneficial outcomes for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Gazerani
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway; or
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg E, Denmark
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Weber FC, Wetter TC. The Many Faces of Sleep Disorders in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Update on Clinical Features and Treatment. Neuropsychobiology 2021; 81:85-97. [PMID: 34474413 PMCID: PMC9153357 DOI: 10.1159/000517329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disorders and nightmares are core symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The relationship seems to be bidirectional, and persistent disturbed sleep may influence the course of the disorder. With regard to sleep quality, insomnia and nocturnal anxiety symptoms, as well as nightmares and stressful dreams, are the most prominent sleep symptoms. Polysomnographic measurements reveal alterations of the sleep architecture and fragmentation of rapid eye movement sleep. In addition, sleep disorders, such as sleep-related breathing disorders and parasomnias are frequent comorbid conditions. The complex etiology and symptomatology of trauma-related sleep disorders with frequent psychiatric comorbidity require the application of multimodal treatment concepts, including psychological and pharmacological interventions. However, there is little empirical evidence on the effectiveness of long-term drug treatment for insomnia and nightmares. For nondrug interventions, challenges arise from the current lack of PTSD-treatment concepts integrating sleep- and trauma-focused therapies. Effective therapy for sleep disturbances may consequently also improve well-being during the day and probably even the course of PTSD. Whether early sleep interventions exert a preventive effect on the development of PTSD remains to be clarified in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska C. Weber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas C. Wetter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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57
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Chance Nicholson W, Pfeiffer K. Sleep Disorders and Mood, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: Overview of Clinical Treatments in the Context of Sleep Disturbances. Nurs Clin North Am 2021; 56:229-247. [PMID: 34023118 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disruptions are frequently reported by persons with mood, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders, and co-occur with psychiatric disorders. There is evidence that sleep disorders can predict the likelihood of developing a future psychiatric disorder and exacerbate existing symptoms. Understanding the inter-relationships between sleep and psychiatric disorders is important. The primary goals of this article are to describe the interactions between psychiatric and sleep disorders in the context of sleep disturbances, underscore the bidirectional effects of mental health treatments on sleep disorder outcomes, and provide general recommendations to optimize treatment in the context of sleep disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Chance Nicholson
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Kate Pfeiffer
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Prazosin has been an accepted treatment for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who experience sleep disturbances, including nightmares. Results of a recent large randomized control trial did not find benefit of prazosin vs placebo in improving such outcomes. A meta-analysis that includes this most recent trial was conducted to examine the pooled effect of prazosin vs placebo on sleep disturbances and overall PTSD symptoms in patients with PTSD. METHODS A systematic review of the published literature on trials comparing prazosin vs placebo for improvement of overall PTSD scores, nightmares, and sleep quality was conducted. Hedges' g standardized mean differences (SMD) between prazosin and placebo were calculated for each outcome across studies. RESULTS Six randomized placebo-controlled studies representing 429 patients were included in the analysis, including two studies with a crossover design. Results showed prazosin significantly improved overall PTSD scores (SMD = -0.31; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: -0.62, -0.01), nightmares (SMD = -0.75; 95% CI: -1.24, -0.27), and sleep quality (SMD = -0.57; 95% CI: -1.02, -0.13). In the largest trial, prazosin showed a reduction in clinical outcome measures similar to past studies, but a relatively large placebo effect size, particularly for nightmares, contributed to no treatment differences. CONCLUSIONS Despite the results of a recent, large randomized study, pooled effect estimates show that prazosin has a statistically significant benefit on PTSD symptoms and sleep disturbances. Limitations that should be considered include heterogeneity of study design and study populations as well as the small number of studies conducted and included in this meta-analysis.
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59
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Korotun M, Quintero L, Hahn SS. Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder and Other Parasomnias. Clin Geriatr Med 2021; 37:483-490. [PMID: 34210452 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by loss of skeletal muscle atonia that can lead to dream enactment. This condition can cause harm to patients and their bed partners if appropriate safety measures are not ensured. This condition is often the initial presenting symptom in a group of complex neurodegenerative processes. Definitive diagnosis requires a thorough history and an in-laboratory polysomnogram to look for evidence of REM sleep without atonia. Treatment options are limited but consist of sleep safety measures and pharmacotherapy. Patients diagnosed with idiopathic RBD associated with alpha-synucleinopathy are likely to have progression of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksim Korotun
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine-Northwell, 410 Lakeville Road, Suite 107, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, USA.
| | - Luis Quintero
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine-Northwell, 410 Lakeville Road, Suite 107, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, USA
| | - Stella S Hahn
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine-Northwell, 410 Lakeville Road, Suite 107, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, USA
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60
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Feige B, Baglioni C, Boehm P, Heinrich A, Trumm S, Benz F, Nissen C, Domschke K, Frase L, Riemann D. Event-related potentials in insomnia reflect altered perception of sleep. Sleep 2021; 44:6290313. [PMID: 34059920 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsab137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Insomnia is defined by the subjective complaint of poor sleep as well as daytime impairments. Since polysomnography (PSG) typically shows only modest sleep impairment, some still unidentified property of sleep, not mirrored in PSG, may be modified in insomnia.One possible mechanistic hypothesis is that insomnia patients may be more sensitive to inevitably occurring internal or external stimuli during the night, causing brief sleep disruptions then perceived as wake time. METHODS Auditory event-related potentials (ERP) to low intensity (50 dB SPL) synthesized guitar tones played continuously throughout two nights of polysomnographically registered sleep were obtained in fifty patients with insomnia disorder (ID, without comorbidities) and 50 age- and sex- matched good sleeper controls (GSC) for each sleep stage and NREM/REM cycle. Phasic and tonic REM were treated as separate stages. Latencies and amplitudes of components P1, N1 and P2 were measured and analyzed by multivariate repeated-measures ANCOVA including effects of group, night, cycle and age. RESULTS ID showed reduced P2 amplitudes relative to GSC specifically in phasic REM sleep. The same reduction also correlated with the amount of sleep misperception across groups. Independent component analysis showed a frontal negativity to contribute most to this group difference. CONCLUSIONS The present finding can be interpreted as increased mismatch negativity (MMN) in ID, reflecting automated detection of change in the auditory system and a concomitant orienting response. Specifically phasic REM sleep appears to be vulnerable to sensory afferences in ID patients, possibly contributing to the perception of being awake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Feige
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology, Hauptstraße, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstraße, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chiara Baglioni
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology, Hauptstraße, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstraße, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Boehm
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology, Hauptstraße, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstraße, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Heinrich
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology, Hauptstraße, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstraße, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Trumm
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology, Hauptstraße, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstraße, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fee Benz
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology, Hauptstraße, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstraße, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nissen
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstraße, Freiburg, Germany.,Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hauptstraße, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Breisacherstraße, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Frase
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology, Hauptstraße, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstraße, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Riemann
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology, Hauptstraße, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstraße, Freiburg, Germany
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Dietch JR, Taylor DJ, Pruiksma K, Wardle-Pinkston S, Slavish DC, Messman B, Estevez R, Ruggero CJ, Kelly K. The Nightmare Disorder Index: development and initial validation in a sample of nurses. Sleep 2021; 44:6007673. [PMID: 33245781 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Nurses are a group at high risk for nightmares, yet little is known about the rate of nightmare disorder and associated psychosocial factors in this group in part attributable to the lack of a self-report questionnaire to assess DSM-5 criteria for nightmare disorder. Aims of the current study were to (1) report on development and initial validity of a self-report measure of DSM-5 nightmare disorder, and (2) examine the rate and associated factors of nightmare disorder among nurses. METHODS Nurses (N = 460) completed baseline measures online including Nightmare Disorder Index (NDI), psychosocial and demographic questionnaires. A subset (n = 400) completed 14 days of sleep diaries and actigraphy. RESULTS NDI demonstrated satisfactory psychometric characteristics as indicated by good internal consistency (α = 0.80), medium inter-item correlations (r = 0.50), medium to large item-total (r = 0.55-0.85) and convergent correlations (0.32-0.45), and small to medium discriminant correlations (-0.12-0.33). Per NDI, 48.7% of nurses reported no nightmares in the past month, 43.9% met partial/subthreshold criteria and 7.4% met full criteria for probable nightmare disorder. Nurses with nightmare disorder demonstrated significantly poorer psychosocial functioning (i.e. posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, stress) than those with subthreshold nightmare symptoms, who had poorer functioning than those with no nightmares. CONCLUSIONS NDI is an efficient and valid self-report assessment of nightmare disorder. Nurses have high rates of nightmares and nightmare disorder which are associated with poorer psychosocial functioning. We recommend increased nightmare screening particularly for high-risk populations such as healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Dietch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | | | - Kristi Pruiksma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | | | | | - Brett Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
| | | | | | - Kimberly Kelly
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
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Abstract
The sleep of millions has suffered during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Prevalence rates of 20-45% are reported globally for insomnia symptoms during the pandemic. Affected populations include the public and health care workers. A sleep deprived society faces the increased burden of COVID-related economic disruption, psychosocial problems, substance abuse, and suicide. Disordered sleep is not expected to disappear with control of infection, making interventions acutely necessary. The question becomes how to manage the sleep dysfunction during and after the pandemic. Depression and anxiety are prominent complaints during pandemic restrictions. Insomnia symptoms and fatigue continue even as mood improves in those who are in recovery from COVID-19 infection. Management of disturbed sleep and mental health is particularly needed in frontline health care workers. This overview describes 53 publications, as of February 2021, on disturbed sleep during the pandemic, treatment studies on COVID-related sleep disturbance, and need to rely on current treatment guidelines for common sleep disorders. The available research during the first year of COVID-19 has generally described symptoms of poor sleep rather than addressing treatment strategies. It covers digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) for the public and frontline workers, recognizing the need of greater acceptance and efficacy of controlled trials of CBT for affected groups. Recommendations based on a tiered public health model are discussed.
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63
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Nightmares and insomnia are significant concerns that commonly co-occur with each other and with other health disorders. Limited research has examined the unique and shared aspects of insomnia and nightmares, and little is known about sleep in US National Guard personnel. This study sought to determine the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of nightmares with and without insomnia in US National Guard personnel. METHOD National Guard personnel (N = 841) completed an online survey and were classified as having nightmares only, insomnia only, both, or neither, using a minimum nightmare frequency of "less than once a week" and an Insomnia Severity Index cutoff of ≥ 15. Analyses examined differences in demographics, physical health, and psychosocial variables and in the prevalence of nightmares and insomnia in personnel with physical and mental health problems. RESULTS In this sample, 32% reported nightmares only, 4% reported insomnia only, and 12% reported both. Those in the youngest age group (18-21) were more likely to have no nightmares or insomnia. Those with both nightmares and insomnia had more deployments. Nightmares and insomnia were associated with poorer physical and mental health and greater prevalence of comorbid physical and mental health conditions. Personnel with both insomnia and nightmares reported the greatest severity of comorbid conditions. CONCLUSION US National Guard personnel with nightmares and/or insomnia reported worse mental and physical health impairment than those without these conditions. Personnel may benefit from screening for nightmares and insomnia and referrals for evidence-based treatment.
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Hudson N, Burghart S, Reynoldson J, Grauer D. Evaluation of low dose prazosin for PTSD-associated nightmares in children and adolescents. Ment Health Clin 2021; 11:45-49. [PMID: 33850681 PMCID: PMC8019540 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2021.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Knowledge about fundamental sleep disorders and dysregulation that occurs in children with PTSD is limited. Prazosin is an alpha-1 receptor antagonist often used off label for the treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares in adults; however, evaluation of its use in pediatrics and adolescents is limited. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of prazosin on nightmares associated with PTSD in this population. Secondary objectives included assessing side effects, changes in blood pressure, and 30-day readmission rates. Methods This was a retrospective, single-center chart review of inpatients diagnosed with PTSD nightmares from January 1, 2017, to July 31, 2019. Patients 4 to 18 years old with a PTSD diagnosis, experiencing nightmares, and initiating any dose of prazosin were assessed to determine efficacy and tolerance. Results Forty-two patients were evaluated to determine symptom improvement after initiation of prazosin for PTSD nightmares in children and adolescents. Of the 42 patients, 24 (57.1%) reported improvement in nightmares (average dose 1.05 mg). For secondary results, 38 (90.5%) patients continued prazosin at discharge, and 2 (5%) were readmitted within 30 days for reasons other than PTSD-associated nightmares. Thirty-four (81%) reported having no adverse effects to prazosin. There was no significant difference in systolic (P = .1883) or diastolic (P = .2777) blood pressure preinitiation and postinitiation of prazosin. Discussion Despite the limitations of this retrospective study, the data suggests that prazosin may be associated with an improvement in nightmares in children and adolescents with PTSD. Adverse events were rarely reported, and there was no significant change in blood pressure with initiation of prazosin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Hudson
- PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident, The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas,
| | - Steven Burghart
- Clinical Pharmacist, The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Jill Reynoldson
- Pharmacy Manager, Psychiatry, The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Dennis Grauer
- Associate Professor, Vice Chair of Research, The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, Lawrence, Kansas
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Marquis LP, Julien SH, Daneault V, Blanchette-Carrière C, Paquette T, Carr M, Soucy JP, Montplaisir J, Nielsen T. Local Neuronal Synchronization in Frequent Nightmare Recallers and Healthy Controls: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:645255. [PMID: 33815047 PMCID: PMC8012764 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.645255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nightmares are highly dysphoric dreams that are well-remembered upon awakening. Frequent nightmares have been associated with psychopathology and emotional dysregulation, yet their neural mechanisms remain largely unknown. Our neurocognitive model posits that nightmares reflect dysfunction in a limbic-prefrontal circuit comprising medial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices, hippocampus, and amygdala. However, there is a paucity of studies that used brain imaging to directly test the neural correlates of nightmares. One such study compared the regional homogeneity (ReHo) of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging blood-oxygen level-dependent signals between frequent nightmare recallers and controls. The main results were greater regional homogeneity in the left anterior cingulate cortex and right inferior parietal lobule for the nightmare recallers than for the controls. In the present study, we aimed to document the ReHo correlates of frequent nightmares using several nightmare severity measures. We acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 18 frequent nightmare recallers aged 18-35 (3 males and 15 females) and 18 age- and sex-matched controls, as well as retrospective and prospective disturbed dreaming frequency estimates and scores on the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire. While there were inconsistent results for our different analyses (group comparisons, correlational analyses for frequency estimates/Nightmare Distress scores), our results suggest that nightmares are associated with altered ReHo in frontal (medial prefrontal and inferior frontal), parietal, temporal and occipital regions, as well as some subcortical regions (thalamus). We also found a positive correlation between retrospective disturbed dreaming frequency estimates and ReHo values in the hippocampus. These findings are mostly in line with a recent SPECT study from our laboratory. Our results point to the possibility that a variety of regions, including but not limited to the limbic-prefrontal circuit of our neurocognitive model, contribute to nightmare formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Marquis
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, CIUSSS-NÎM – Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah-Hélène Julien
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, CIUSSS-NÎM – Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Véronique Daneault
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, CIUSSS-NÎM – Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cloé Blanchette-Carrière
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, CIUSSS-NÎM – Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tyna Paquette
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, CIUSSS-NÎM – Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michelle Carr
- Department of Psychiatry, Sleep & Neurophysiology Research Laboratory, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | - Jacques Montplaisir
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, CIUSSS-NÎM – Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tore Nielsen
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, CIUSSS-NÎM – Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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66
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Brownlow JA, Miller KE, Gehrman PR. Treatment of Sleep Comorbidities in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 7:301-316. [PMID: 33552844 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-020-00222-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of the review Sleep disturbances, insomnia and recurrent nightmares in particular, are among the most frequently endorsed symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present review provides a summary of the prevalence estimates and methodological challenges presented by sleep disturbances in PTSD, highlights the recent evidence for empirically supported psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for comorbid sleep disturbances implicated in PTSD, and provides a summary of recent findings on integrated and sequential treatment approaches to ameliorate comorbid sleep disturbances in PTSD. Recent Findings Insomnia, recurrent nightmares, and other sleep disorders are commonly endorsed among individuals with PTSD; however, several methodological challenges contribute to the varying prevalence estimates. Targeted sleep-focused therapeutic interventions can improve sleep symptoms and mitigate daytime PTSD symptoms. Recently, attention has focused on the role of integrated and sequential approaches, suggesting that comprehensively treating sleep disturbances in PTSD is likely to require novel treatment modalities. Summary Evidence is growing on the development, course, and treatment of comorbid sleep disturbances in PTSD. Further, interventions targeting sleep disturbances in PTSD show promise in reducing symptoms. However, longitudinal investigations and additional rigorous controlled trials with diverse populations are needed to identify key features associated with treatment response in order to alleviate symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeese A Brownlow
- Department of Psychology, College of Health & Behavioral Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katherine E Miller
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philip R Gehrman
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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67
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Fellman V, Heppell PJ, Rao S. Afraid and Awake: The Interaction Between Trauma and Sleep in Children and Adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2021; 30:225-249. [PMID: 33223064 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic experiences and sleep disturbances are both common in children and adolescents. Because of the reciprocal relationship between sleep complaints and trauma, a mental health evaluation should include not only an assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder and other trauma symptoms but also a specific evaluation of sleep-related complaints. Similarly, if a history of both trauma and sleep complaints is identified, an effective trauma-informed intervention, whether psychological, psychopharmacologic, or a combination of the two, should directly address sleep issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Fellman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Child Study Center, One Park Avenue, 7th Floor, New York City, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Patrick J Heppell
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Child Study Center, One Park Avenue, 7th Floor, New York City, NY 10016, USA
| | - Suchet Rao
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, NYC Administration for Children's Services, 150 William Street, 11th Floor, New York City, NY 10038, USA
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68
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Abstract
Nightmare disorder and recurrent isolated sleep paralysis are rapid eye movement (REM) parasomnias that cause significant distress to those who suffer from them. Nightmare disorder can cause insomnia due to fear of falling asleep through dread of nightmare occurrence. Hyperarousal and impaired fear extinction are involved in nightmare generation, as well as brain areas involved in emotion regulation. Nightmare disorder is particularly frequent in psychiatric disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. Nonmedication treatment, in particular imagery rehearsal therapy, is especially effective. Isolated sleep paralysis is experienced at least once by up to 40% of the general population, whereas recurrence is less frequent. Isolated sleep paralysis can be accompanied by very intense and vivid hallucinations. Sleep paralysis represents a dissociated state, with persistence of REM atonia into wakefulness. Variations in circadian rhythm genes might be involved in their pathogenesis. Predisposing factors include sleep deprivation, irregular sleep-wake schedules, and jetlag. The most effective therapy consists of avoiding those factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Stefani
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Högl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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69
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Lancel M, van Marle HJF, Van Veen MM, van Schagen AM. Disturbed Sleep in PTSD: Thinking Beyond Nightmares. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:767760. [PMID: 34899428 PMCID: PMC8654347 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.767760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbances frequently co-occur with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Insomnia and nightmares are viewed as core symptoms of PTSD. Yet, relations between disturbed sleep and PTSD are far more complex: PTSD is linked to a broad range of sleep disorders and disturbed sleep markedly affects PTSD-outcome. This article provides a concise overview of the literature on prevalent comorbid sleep disorders, their reciprocal relation with PTSD and possible underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. Furthermore, diagnostic procedures, standard interventions-particularly first choice non-pharmacological therapies-and practical problems that often arise in the assessment and treatment of sleep disturbances in PTSD are described. Finally, we will present some perspectives on future multidisciplinary clinical and experimental research to develop new, more effective sleep therapies to improve both sleep and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marike Lancel
- Centre of Expertise on Sleep and Psychiatry, GGZ Drenthe Mental Health Institute, Assen, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hein J F van Marle
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,GGZ InGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maaike M Van Veen
- Centre of Expertise on Sleep and Psychiatry, GGZ Drenthe Mental Health Institute, Assen, Netherlands
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70
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Baltzan M, Yao C, Rizzo D, Postuma R. Dream enactment behavior: review for the clinician. J Clin Sleep Med 2020; 16:1949-1969. [PMID: 32741444 PMCID: PMC8034224 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
NONE Dream enactment behavior commonly occurs on occasion in normal children and adults. Disruptive and frequent dream enactment behavior may come to the attention of the clinician either as the primary reason for consultation or as a prominent characteristic of a patient with other sleep disorders. Questioning patients with chronic neurologic and psychiatric disorders may also reveal previously unrecognized behavior. In the absence of sleep pathology, process of dream enactment likely begins with active, often emotionally charged dream content that may occasionally break through the normal REM sleep motor suppressive activity. Disrupted sleep resulting from many possible causes, such as circadian disruption, sleep apnea, or medications, may also disrupt at least temporarily the motor-suppressive activity in REM sleep, allowing dream enactment to occur. Finally, pathological neurological damage in the context of degenerative, autoimmune, and infectious neurological disorders may lead to chronic recurrent and severe dream enactment behavior. Evaluating the context, frequency, and severity of dream enactment behavior is guided first and foremost by a structured approach to the sleep history. Physical exam and selected testing support the clinical diagnosis. Understanding the context and the likely cause is essential to effective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Baltzan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Centre Intégré Universitaire des Soins et Services Sociaux du Nord de L’île de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Centre Intégré Universitaire des Soins et Services Sociaux du Centre-ouest de L’île de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Institut de Médecine du Sommeil, Montréal, Canada
| | - Chun Yao
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
| | - Dorrie Rizzo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Centre Intégré Universitaire des Soins et Services Sociaux de l’ouest de l’île, Montréal, Canada
| | - Ron Postuma
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
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71
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Gupta MA. Nightmare recurrence in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder is likely a primary feature of central sympathetic nervous activation. J Clin Sleep Med 2020; 16:1995. [DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madhulika A. Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western
- Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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72
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Treatment of comorbid sleep disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder in active duty military: Design and methodology of a randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 99:106186. [PMID: 33091589 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Many individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also suffer from insomnia and nightmares, which may be symptoms of PTSD or constitute partially independent comorbid disorders. Sleep disturbances are resistant to current treatments for PTSD, and those suffering from PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares have worse PTSD treatment outcomes. In addition, insomnia and nightmares are risk factors for depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and suicide. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and Nightmares (CBT-I&N) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD are first line treatments of these conditions. CPT does not typically address insomnia or nightmares, and CBT-I&N does not typically address other symptoms of PTSD. There are limited scientific data on how best to provide these therapies to individuals suffering with all three disorders. This project aims to inform the most effective way to treat individuals suffering from PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares, potentially changing the standard of care. U.S. military personnel and recently discharged Veterans who served in support of combat operations following 9/11 aged 18-65 with PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares (N = 222) will be randomly assigned to one of the following 18-session individual treatment conditions delivered over 12-weeks: (1) 6 sessions of CBT-I&N followed by 12 sessions of CPT; (2) 12 sessions of CPT followed by 6 sessions of CBT-I&N; or (3) 12 sessions of CPT followed by an additional 6 sessions of CPT. All participants will be assessed at baseline, during treatment, and at 1-week, 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months posttreatment. The primary outcome will be PTSD symptom severity.
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73
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Holzinger B, Saletu B, Klösch G. Cognitions in Sleep: Lucid Dreaming as an Intervention for Nightmares in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1826. [PMID: 32973600 PMCID: PMC7471655 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
About 80% of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients suffer from nightmares or dysphoric dreams that cause major distress and impact nighttime or daytime functioning. Lucid dreaming (LD) is a learnable and effective strategy to cope with nightmares and has positive effects on other sleep variables. In LDs, the dreamer is aware of the dreaming state and able to control the dream content. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of lucid dreaming therapy (LDT) in patients suffering from PTSD. We suggest that learning a technique that enables the affected subjects to regulate the occurrence and content of nightmares autonomously increases the chance of coping with the complex symptoms of PTSD and can reduce suffering. Sleep quality (PSQI, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), daytime sleepiness (ESS, Epworth Sleepiness Scale), quality of life (MQLI, Multicultural Quality of Life Index), psychological distress (SCL-90-R, Symptom Checklist 90-Revised), distress caused by traumatic events (IE-S, Impact of Events Scale), anxiety (SAS, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale), depression (SDS, Self-Rating Depression Scale), and nightmare severity were assessed in a self-rating questionnaire before and after the intervention. LDT had no effect on the investigated sleep variables. No correlation between reduction of nightmare severity and changes in PTSD-profile (IE-S) was found. Nevertheless, levels of anxiety and depression decreased significantly in the course of therapy. LDT could provide an alternate or complementary treatment option for nightmares in PTSD, specifically for symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Holzinger
- Institute for Consciousness and Dream Research, Vienna, Austria.,Certificate Programme Sleep Coaching, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernd Saletu
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Klösch
- Institute for Consciousness and Dream Research, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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74
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Dreams and nightmares in healthy adults and in patients with sleep and neurological disorders. Lancet Neurol 2020; 19:849-859. [PMID: 32949545 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(20)30275-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dreams are experiences that occur during sleep, while we are disconnected from the environment. Thanks to recent progress in neuroimaging techniques, it is now becoming possible to relate dream features to specific patterns of brain activity. Some conditions occurring in patients with neurological disorders, such as lucid dreams and parasomnias, not only have diagnostic value, but also offer a window into the dream process. They show that dreaming is reflected in physiological signals, behaviours, and brain activity patterns, and that the body can enact dream content. Yet, the dream body can also be distinct from the real body; in their dreams, patients with congenital paraplegia can walk, those with sleep apnoea rarely suffocate, and phantom limb pain can disappear. These conditions provide valuable models for future studies investigating the mechanisms that underlie oneiric experiences.
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75
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Reiter H, Humphreys L. Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy for Trauma-Related Nightmares With Psychiatric Inpatients: A Case Series. Clin Case Stud 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1534650120953614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research has shown that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent diagnosis for psychiatric patients, yet individualized care and treatment is limited in the inpatient acute care sector. Two case studies are presented which examine the use of Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy (ERRT) for chronic trauma-related nightmares, within a private acute care inpatient psychiatric hospital setting. ERRT is empirically supported with efficacy for veteran and civilian populations, however no research to date has been conducted with psychiatric inpatients. Two participants diagnosed with PTSD, suffering distressing trauma-related nightmares, completed ERRT over three sessions during their psychiatric hospital admission, with the aim of reducing the frequency and severity of nightmares and related psychological symptoms. PTSD, depression, sleep quality and quantity, and nightmare frequency and related distress, were measured pre-treatment, during treatment, and follow-up at one, 3 and 6 months. Only one participant reported ongoing nightmares by the third week of the intervention, with both participants reporting an absence of nightmares at the one and 3-month follow-ups, but mixed results by the 6-month follow-up. One participant also reported a reduction in PTSD symptoms and a mild improvement in depression. The results offer some preliminary support for the provision of ERRT for the treatment of trauma-related nightmares for psychiatric inpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Reiter
- Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
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76
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Putois B, Peter-Derex L, Leslie W, Braboszcz C, El-Hage W, Bastuji H. Internet-Based Intervention for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Using Remote Imagery Rehearsal Therapy to Treat Nightmares. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2020; 88:315-316. [PMID: 31284286 DOI: 10.1159/000501105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Putois
- Swiss Distance Learning University, Study Centre of Sierre, Sierre, Switzerland, .,Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France,
| | - Laure Peter-Derex
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France.,Sleep Medicine and Respiratory Disease Center, Croix-Rousse Hôpital, CHU of Lyon, Lyon, France.,Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
| | - Wendy Leslie
- Clinical Health Psychology, University of Ulster, Ulster, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Braboszcz
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Wissam El-Hage
- CHU de Tours, Clinique Psychiatrique Universitaire, Tours, France.,UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Hélène Bastuji
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France.,Sleep Medicine and Respiratory Disease Center, Croix-Rousse Hôpital, CHU of Lyon, Lyon, France
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77
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Lancee J, Effting M, Kunze AE. Telephone-guided imagery rehearsal therapy for nightmares: Efficacy and mediator of change. J Sleep Res 2020; 30:e13123. [PMID: 32567103 PMCID: PMC8244061 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The currently best‐supported psychological treatment for nightmares is imagery rehearsal therapy. The problem, however, is that not enough trained practitioners are available to offer this treatment. A possible solution is to conduct imagery rehearsal therapy in a guided self‐help format. In the current study, 70 participants with nightmares according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders were randomized to either telephone‐guided imagery rehearsal therapy (n = 36) or a wait‐list condition (n = 34). Participants in the imagery rehearsal therapy condition received three sessions over the course of 5 weeks. Every treatment session was followed by telephone support delivered by postgraduate students. Participants who received imagery rehearsal therapy showed larger improvements on nightmare frequency (d = 1.03; p < .05), nightmare distress (d = 0.75; p < .05) and insomnia severity (d = 1.12; p < .001) compared with the participants in the wait‐list condition. The effects were sustained at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up. No significant effects were observed on the number of nights with nightmares per week, anxiety and depression. In line with earlier reports, the treatment effect was mediated by the increase of mastery at mid‐treatment, underlining the mechanistic value of mastery in imagery rehearsal therapy. The present study demonstrates that it is possible to deliver imagery rehearsal therapy in a self‐help format supported by unexperienced therapists and with relatively little time investment. This opens possibilities in terms of cost‐effectiveness, scalability and dissemination of imagery rehearsal therapy in the treatment of nightmares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaap Lancee
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,PsyQ Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Effting
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna E Kunze
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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78
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Lancee J, Yücel DE, Souama C, van Emmerik AA. Reply to Zhang et al.: Downgrading recommendation level of prazosin for treating trauma-related nightmares: Should decision be based on a single study? Sleep Med Rev 2020; 51:101286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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79
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Rubin ML, Copeland LA, Kroll-Desrosiers AR, Knittel AG. Demographic Variation in the Use of Prazosin for Treatment of Sleep Disturbance in Combat Veterans with PTSD. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY BULLETIN 2020; 50:26-35. [PMID: 32508364 PMCID: PMC7255837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Off-label use of prazosin for posttraumatic stress disorder-related sleep disturbances (PTSD-SD) is widespread in Veterans Health Administration (VA) settings, but clinical trials have had mixed results. Trial criteria may exclude significant sub-groups, and therefore a 2018 study may not provide the final evidence of prazosin efficacy for PTSD-SD. This study analyzed correlates of prazosin use in Vietnam era (VNE) and Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) cohorts to illustrate patterns of usage in this heterogeneous population. METHOD Data extracted on patients with PTSD-SD prescribed prazosin in 2015 described the proportion of days covered (PDC) ≥ 80% and daily dose ≥ 6 mg (therapeutic target dose) over the next 12 months. RESULTS Both VNE (n = 41,365) and OEF/OIF (n = 62,984) cohorts had high rates of comorbidity (N = 104,349; 46% hypertension, 22% alcohol use disorder, 14% drug use disorder). Adherence and dosing were low: 19% of veterans achieved PDC ≥ 80%; 7% achieved ≥ 6mg/day (average 2.6 mg/day). In covariate-adjusted models, VNE veterans had better adherence, VNE women had lower rates of therapeutic dosing, and minority race/ethnicity was a strong risk factor for non-adherence. PDC correlated inversely with alcohol/drug disorders. CONCLUSION Prazosin is prescribed for PTSD-SD to a diverse clinical population with multiple comorbidities and concurrent medications and is characterized by poor adherence and sub-optimal dosing. Future work should clarify the efficacy of prazosin for subgroups of veterans with PTSD-SD, notably women and racial/ethnic minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam L Rubin
- Rubin, PhD, Copeland, PhD, Kroll-Desrosiers, PhD, Knittel, PharmD, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds MA. Copeland, PhD, Kroll-Desrosiers, PhD, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA. Copeland, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, UT Health, San Antonio TX
| | - Laurel A Copeland
- Rubin, PhD, Copeland, PhD, Kroll-Desrosiers, PhD, Knittel, PharmD, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds MA. Copeland, PhD, Kroll-Desrosiers, PhD, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA. Copeland, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, UT Health, San Antonio TX
| | - Aimee R Kroll-Desrosiers
- Rubin, PhD, Copeland, PhD, Kroll-Desrosiers, PhD, Knittel, PharmD, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds MA. Copeland, PhD, Kroll-Desrosiers, PhD, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA. Copeland, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, UT Health, San Antonio TX
| | - Alice G Knittel
- Rubin, PhD, Copeland, PhD, Kroll-Desrosiers, PhD, Knittel, PharmD, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds MA. Copeland, PhD, Kroll-Desrosiers, PhD, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA. Copeland, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, UT Health, San Antonio TX
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80
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Yücel DE, van Emmerik AA, Souama C, Lancee J. Comparative efficacy of imagery rehearsal therapy and prazosin in the treatment of trauma-related nightmares in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sleep Med Rev 2020; 50:101248. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2019.101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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81
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Zarkowski PA. Relative prevalence of 10 types of pharmacodynamic interactions in psychiatric treatment. Int J Psychiatry Med 2020; 55:82-104. [PMID: 31470752 DOI: 10.1177/0091217419870669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the relative prevalence and factors affecting the prescription of medication combinations with a theoretical efficacy limiting pharmacodynamic interaction, defined as two medications with opposing indications and side effects or antagonistic action at the primary receptor of mechanism of action. METHOD One hundred sixteen combinations were identified for 10 types of pharmacodynamic interactions. PubMed was searched for each combination to assess the quality of evidence either supporting clinical use or verifying reduced efficacy. Micromedex was searched to determine the presence of warnings to prescribers of reduced efficacy. The prevalence in clinical practice was determined by computer review of the Genoa Healthcare database for all prescribers at 10 participating community mental health centers. The expected prevalence was calculated as the product of the probability of each medication prescribed alone and was compared with the actual prevalence of the combination using the test of proportions. RESULTS The frequency of prescription of eight combinations met the Bonferroni corrected level of significance of p < 0.001. Four were combinations of amphetamine and D2 antagonists and each were prescribed less often than chance, p = 0.0001 consistent with epidemiological studies and multiple animal studies verifying an efficacy limiting interaction. Despite epidemiological studies indicating increased risk of accidents, alprazolam and amphetamine were prescribed more often than chance, p = 0.0001. Micromedex generated warnings for efficacy limiting interactions for five other combinations, but with no subsequent change in prescription frequency. CONCLUSIONS Neither presence of medical evidence nor warnings from Micromedex consistently affect the prescription of combinations with pharmacodynamic efficacy limiting interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Zarkowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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82
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Raskind MA. Toward a personalized medicine approach to trauma-related nightmares. Sleep Med Rev 2020; 50:101272. [PMID: 32088375 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Murray A Raskind
- Department of Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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83
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Zhang Y, Ren R, Sanford LD, Tang X. Commentary on Yücel DE et al. Downgrading recommendation level of prazosin for treating trauma-related nightmares: Should decision be based on a single study? Sleep Med Rev 2020; 51:101285. [PMID: 32234660 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Ren
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Larry D Sanford
- Sleep Research Laboratory, Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, USA.
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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84
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Mamelak M. Nightmares and the Cannabinoids. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 18:754-768. [PMID: 31934840 PMCID: PMC7536831 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200114142321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoids, Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol and its analogue, nabilone, have been found to reliably attenuate the intensity and frequency of post-traumatic nightmares. This essay examines how a traumatic event is captured in the mind, after just a single exposure, and repeatedly replicated during the nights that follow. The adaptive neurophysiological, endocrine and inflammatory changes that are triggered by the trauma and that alter personality and behavior are surveyed. These adaptive changes, once established, can be difficult to reverse. But cannabinoids, uniquely, have been shown to interfere with all of these post-traumatic somatic adaptations. While cannabinoids can suppress nightmares and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, they are not a cure. There may be no cure. The cannabinoids may best be employed, alone, but more likely in conjunction with other agents, in the immediate aftermath of a trauma to mitigate or even abort the metabolic changes which are set in motion by the trauma and which may permanently alter the reactivity of the nervous system. Steps in this direction have already been taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mortimer Mamelak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Baycrest Hospital, Permanent Address: 19 Tumbleweed Road, Toronto, OntarioM2J 2N2, Canada
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85
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Richards A, Kanady JC, Neylan TC. Sleep disturbance in PTSD and other anxiety-related disorders: an updated review of clinical features, physiological characteristics, and psychological and neurobiological mechanisms. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:55-73. [PMID: 31443103 PMCID: PMC6879567 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The current report provides an updated review of sleep disturbance in posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety-related disorders. First, this review provides a summary description of the unique and overlapping clinical characteristics and physiological features of sleep disturbance in specific DSM anxiety-related disorders. Second, this review presents evidence of a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbance and anxiety-related disorders, and provides a model to explain this relationship by integrating research on psychological and neurocognitive processes with a current understanding of neurobiological pathways. A heuristic neurobiological framework for understanding the bidirectional relationship between abnormalities in sleep and anxiety-related brain pathways is presented. Directions for future research are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Richards
- The San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Jennifer C Kanady
- The San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- The San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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86
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Vallat R, Ruby PM. Is It a Good Idea to Cultivate Lucid Dreaming? Front Psychol 2019; 10:2585. [PMID: 31803118 PMCID: PMC6874013 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Vallat
- Department of Psychology, Center for Human Sleep Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States.,DYCOG Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292 - INSERM U1028 - Lyon 1 University, Bron, France
| | - Perrine Marie Ruby
- DYCOG Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292 - INSERM U1028 - Lyon 1 University, Bron, France
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87
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de Macêdo TCF, Ferreira GH, de Almondes KM, Kirov R, Mota-Rolim SA. My Dream, My Rules: Can Lucid Dreaming Treat Nightmares? Front Psychol 2019; 10:2618. [PMID: 31849749 PMCID: PMC6902039 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nightmares are defined as repeated occurrences of extremely dysphoric and well-remembered dreams that usually involve subjective threats to survival, security, or physical integrity. Generally, they occur during rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) and lead to awakenings with distress and insufficient overnight sleep. Nightmares may occur spontaneously (idiopathic) or as recurrent nightmares. Recurrent nightmares cause significant distress and impairment in occupational and social functioning, as have been commonly observed in post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. By contrast, during lucid dreaming (LD), subjects get insight they are dreaming and may even control the content of their dreams. These features may open a way to help those who suffer from nightmare disorder through re-significations of the dream scene, i.e., knowing that they are dreaming and having control over their dream content. Thus, lucid dreamers might be able to render nightmares normal dreams, thereby assuring a restoring sleep. The aim of the present study is to review the existing literature of the use of LD as an auxiliary tool for treatment of nightmares. We conducted a careful literature search for eligible studies on the use of LD treatment for nightmares. We observed that whereas LD may be a feasible aid in the treatment of patients with nightmares through minimizing their frequency, intensity and psychological distress, the available literature is still scarce and does not provide consistent results. We conclude therefore that more research is clearly warranted for a better estimation of the effective conductance and therapeutic outcome of LD treatment in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katie Moraes de Almondes
- Department of Psychology, Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology, Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Roumen Kirov
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Sérgio Arthuro Mota-Rolim
- Brain Institute, Physiology and Behavior Department, Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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88
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Pruiksma KE, Taylor DJ, Mintz J, Nicholson KL, Rodgers M, Young-McCaughan S, Hall-Clark BN, Fina BA, Dondanville KA, Cobos B, Wardle-Pinkston S, Litz BT, Roache JD, Peterson AL. A pilot randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral treatment for trauma-related nightmares in active duty military personnel. J Clin Sleep Med 2019; 16:29-40. [PMID: 31957648 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to obtain preliminary data on the efficacy, credibility, and acceptability of Exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy for military service members and veterans (ERRT-M) in active duty military personnel with trauma-related nightmares. METHODS Forty participants were randomized to either 5 sessions of ERRT-M or 5 weeks of minimal contact control (MCC) followed by ERRT-M. Assessments were completed at baseline, posttreatment/postcontrol, and 1-month follow-up. RESULTS Differences between ERRT-M and control were generally medium in size for nightmare frequency (Cohen d = -0.53), nights with nightmares (d = -0.38), nightmare severity (d = -0.60), fear of sleep (d = -0.44), and symptoms of insomnia (d = -0.52), and depression (d = -0.51). In the 38 participants who received ERRT-M, there were statistically significant, medium-sized decreases in nightmare frequency (d = -0.52), nights with nightmares (d = -0.50), nightmare severity (d = -0.55), fear of sleep (d = -0.48), and symptoms of insomnia (d = -0.59), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (d = -0.58) and depression (d = -0.59) from baseline to 1-month follow-up. Participants generally endorsed medium to high ratings of treatment credibility and expectancy. The treatment dropout rate (17.5%) was comparable to rates observed for similar treatments in civilians. CONCLUSIONS ERRT-M produced medium effect-size reductions in nightmares and several secondary outcomes including PTSD, depression, and insomnia. Participants considered ERRT-M to be credible. An adequately powered randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm findings and to compare ERRT-M to an active treatment control. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Title: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Treatment for Trauma-Related Nightmares In Active Duty Military Personnel; Identifier: NCT02506595; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02506595.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Pruiksma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Daniel J Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Jim Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Karin L Nicholson
- Department of Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas
| | - Matthew Rodgers
- Department of Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas
| | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Brittany N Hall-Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Brooke A Fina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Katherine A Dondanville
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Briana Cobos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Brett T Litz
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiological Research and Information Center VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John D Roache
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Alan L Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
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89
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Abstract
Current clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder offer varying recommendations regarding the use of pharmacotherapy. Many direct head-to-head comparisons of pharmacotherapy are lacking, and recommendations are based on meta-analyses and small trials. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are considered first-line pharmacotherapy, clear distinctions do not exist when considering other classes of psychotropic medications. Ultimately, when selecting an appropriate medication for a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, the clinician needs to consider the current symptomatology being experienced, comorbid conditions, and evidence for efficacy of specific treatments prior to initiating medications.
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90
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Miller KE, Brownlow JA, Gehrman PR. Sleep in PTSD: treatment approaches and outcomes. Curr Opin Psychol 2019; 34:12-17. [PMID: 31541965 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The high incidence of sleep disturbance associated with trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) points to the need for effective sleep interventions for trauma survivors. The present review focuses on recent psychotherapeutic, pharmacological, and sleep medicine treatment approaches for sleep disturbances in PTSD. Findings highlight that targeted sleep interventions can ameliorate sleep symptoms and mitigate daytime PTSD symptoms. Attention has turned to the role of multidisciplinary and integrative approaches, as comprehensive treatment for sleep disturbances in PTSD is likely to require innovative assessment modalities and multiple interventions. A method for compressing these components into a treatment plan acceptable to most PTSD-diagnosed patients remains to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Miller
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Janeese A Brownlow
- Department of Psychology, College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
| | - Philip R Gehrman
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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91
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Brock MS, Powell TA, Creamer JL, Moore BA, Mysliwiec V. Trauma Associated Sleep Disorder: Clinical Developments 5 Years After Discovery. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:80. [PMID: 31410580 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1066-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review recent and growing evidence that provides support for a novel parasomnia, trauma associated sleep disorder (TASD). Based on these findings, we further develop the clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) characteristics of TASD. We also address factors that precipitate TASD, develop a differential diagnosis, discuss therapy, and propose future directions for research. RECENT FINDINGS Nightmares, classically a REM phenomenon, are prevalent and underreported, even in individuals with trauma exposure. When specifically queried, trauma-related nightmares (TRN) are frequently associated with disruptive nocturnal behaviors (DNB), consistent with TASD. Capture of DNB in the lab is rare but ambulatory monitoring reveals dynamic autonomic concomitants associated with disturbed dreaming. TRN may be reported in NREM as well as REM sleep, though associated respiratory events may confound this finding. Further, dream content is more distressing in REM. Therapy for this complex disorder likely requires addressing not only the specific TASD components of TRN and DNB but comorbid sleep disorders. TASD is a unique parasomnia developing after trauma. Trauma-exposed individuals should be specifically asked about their sleep and if they have nightmares with or without DNB. Patients who report TRN warrant in-lab PSG as part of their evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Brock
- Department of Sleep Medicine, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Tyler A Powell
- Department of Sleep Medicine, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer L Creamer
- Sleep Medicine Center, Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, GA, USA
| | - Brian A Moore
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Vincent Mysliwiec
- Department of Sleep Medicine, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, San Antonio, TX, USA
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92
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Abstract
Sleep problems are relatively common in patients with advanced disease, and are associated with significant morbidity in these groups of patients. The focus of this article is sleep problems in patients with advanced cancer, and specifically insomnia, 'vivid' dreams and nightmares. However, other sleep problems are also relatively common in this group of patients, including sleep-related breathing disorders and circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders. Healthcare professionals should screen all patients with advanced diseases for sleep problems and, equally, initiate appropriate (evidence-based) interventions when they are discovered.
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93
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Zhang Y, Ren R, Sanford LD, Yang L, Ni Y, Zhou J, Zhang J, Wing YK, Shi J, Lu L, Tang X. The effects of prazosin on sleep disturbances in post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med 2019; 67:225-231. [PMID: 31972510 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nightmares are a highly prevalent and distressing feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous studies have reached mixed conclusions regarding the effects of prazosin on nightmares, sleep quality, and overall PTSD symptoms in patients with PTSD. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, all EBM databases, PsycIFNO, and CINAHL were systematically searched from inception date to October 2018 for randomized clinical trials that included reporting of nightmares, sleep quality or overall PTSD symptoms. The analysis included data from eight trials involving 286 PTSD patients in the prazosin group and 289 PTSD patients in the placebo group. RESULTS In our meta-analysis, prazosin resulted in a statistically significant improvement in nightmares (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.91 to -0.36), but was not more beneficial than placebo for overall PTSD symptoms (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI = -0.95 to 0.05) and sleep quality (SMD = -0.44, 95% CI = -1.44 to 0.55). In terms of acceptability, there was no significant difference between the prazosin group and the placebo group with respect to discontinuation for all causes (odds ratio (OR) = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.62-1.62). In conclusion, the use of prazosin was associated with an improvement of nightmare symptoms. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that additional studies are needed before considering downgrading the use of prazosin in the treatment of nightmares in patients with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Ren
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Larry D Sanford
- Sleep Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
| | - Linghui Yang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuenan Ni
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junying Zhou
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jihui Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yun-Kwok Wing
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Lu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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94
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Mota-Rolim SA, Pavlou A, Nascimento GC, Fontenele-Araujo J, Ribeiro S. Portable Devices to Induce Lucid Dreams-Are They Reliable? Front Neurosci 2019; 13:428. [PMID: 31133778 PMCID: PMC6517539 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio A Mota-Rolim
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.,Physiology and Behavior Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.,Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Achilleas Pavlou
- Psychology Department, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - George C Nascimento
- Biomedical Engineer Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - John Fontenele-Araujo
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.,Physiology and Behavior Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.,Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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95
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Harb GC, Cook JM, Phelps AJ, Gehrman PR, Forbes D, Localio R, Harpaz-Rotem I, Gur RC, Ross RJ. Randomized Controlled Trial of Imagery Rehearsal for Posttraumatic Nightmares in Combat Veterans. J Clin Sleep Med 2019; 15:757-767. [PMID: 31053215 PMCID: PMC6510682 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.7770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To examine the efficacy of imagery rehearsal (IR) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) compared to CBT-I alone for treating recurrent nightmares in military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS In this randomized controlled study, 108 male and female United States veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts with current, severe PTSD and recurrent, deployment-related nightmares were randomized to six sessions of IR + CBT-I (n = 55) or CBT-I (n = 53). Primary outcomes were measured with the Nightmare Frequency Questionnaire (NFQ) and Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ). RESULTS Improvement with treatment was significant (29% with reduction in nightmare frequency and 22% with remission). Overall, IR + CBT-I was not superior to CBT-I (NFQ: -0.12; 95% confidence interval = -0.87 to 0.63; likelihood ratio chi square = 4.7(3), P = .2); NDQ: 1.5, 95% confidence interval = -1.4 to 4.4; likelihood ratio chi square = 7.3, P = .06). CONCLUSIONS Combining IR with CBT-I conferred no advantage overall. Further research is essential to examine the possibly greater benefit of adding IR to CBT-I for some subgroups of veterans with PTSD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Title: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Nightmares in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans; Identifier: NCT00691626; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00691626.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde C. Harb
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joan M. Cook
- Yale University and National Center for PTSD, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Andrea J. Phelps
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philip R. Gehrman
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David Forbes
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Russell Localio
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- Yale University and National Center for PTSD, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ruben C. Gur
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard J. Ross
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Baird B, Mota-Rolim SA, Dresler M. The cognitive neuroscience of lucid dreaming. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 100:305-323. [PMID: 30880167 PMCID: PMC6451677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lucid dreaming refers to the phenomenon of becoming aware of the fact that one is dreaming during ongoing sleep. Despite having been physiologically validated for decades, the neurobiology of lucid dreaming is still incompletely characterized. Here we review the neuroscientific literature on lucid dreaming, including electroencephalographic, neuroimaging, brain lesion, pharmacological and brain stimulation studies. Electroencephalographic studies of lucid dreaming are mostly underpowered and show mixed results. Neuroimaging data is scant but preliminary results suggest that prefrontal and parietal regions are involved in lucid dreaming. A focus of research is also to develop methods to induce lucid dreams. Combining training in mental set with cholinergic stimulation has shown promising results, while it remains unclear whether electrical brain stimulation could be used to induce lucid dreams. Finally, we discuss strategies to measure lucid dreaming, including best-practice procedures for the sleep laboratory. Lucid dreaming has clinical and scientific applications, and shows emerging potential as a methodology in the cognitive neuroscience of consciousness. Further research with larger sample sizes and refined methodology is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Baird
- Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Sergio A Mota-Rolim
- Brain Institute, Physiology Department and Onofre Lopes University Hospital - Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Martin Dresler
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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97
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Porras-Segovia A, Pérez-Rodríguez MM, López-Esteban P, Courtet P, Barrigón M ML, López-Castromán J, Cervilla JA, Baca-García E. Contribution of sleep deprivation to suicidal behaviour: A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev 2019; 44:37-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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98
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The Role of the Amygdala and the Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex in Emotional Regulation: Implications for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Neuropsychol Rev 2019; 29:220-243. [DOI: 10.1007/s11065-019-09398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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99
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Gieselmann A, Ait Aoudia M, Carr M, Germain A, Gorzka R, Holzinger B, Kleim B, Krakow B, Kunze AE, Lancee J, Nadorff MR, Nielsen T, Riemann D, Sandahl H, Schlarb AA, Schmid C, Schredl M, Spoormaker VI, Steil R, van Schagen AM, Wittmann L, Zschoche M, Pietrowsky R. Aetiology and treatment of nightmare disorder: State of the art and future perspectives. J Sleep Res 2019; 28:e12820. [PMID: 30697860 PMCID: PMC6850667 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This consensus paper provides an overview of the state of the art in research on the aetiology and treatment of nightmare disorder and outlines further perspectives on these issues. It presents a definition of nightmares and nightmare disorder followed by epidemiological findings, and then explains existing models of nightmare aetiology in traumatized and non‐traumatized individuals. Chronic nightmares develop through the interaction of elevated hyperarousal and impaired fear extinction. This interplay is assumed to be facilitated by trait affect distress elicited by traumatic experiences, early childhood adversity and trait susceptibility, as well as by elevated thought suppression and potentially sleep‐disordered breathing. Accordingly, different treatment options for nightmares focus on their meaning, on the chronic repetition of the nightmare or on maladaptive beliefs. Clinically, knowledge of healthcare providers about nightmare disorder and the delivery of evidence‐based interventions in the healthcare system is discussed. Based on these findings, we highlight some future perspectives and potential further developments of nightmare treatments and research into nightmare aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Gieselmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Malik Ait Aoudia
- Centre du Psychotrauma de l'Institut de Victimologie à Paris, Paris, France
| | - Michelle Carr
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Anne Germain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Gorzka
- Central Institute for Mental Health, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Barry Krakow
- Maimonides Sleep Arts and Sciences, Ltd, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Anna E Kunze
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jaap Lancee
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael R Nadorff
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Tore Nielsen
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dieter Riemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hinuga Sandahl
- Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Angelika A Schlarb
- Department of Psychology and Sports, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Carolin Schmid
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Michael Schredl
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Regina Steil
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Annette M van Schagen
- Foundation Centrum '45, Partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Oegstgeest, the Netherlands
| | - Lutz Wittmann
- International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Zschoche
- Department of Psychology and Sports, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Reinhard Pietrowsky
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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100
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Abstract
Nightmares are considered the hallmark of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although the characteristics of these distressing dreams may vary with the type of traumatic event, the pathophysiology exposes central dysfunction of brain structures at the level of the hippocampus, amygdala, and locus coeruleus, modulated by neurochemical imbalance in nor-adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonin pathways. Underlying comorbid conditions, including other sleep disorders, may contribute to worsening symptoms. Addressing sleep disruption can alleviate the severity of these nocturnal events and augment the effectiveness of other PTSD treatments. The expansion of behavioral treatment modalities for PTSD-related nightmares has been encouraging, but the core of these interventions is heavily structured around memory manipulation and imagery rescripting. A lack of a standardized delivery and a high dropout rate continue to pose significant challenges in achieving successful outcomes. The efficacy of existing pharmacological studies, such as α-adrenergic blocking agents, antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics, has been undermined by methodological limitations and absence of large randomized controlled trials. This review is aimed at reviewing the available treatment strategies for alleviating nightmares in subjects with PTSD. Given the intricate relationship between PTSD and nightmares, future clinical trials have to adopt a more pragmatic approach focused not only on efficacy of novel interventions but also on adjunctive iteration of existing therapies tailored to individual socio-cultural background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A El-Solh
- Research Department, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA,
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA,
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA,
- Department of Community and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA,
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