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[Treatment of nightmares].

Michael Schredl1

  • 1Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Schlaflabor, Mannheim. schredl@zi-mannheim.de

Praxis Der Kinderpsychologie Und Kinderpsychiatrie
|February 24, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Frequent childhood nightmares affect up to 5% of children. A vulnerability/stress model, considering cognitive avoidance, explains their cause, with a proven therapy applicable by non-professionals.

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Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Childhood nightmares are a prevalent issue, affecting up to 5% of children with significant frequency.
  • The etiology of frequent nightmares is often understood through a vulnerability/stress model.
  • Cognitive avoidance is recognized as a key factor in maintaining chronic nightmares.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the underlying causes and maintaining factors of frequent childhood nightmares.
  • To evaluate the applicability and efficacy of a specific therapeutic approach for nightmare sufferers.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on childhood nightmares and their etiology.
  • Analysis of the vulnerability/stress model in the context of nightmare development.
  • Examination of cognitive avoidance as a perpetuating mechanism.
  • Assessment of a therapeutic strategy involving confrontation, coping, and training.

Main Results:

  • The vulnerability/stress model provides a robust framework for understanding nightmare origins.
  • Cognitive avoidance plays a crucial role in the persistence of nightmares.
  • A therapeutic approach combining confrontation, coping, and training has demonstrated efficacy.
  • This therapeutic method is practical for application by non-professionals.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent childhood nightmares are common and influenced by vulnerability, stress, and cognitive factors.
  • A structured therapeutic intervention is effective for managing nightmares.
  • The described therapeutic approach is accessible and can be implemented by individuals without specialized professional training.

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