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Post-traumatic nightmares and the family
1Family Treatment Program, Brentwood Division, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, CA.
The Hillside Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Nightmares in trauma survivors often reflect lifelong family stress, not just the initial trauma. This study examined post-traumatic nightmares in veteran hospital admissions, revealing complex familial influences.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Trauma Studies
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Nightmares are a common symptom following traumatic events.
- Understanding the full scope of nightmare content is crucial for effective treatment.
Observation:
- A systematic investigation of nightmares was conducted over six months in a Veteran Administration hospital.
- Forty-one nightmare sufferers were identified, with 15 reporting post-traumatic nightmares.
Findings:
- Post-traumatic nightmares in this sample represented not only the identified trauma but also a continuum of lifelong family stresses.
- Familial dysfunction was clearly represented within the nightmare scenarios.
Implications:
- Nightmare content in trauma survivors may be more complex than initially recognized.
- Therapeutic interventions should consider the broader context of family history and lifelong stressors.
- This research highlights the intricate link between trauma, family dynamics, and nightmare experiences.
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