Nightmare frequency in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Michael Schredl1, J Malte Bumb2, Barbara Alm2
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Schlaflabor, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Postfach 12 21 20, 68072, Mannheim, Germany. Michael.Schredl@zi-mannheim.de.
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
|March 16, 2016
Summary
Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience nightmares more frequently than the general population. This suggests nightmares may be a relevant symptom for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Nightmare frequency in adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) patients remains understudied.
- Previous research has not systematically investigated the link between ADHD and nightmares.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate and quantify nightmare frequency in adult ADHD patients.
- To compare nightmare prevalence in ADHD patients with a control group.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted with a sample of 65 adult ADHD patients.
- Nightmare frequency was assessed and compared to a representative German control sample.
- Factors such as dream recall and comorbid mental disorders were considered.
Main Results:
- Nightmare frequency was significantly elevated in the ADHD patient group compared to controls.
- Frequent nightmares (≥1 per week) were reported by 4.62% of ADHD patients versus 1.77% of controls.
- This increase was not attributable to higher dream recall or comorbid mental disorders.
Conclusions:
- Nightmare frequency is higher in adult ADHD patients.
- Nightmare assessment should be considered in ADHD diagnostic procedures.
- Investigating treatments like imagery rehearsal therapy for ADHD-related nightmares is warranted.
More Related Videos
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
6.6K
13:09Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
11.1K
Related Concept Videos
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
767
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares...
Nightmares...
767
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
1.3K
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.3K
01:07Narcolepsy
736
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
736
01:27Panic Disorder
1.0K
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
1.0K
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
1.3K
A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Diagnostic Criteria and...
1.3K
01:18Anxiety: Overview
1.3K
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
1.3K