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Behavioral treatment of night terrors in a child with acute leukemia
Insights
Night terrors in a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia were effectively treated with behavioral interventions. The study suggests night terrors may be a psychological response to trauma in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Sleep Medicine
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Night terrors (pavor nocturnus) are disruptive sleep disturbances.
- Understanding the psychological underpinnings of night terrors in pediatric patients is crucial.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old girl with acute lymphocytic leukemia experienced recurrent nightmares for one month.
- The symptoms aligned with clinical descriptions of night terrors.
Findings:
- Behavioral treatment targeting anxiety and sleep patterns successfully resolved the night terrors.
- No recurrence of symptoms or new issues were noted during follow-up.
Implications:
- Night terrors may represent a psychological reaction to trauma in children.
- Awareness of age-related anxiety expression and careful outcome data collection are important in pediatric care.
Abstract:
A 3-year-old girl diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia presented with a 1-month history of recurrent nightmares. Symptoms of the disturbance conformed to a clinical picture of slow wave arousal night terrors, or pavor nocturnus. Behavioral treatment aimed at reducing anxiety related to maternal separation and medical procedures, and at reinforcing appropriate sleep patterns was effective in reducing and eventually eliminating the symptoms. Follow-up revealed no return of nightmares or existence of new problems. A brief review of descriptive, etiological and treatment aspects of night terrors is presented and the hypothesis is put forth that such episodes represent a psychological reaction to trauma. The importance of being aware of age variables in the expression of children's anxiety is noted as is the value of careful tabulation of outcome data.