Dream anxiety attacks (nightmares)

Nightmares--disturbances of dreaming sleep experienced at some point in time by most patients--are often seen in adults as a consequence of physical or emotional trauma. The presence of nightmares on a chronic basis in adult life may reflect specific personality characteristics and may define a population at risk for other psychiatric disturbances. Treatment, if indicated, may include psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, with the regimen determined by the patient's specific history and symptoms.