Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2025

Disrupting Reconsolidation of Fear Memory in Humans by a Noradrenergic β-Blocker
Published on: December 18, 2014
An Expert Consensus Statement for Implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares in Adults
Kristi E Pruiksma1, Katherine E Miller2,3, Joanne L Davis4
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Objectives:
Research supports cognitive behavioral therapies for nightmares (CBT-N) in adults. However, the nuances of implementation and unstandardized nomenclature for treatment components has created confusion in the field. To provide clarification, an expert consensus panel convened to review treatment manual components and to develop guidelines for the standardized implementation and terminology of CBT-N. The aims of this paper are to report on the expert panel recommendations.
Methods:
A literature review was conducted for nightmare treatment manuals that have been tested in randomized clinical trials with adults. the panel of experts evaluated the content and the main controversies regarding treatment components. The panel then established recommended treatment guidelines based on the literature and clinical experience.
Results:
Recommendations pertain to which patient symptom presentations are appropriate for CBT-N and considerations for implementing treatment components including session length, relaxation training, stimulus control, sleep efficiency training, sleep hygiene, nightmare exposure, nightmare rescripting, and imagery rehearsal of rescripted dreams. The panel evaluated treatment components to inform the development of a consensus CBT-N treatment manual.
Conclusions:
Using a comprehensive treatment manual based on expert recommendations will not only help disseminate nightmare treatment but also advance the field by providing clarity. These recommendations are based on the status of the field and will need to be revised to incorporate developing research evidence in nightmare treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Cognitive Therapy
Management of Insomnia
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Cause and Effect

