Case Study of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares in Children With and Without Trauma History

Abstract

These case examples depict the adaptation of Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy (ERRT) for use with children. ERRT was developed for trauma-related nightmares in adults. The current study modified ERRT to be developmentally appropriate for children, incorporating child appropriate language, interactive activities, and parent coaching. The modified treatment, called cognitive-behavioral therapy for nightmares in children (CBT-NC), added additional stress-management components to further adapt the treatment for children with anxiety-related nightmares and no trauma history. These case studies describe the course of treatment for two girls whose nightmares had different etiologies—one experiencing trauma-related nightmares and the other experiencing idiopathic anxiety-related nightmares. This was the first application of CBT-NC for idiopathic nightmares. Both children responded positively to treatment, and treatment gains were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Improvements were seen not only for nightmare frequency and distress, but overall sleep also improved. Findings demonstrate that this adapted nightmare treatment for children is feasible and promising for nightmares in children, regardless of nightmare etiology.

Keywords

posttraumatic nightmares nightmares pediatric cognitive behavior therapy idiopathic nightmares

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