The impact of exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy for post-trauma nightmares on suicidal ideation

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated whether a brief psychotherapy for post-trauma nightmares (exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy [ERRT]), reduced suicidal ideation (SI). We hypothesized that: (a) nightmare frequency and severity, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and sleep quality would be related to SI at pretreatment; (b) SI would decrease from pre- to post-treatment; and (c) the decrease in SI would remain after controlling for change in PTSD and depression.

Method: Seventy-five individuals exposed to a traumatic event and who experienced frequent nightmares (minimum one per week) participated in ERRT. Participants were not required to have a psychological diagnosis. Thirty percent endorsed SI at pretreatment.

Results: Depression and PTSD were related to SI at pretreatment. SI decreased following treatment; however, the third hypothesis was not supported.

Conclusion: Results suggest brief psychotherapy targeting post-trauma nightmares may decrease SI. More research is necessary to determine what factors contribute to decreases in SI.

Keywords: PTSD; nightmares; psychotherapy; sleep disturbance; suicidal ideation.