Nightmares, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
Nightmares, Sleep, PTSD, Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy
Brief summary
Exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy (ERRT) is a promising psychological intervention developed to target trauma-related nightmares and sleep disturbances. Though further evidence is needed, ERRT has shown strong support in reducing the number and intensity of nightmares, as well as improving overall sleep quality in both civilian and veteran samples. This study will assess the efficacy in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Detailed description
This pilot study will examine the efficacy of Exposure, Relaxation, & Rescripting Therapy (ERRT) on chronic nightmares in trauma-exposed adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder (B-ERRT), as these individuals have been excluded from past clinical trials. Eligible participants will be assessed prior to starting treatment. B-ERRT will be conducted once a week for approximately five consecutive weeks for approximately two hours per session. Each treatment session focuses on one of the following topics/skills: psychoeducation regarding trauma, nightmares, and sleep disturbances on bipolar disorder, relaxation techniques, exposure to the trauma-nightmare, and relapse prevention. Participants will then be asked to complete two to three follow-up assessments, 1-week, 3-months, and potentially 1-year after the end of the treatment.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALERRT-Bipolar Disorder
The nightmare treatment, called Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy for Bipolar disorder, is a weekly 5-session treatment aimed at reducing chronic trauma nightmares and sleep disturbances in adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Sponsors
University of Tulsa
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Nightmares at least once per week for the past month * Formal diagnosis of Bipolar disorder (I or II) * Exposure to traumatic event (1+ months ago) * Stable on bipolar medication for at least 2 months
Exclusion criteria
* A traumatic event within the last month * Intellectual disability * Current or recent mania/hypomania within the last 3 months * Suicide attempt or hospitalization within the last 3 months * Current or untreated substance use disorder within the past 6 months
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Past Week Nightmare Frequency | Pre, One week, Three Months | This fill-in-the-blank variable assesses the number of nightmares experienced in the past week (range = 0 - X nightmares) at each assessment (baseline, one week following treatment, and three months following treatment). Higher values indicate more nightmares (worse outcome). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Clinician Administered PTSD Scale Symptoms | Pre, One week, Three Months | This semi-structured clinical interview assesses severity of each of 30 items |
Countries
United States
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORJoanne L Davis, PhD
University of Tulsa
Outcome results
None listed