Postal self-exposure treatment of recurrent nightmares.

BACKGROUND

Case reports suggest that recurrent nightmares are alleviated by behavioural treatment. We have administered such treatment to a client by post.

METHOD

The frequency of nightmares was recorded by the client before and during treatment, and at one and six months follow-up. Nightmare problem and target scales, and treatment expectation were recorded at the end of each period. Treatment was by rehearsal relief, self-administered using written instructions.

RESULTS

A reduction in nightmare frequency from 5.5 per week in the baseline period to an average of one per week resulted after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The client's chronic nightmares were lastingly relieved after self-administered exposure treatment. A controlled trial is underway.