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Therapeutic Manipulation of Nightmares and the Management of Neuroses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

N. Bishay*
Affiliation:
North Manchester General Hospital, Delauney's Road, Crumpsall, Manchester M8 6RB

Summary

Seven cases of nightmare were treated by simple rehearsal of the nightmare and/or rehearsal with an altered ending, followed by earlier introduction of the ending. One-year follow-up of five patients showed complete relief from nightmares in the four patients who achieved early introduction of a ‘masterful’ ending, and marked improvement in the patient who could only imagine a neutral ending. All but one of the patients also presented with neurotic symptoms (anxiety, phobias, depression and compulsion/obsession). These were treated by rational discussion and the formulation of positive ‘threat-eliminating’ statements to be repeated as homework and in times of stress.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1985 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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