Therapeutic Manipulation of Nightmares and the Management of Neuroses

Abstract

SummarySeven 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.