In this series of clinical vignettes, a board-certified psychiatrist and life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association illustrates the effectiveness of dream therapy in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be disabling and difficult to treat, often leading to depression, suicide, and homicide in extreme cases. In this clinical-based reference, acclaimed psychiatrist and neuroscience researcher, Bruce Dow, provides a step-by-step approach for implementing dream revision therapy—a treatment proven to eliminate nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and other debilitating effects of PTSD. Drawing from work with patients in both military and civilian settings, Dow shows how to utilize imagery rehearsal exercises to help mitigate the effects of the illness. The vast majority of the book's 11 chapters focus on clinical case studies of patients who have suffered under the effects of the disease—for example, a hotel employee who witnesses a gory suicide; a female police officer whose career-ending crash in her patrol car brings back traumatic memories from childhood; and Vietnam combat veterans with recurrent posttraumatic nightmares. Each vignette offers details of the dream revision method along with clinical tips for ensuring its success. The final chapter features descriptions of brain mechanisms of PTSD and dream revision.

Finally, this volume concludes with a look at the potential "traumas of normal life," such as divorce, bereavement, and life-threatening illness, and the role of dreams in working through normal grief and loss

This is an all-embracing reference that offers analyses and discussions of contemporary issues in the field of PTSD. The book brings together scientific material from leading experts in the field relating to a wide range of important current topics across disciplines. These include the early identification of PTSD and subsequent treatment, to social and behavioral studies, to biochemical, molecular and genetic research. With more than 125 chapters organized in 12 major sections, this is the most complete single resource on PTSD.

"This book will be a valuable resource for those conducting research focused on trauma- related sleep disturbances and nightmares, and for clinicians working with clients with these problems." --Heidi S. Resnick, PhD, Medical University of South Carolina "Extremely thoughtful and comprehensive....Dr. Davis does a superb job of providing clear, evidence-based treatment with many helpful case examples included. It is a must read for any therapist who treats patients with PTSD." --Sherry A. Falsetti, PhD,University of Illinois College of Medicine Treating Post-Trauma Nightmares presents the only interdisciplinary treatment that brings together literature, theory, and techniques from sleep medicine and psychological perspectives: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy (ERRT). This groundbreaking treatment specifically targets chronic nightmares experienced by trauma-exposed persons. An empirically based book, Treating Post-Trauma Nightmares discusses the nature and characteristics of trauma-related nightmares, and serves as a guide to clinicians treating patients with PTSD or other trauma- and sleep-related disorders. Davis explores and outlines the treatment process, step-by-step, for those interested in the utilization and evaluation of ERRT. Key Features: Delineates important assessment considerations, providing guidance in the assessment of traumatic events and differential diagnosis of sleep events Includes a section on treatment considerations, addressing potential difficulties therapists or clients may encounter, and provides suggestions for handling these situations Features a complete participant manual that summarizes all components of the treatments explained in the book

"A master of dreamwork shows how to awaken the power of the living dream to transform your relationships, career, health, and spirit"--Cover.

Section Contents: Disorders usually first diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence: Parts I and II. Eating disorders. The DSM-IV multiaxial system. Family/relational problems. Cultural issues.

The diagnosis of mental illness is frequently accompanied by sleep problems; conversely, people experiencing sleep problems may subsequently develop mental illness. Sleep and Mental Illness looks at this close correlation and considers the implications of research findings that have emerged in the last few years. Additionally, it surveys the essential concepts and practical tools required to deal with sleep and co-morbid psychiatric problems. The volume is divided into three main sections: basic science, neuroendocrinology, and clinical science. Included are over 30 chapters on topics such as neuropharmacology, insomnia, depression, dementia, autism, and schizophrenia. Relevant questionnaires for the assessment of sleep disorders, including quality-of-life measurement tools, are provided. There is also a summary table of drugs for treating sleep disorders. This interdisciplinary text will be of interest to clinicians working in psychiatry, behavioral sleep medicine, neurology, pulmonary and critical care medicine.