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.

How to dream your way to health and happiness. Dreams can have a powerful effect on our waking life - we've all woken happy and refreshed from a particularly pleasing dream, or scared and sad because of a vivid nightmare. In this practical how-to guide, Dr Clare Johnson shows how we can learn from and guide our dreams in order to lead healthier, happier, more mindful and fulfilling lives. She takes us step-by step through understanding the language of dreams, waking up in our dreams, and finally transforming our dreams to improve our waking life. Each chapter is packed with helpful tips, cutting-edge scientific findings, and fascinating examples of how people have used their dreams to improve their lives and increase mindfulness. This includes a woman who quit smoking after seeing a 'black lung x-ray' in a dream; a young offender who changed his ways after he dreamed of feeling safe and loved; and a woman who confronted her fear of death in a lucid dream and overcame it.

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.

There are few clinical problems in the sleep medicine field that are more challenging than the sleep difficulties experienced by individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This book offers a unique, complete resource addressing all the basic concepts and clinical applications in sleep medicine in settings where combat-related PTSD is commonplace. Authored by leading international experts in the field of sleep/military medicine, Sleep and Combat-Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is organized in six sections and provides a broad perspective of the field, from the established theories to the most recent developments in research, including the latest neuroscientific perspectives surrounding sleep and PTSD. The result is a full assessment of sleep in relation to combat-related PTSD and a gold standard volume that is the first of its kind. This comprehensive title will be of great interest to a wide range of clinicians -- from academics and clinicians working within or in partnership with the military health care system to veteran hospital physicians and all health personnel who work with war veterans.

An estimated 70% of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives. Though most recover on their own, up to 20% develop chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. For these people, overcoming PTSD requires the help of a professional. This guide gives clinicians the information they need to treat clients who exhibit the symptoms of PTSD. It is based on the principles of Prolonged Exposure Therapy, the most scientifically-tested and proven treatment that has been used to effectively treat victims of all types of trauma. Whether your client is a veteran of combat, a victim of a physical or sexual assault, or a casualty of a motor vehicle accident, the techniques and strategies outlined in this book will help. In this treatment clients are exposed to imagery of their traumatic memories, as well as real-life situations related to the traumatic event in a step-by-step, controllable way. Through these exposures, your client will learn to confront the trauma and begin to think differently about it, leading to a marked decrease in levels of anxiety and other PTSD symptoms. Clients are provided education about PTSD and other common reactions to traumatic events. Breathing retraining is taught as a method for helping the client manage anxiety in daily life. Designed to be used in conjunction with the corresponding client workbook, this therapist guide includes all the tools necessary to effectively implement the prolonged exposure program including assessment measures, session outlines, case studies, sample dialogues, and homework assignments. This comprehensive resource is an exceptional treatment manual that is sure to help you help your clients reclaim their lives from PTSD. TreatmentsThatWorkTM represents the gold standard of behavioral healthcare interventions! · All programs have been rigorously tested in clinical trials and are backed by years of research · A prestigious scientific advisory board, led by series Editor-In-Chief David H. Barlow, reviews and evaluates each intervention to ensure that it meets the highest standard of evidence so you can be confident that you are using the most effective treatment available to date · Our books are reliable and effective and make it easy for you to provide your clients with the best care available · Our corresponding workbooks contain psychoeducational information, forms and worksheets, and homework assignments to keep clients engaged and motivated · A companion website (www.oup.com/us/ttw) offers downloadable clinical tools and helpful resources · Continuing Education (CE) Credits are now available on select titles in collaboration with PsychoEducational Resources, Inc. (PER)