Exposure, Relaxation, & Rescripting Therapy-Child

Exposure, Relaxation, & Rescripting Therapy-Child

The study implements a trauma-related nightmare treatment for children aged 8 to 13 years. Relevant outcome progress and outcome measures on symptoms, nightmare distress and duration, academic indicators, and sleep quality will be examined.

Untreated trauma-related nightmares and sleep-related disorders are associated with chronic health problems, burdening both the suffering individual and the health-care system. The study implements an innovative, cost-efficient, nightmare treatment for trauma-exposed children. It is one of the first randomized clinical trials with children, adapting an efficacious adult therapy to a 5-session nightmare treatment for 8-13 year-olds. Trauma nightmares are a mechanism in development and maintenance of secondary post-trauma psychopathology, medical problems, and family dysfunction. Therefore, this treatment may prevent long-term secondary health and behavioral problems. It provides a viable health care option to Montanans, lessening long-term financial, medical, and behavioral health expenses. Scientific models currently view PTSD treatment as primary, often leaving nightmares untreated. That approach does not address the pernicious impact of trauma-nightmares in individuals with sub-threshold PTSD or whose nightmares are a primary condition. The theoretical innovation of this therapy can advance the field's understanding of the development of trauma sequelae.

Inclusion Criteria:

• children age 8-13 with PTSD Criterion A event as defined by the DSM-IV and nightmares occurring at least once per week over a minimum of one month
• have a parent or legal guardian who is able to participate in treatment assignments at home and be able to read and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

• adult, no traumatic experience, no nightmares, apparent psychosis, pervasive developmental disorder, or mental retardation, not able to read and speak English