Efficacy of a Brief Treatment for Chronic Nightmares Among Trauma-Exposed Persons With Bipolar Disorder

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study the effects of Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy (ERRT) on chronic nightmares in adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder who have experienced trauma. This therapy has shown promise in reducing the frequency and intensity of nightmares and improving sleep quality, but it has not been tested in individuals with bipolar disorder before. The study focuses on people with bipolar disorder who also suffer from trauma-related sleep disturbances. Participants will receive ERRT-Bipolar Disorder, a behavioral therapy delivered once a week for about five weeks. Each session lasts approximately two hours and covers topics such as education about trauma and nightmares, relaxation techniques, exposure to trauma-related nightmares, and strategies to prevent relapse. After completing therapy, participants will be asked to complete follow-up assessments at one week, three months, and possibly one year after treatment ends. During the study, participants will be assessed before treatment and monitored through follow-up visits to evaluate changes in nightmare frequency and PTSD symptoms. The main outcome measured is the change in nightmare frequency over the past week at various time points. Secondary outcomes include changes in PTSD symptoms assessed by clinicians. The total participation time includes the treatment period and follow-up assessments to track therapy effects over time.

Brief Treatment for Trauma Nightmares in Trauma-exposed Adults With Bipolar Disorder