-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
mental/emotional
nightmares
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition: A very disturbing dream that typically wake the frightened patient.
etiology: Nightmares are common in both children and adults. Toddlers are unable to discern reality from fantasy so scary television shows, movies, or books can easily cause fears that will re-emerge in dreams. In older children and adults, the occasional nightmare usually corresponds to being overtired; alcoholism (adults); and/or conflicts, fears or emotional upsets in the patient's own life.
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms:
Patient wakes up suddenly: may be sweaty, screaming, heart racing.
Children may desire to sleep with parents after the dream.
The dream is clearly remembered.
lab findings:
Nightmares occur in REM sleep.
course and prognosis
Nightmares, unless they become very frequent and interfere with sleep, are benign. Treatment consists trying to uncover any problems that might be initiating the dreams. Clearly, they may point to areas of concern for the patient.
differential diagnosis
Night terrors: occur in non-REM sleep and are not remembered.
footnotes