Clinical significance of nightmares in patients with depressive disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832006000400003Keywords:
Nightmares, sleep disorders, depressive disorders, suicidal ideationAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Several studies have suggested a strong association between nightmares and depressive disorder. The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of nightmares among patients with depressive disorders and to observe its relationship with age, sex, duration of disease, severity of depression and suicidal ideation. METHODS: Sixty patients were interviewed and assessed by means of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI). Nightmares were assessed according to the DSM-IV criteria for Nightmare Disorder. Data analyses were performed by Descriptive analyses and Students t-test with statistical significance at p<0.05. RESULTS: Prevalence of 60% of nightmares was encountered among patients, with predominance among women. Depressed patients with nightmares had significantly (p < 0.05) longer duration of depressive disease, higher mean scores in both scales and in the items related to failure, sleep disturbances and suicidal ideation of the BDI. DISCUSSION: In the study sample, nightmares were associated with the severity of depression and clinically significant suicidal ideation. Thus, nightmares should be considered in the evaluation of patients with depressive disorder.Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
Downloads
Published
2006-01-01
Issue
Section
Original Articles
License
Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.
Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.
How to Cite
Clinical significance of nightmares in patients with depressive disorder . (2006). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 33(4), 183-187. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832006000400003