Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Children With Nightmares

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA · Sep 5, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a type of therapy called Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares in children aged 6 to 17. The main goal is to see if this therapy can help reduce the number and distress of nightmares in kids who have them frequently. Researchers want to find out if reducing nightmares also helps improve overall mental health and reduces feelings of sadness or thoughts about hurting oneself.

To participate, children need to be between 6 and 17 years old and must experience recurring nightmares that fit specific criteria. They should understand and speak English at least at a 6-year-old level. It's important that a parent or guardian attends the study visits with them. Children on certain medications must be stable for at least 30 days before joining. Participants will need access to Wi-Fi and a device with a camera for online sessions. If a child is found to be in immediate danger or at risk of self-harm, their family will be referred for urgent care, and they won't be able to participate in the study until they are safe. This study is currently recruiting participants, so if you think it might be a good fit, reach out for more information!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Child must be between ages of 6-17 years 11 months.
• • Child must report recurrent nightmares that meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for nightmare disorder.
• • Child must speak and understand English at no less than a 6-year-old level.
• • Children on prescribed psychotropic medications must be stable for 30 days prior to enrolling.
• • Child must have a parent or legal guardian attend study visits with them.
• • Participants must have access to WIFI/phone data in order to participate in this study and must have an electronic device with a camera enabled.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children with a diagnosis of sleep apnea which is not adequately treated.
• • Children whose receptive/expressive language skills are below a 6-year-old level.
• • If it is determined that a child is actively suicidal and at imminent risk for self-harm, the family will be notified and referred for immediate care. They will not be eligible for the study until they are deemed stable.