Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares in Children

(CBT-NC Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen by Tara R Buck, MD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma

No Placebo Group

Approved in 4 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Up to 50% of children experience nightmares annually. Nightmares interfere with sleep quality and quantity resulting in sleep deficiency, and are associated with negative mental health consequences. Previous research has shown efficacy of manualized CBT treatment for reducing trauma related nightmares in adults, and preliminary evidence has shown efficacy in children. This study is the first randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment for idiopathic, as well as trauma related nightmares in children. The treatment in a manualized CBT protocol (5 sessions) that teaches sleep hygiene, relaxation strategies, and addresses nightmares therapeutically through exposure and rescripting.

Research Team

Lisa M Cromer, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Tulsa

Tara R Buck, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

If taking psychotropic medications, must be stable for one month.

Children must have a history of nightmares occurring approximately once or more per week over a minimum of one month.

Children must have verbal comprehension of at least age 5 (determined by PPVT), and be fluent in English.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Behavioral Intervention)

Participant Groups

Group I: Treatment Right-Away Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy using exposure, relaxztion, and rescripting - Child utilizes behavioral and cognitive therapy techniques of exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring.

Group II: Waitlist Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Waitlist control group will complete pre and post assessments at beginning and end of wait period.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Oklahoma

Lead Sponsor

Trials

484

Recruited

95,900+

Dr. Scott Rollins

University of Oklahoma

Chief Executive Officer since 2016

PhD in Immunology from the University of Oklahoma

Dr. Ondria Gleason

University of Oklahoma

Chief Medical Officer

MD from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

University of Tulsa

Collaborator

Trials

16

Recruited

5,100+