Do I Have Nightmare Disorder?

Do you experience repeated occurrences of extended, extremely distressing, and well-remembered dreams that usually involve efforts to avoid threats to survival, security, or physical integrity and that generally occur during the second half of the major sleep episode?

On awakening from the dysphoric, distressing dreams, do you quickly become oriented and alert?

Does the sleep problem cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning?

Are you sure that the nightmare symptoms are not attributable to the effects of a substance (e.g., a drug or medication)?

Are you sure that coexisting mental and medical disorders do not better explain your symptoms?

Based on your answers, you do not have nightmare disorder.

Based on your answers, it is very unlikely that you have nightmare disorder. Remember that nightmares are common, while nightmare disorder is not. Nightmare disorder is a condition in which someone has nightmares often, and these nightmares cause distress, sleep problems and daytime impairment or even fear of going to sleep. In such cases, it may be crucial to make an appointment with your doctor.

Based on your answers, it is unlikely you will be diagnosed with nightmare disorder. However, if you experience frequent nightmares that cause impairment in sleeping and daily functioning, a visit to a doctor is highly recommended. Sleeping disorders can cause complications such as mood problems or difficulties at work, school and daily tasks, fear of sleeping and, in worse cases, even suicidal thoughts. It is advised that you practice relaxation techniques, especially if stress or anxiety is the underlying problem of nightmares.

Based on your answers, it is likely that you will be diagnosed with nightmare disorder. It is advised that you schedule a visit to your doctor to further discuss your symptoms. The doctor will likely review your medical history and symptoms in order to determine if you have nightmare disorder. The doctor may also request a physical exam and a nocturnal sleep study. In most cases, treatment is not needed for nightmares. However, it may be needed in case the nightmares are causing distress or sleep problems and interfere with your normal functioning. In that case, treatments include medical intervention along with stress or anxiety treatment..