According to the Oxford-based authors of a new study nightmares are “rarely assessed in patients attending psychiatric services, and almost never directly treated”, despite their link with many mental health disorders. In their systematic review, the team explored whether manipulating nightmares causes changes in psychiatric symptoms, and whether their presence or severity predicts later mental health troubles.

Previous research suggested that treating nightmares could lead to moderate improvements in depression. Moreover, not only are nightmares treatable, but targeted treatment can also improve psychiatric symptoms. In the case of PTSD, treating nightmares can lessen other PTSD symptoms. The review also found evidence that pre-trauma nightmares may be an early risk factor for later PTSD.

The researchers suggest that not only can treatment for distressing psychiatric symptoms reduce nightmares, but the inverse is also true — opening a potentially powerful avenue for healthcare workers and researchers looking to find interventions. 

The study was published in Clinical Psychology Review.