The impact of exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy for post‐trauma nightmares on suicidal ideation

Objective This study investigated whether a brief psychotherapy for post‐trauma nightmares (exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy [ERRT]), reduced suicidal ideation (SI). We hypothesized that: (a) nightmare frequency and severity, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and sleep quality would be related to SI at pretreatment; (b) SI would decrease from pre‐ to post‐treatment; and (c) the decrease in SI would remain after controlling for change in PTSD and depression. Method Seventy‐five individuals exposed to a traumatic event and who experienced frequent nightmares (minimum one per week) participated in ERRT. Participants were not required to have a psychological diagnosis. Thirty percent endorsed SI at pretreatment. Results Depression and PTSD were related to SI at pretreatment. SI decreased following treatment; however, the third hypothesis was not supported. Conclusion Results suggest brief psychotherapy targeting post‐trauma nightmares may decrease SI. More research is necessary to determine what factors contribute to decreases in SI.