Behavioral therapy to reduce nightmares in REM sleep behavior disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with isolated or neurodegenerative-related REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and a cohabiting family member are enrolled and receive cognitive behavioral therapy for nightmares, including imagery rehearsal techniques, delivered via videoconference. Participants with RBD attend seven therapy sessions and their family members join two of those sessions; all participants complete two study assessments. Medications must be stable for at least one month prior to enrollment, and exclusion criteria include possible dementia, narcolepsy, PTSD, and prior behavioral nightmare treatment. The intervention aims to provide a nonpharmacologic option to reduce nightmare frequency and distress in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of isolated RBD or RBD secondary to neurodegenerative disease
* Age 18 or older
* Speak, read, and write English
* Live in the United States
* Nightmare frequency ≥3 times per week
* Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index score indicative of nightmare disorder
* Sleep, neurological, and psychiatric medications stable for at least 1 month and willing to keep medications stable through the course of the study
* Live with a family member who is willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Possible dementia
* Narcolepsy
* Posttraumatic stress disorder
* Previous behavioral treatment for nightmares
* Currently engaged in sleep- or trauma-focused psychotherapy
* Taking a medication that could cause RBD, if the medication was started prior to onset of RBD symptoms

Inclusion Criteria (Family Members):

* Live with a family member who meets all of the above criteria
* Age 18 or older
* Speak, read, and write English
* Live in the United States

Where it's running

• University of Utah
  Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jennifer Mundt, PhD
• Email: RBDstudy@utah.edu
• Phone: 801-646-8287

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.