Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Children with Nightmares
Can a Brief Therapy Improve Pediatric Nightmares, Mental Health, and Suicidality?
This study is testing whether a special therapy can help children aged 6 to 17 with frequent nightmares feel better and improve their overall mental health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Oklahoma Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tulsa, Oklahoma and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06033781 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares in Children (CBT-NC) in reducing the frequency and distress of chronic nightmares in children aged 6 to 17. The study will compare outcomes between a treatment group receiving CBT-NC and a waitlist control group. It also seeks to determine if improvements in nightmares correlate with reductions in mental health issues and suicidal ideation. This randomized controlled trial will consist of five therapy sessions and will assess the impact of the intervention on participants' overall mental health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 17 who experience recurrent nightmares and meet the criteria for nightmare disorder.
Not a fit: Children with untreated sleep apnea or those who are actively suicidal will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce nightmares and associated mental health issues in children, potentially decreasing the risk of suicidal ideation.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been small case series on nightmare treatments for youth, this is the first randomized controlled trial specifically assessing CBT-NC, making it a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Child must be between ages of 6-17 years 11 months. * Child must report recurrent nightmares that meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for nightmare disorder. * Child must speak and understand English at no less than a 6-year-old level. * Children on prescribed psychotropic medications must be stable for 30 days prior to enrolling. * Child must have a parent or legal guardian attend study visits with them. * Participants must have access to WIFI/phone data in order to participate in this study and must have an electronic device with a camera enabled. Exclusion Criteria: * Children with a diagnosis of sleep apnea which is not adequately treated. * Children whose receptive/expressive language skills are below a 6-year-old level. * If it is determined that a child is actively suicidal and at imminent risk for self-harm, the family will be notified and referred for immediate care. They will not be eligible for the study until they are deemed stable.
Where this trial is running
Tulsa, Oklahoma and 1 other locations
- University of Tulsa — Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine — Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lisa Cromer, PhD — University of Tulsa
- Study coordinator: Lauren Prince, BA
- Email: lauren-prince@ouhsc.edu
- Phone: 918-634-3242
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.