Nightmare Disorder, Psychopathology Levels, and Coping in a Diverse Psychiatric Sample

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Nightmares are associated with psychopathology and impaired coping in the general population. However, little is known about this association in a psychiatric population. In this study, we investigate whether patients with diverse psychiatric disorders have increased symptomatology and different coping styles if they suffer from comorbid nightmare disorder. METHOD: Participants were 498 patients with diverse moderate to severe psychiatric disorders. As part of a standard assessment procedure, they filled out questionnaires regarding nightmares, psychopathology, personality pathology, and coping. RESULTS: A multivariate analysis of covariance and post hoc tests showed that patients with nightmare disorder scored higher on psychopathology (ηp(2) = .03; p = .001) and personality pathology (ηp(2) = .01-.03; p < .05). No significant differences were found with regards to coping strategies. CONCLUSION: Nightmare disorder is associated with higher levels of psychopathology and personality pathology in a sample of patients with diverse psychiatric disorders.