THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION OF NIGHTMARES ASSOCIATED WITH POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: A REVIEW OF CONVENTIONAL & HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACHES
Main Article Content
Keywords
Nightmare Disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Pharmacological Treatment, Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Abstract
Nightmare disorder, a parasomnia causing distress, is common in PTSD patients, affecting 60-80%. Pharmacological management is crucial for alleviating the disorder. However, current treatments are under review due to mixed results. Homoeopathy, a holistic approach, combines conventional pharmacology with psychotherapeutic techniques to address the root cause of PTSD-related nightmares. This systematic review explores the efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions.
Objective: To systematically review the pharmacological interventions for managing nightmares associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a focus on both conventional treatments and homoeopathic approaches.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PICO guidelines. The interventions reviewed comprised pharmacological treatments such as prazosin and alternative homoeopathic remedies like Coffea cruda. Comparative studies assessing the effectiveness of these interventions were included, with placebo or no treatment as control conditions. Data was extracted from studies published in peer-reviewed journals.
Results: The review found that prazosin is the most studied pharmacological agent for treating PTSD-related nightmares, showing significant efficacy in reducing nightmare frequency and severity. However, its effectiveness may vary based on individual factors. Homeopathic treatments like Coffea cruda showed potential in preliminary studies, but larger clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.
Conclusion: Prazosin remains the first-line pharmacological treatment for PTSD-related nightmares, though its variable efficacy underscores the need for personalized treatment approaches. Homoeopathic remedies offer a potentially complementary approach, warranting further research to establish their role in managing nightmare disorders.
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Dr. Saloni Raje
PG Scholar, Department of Homoeopathic Philosophy & Organon of Medicine, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed To Be University) Homoeopathic Medical College, Pune,410043.
Dr. Vinodini Patil
Professor, Department of Homoeopathic Philosophy & Organon of Medicine Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed To Be University) Homoeopathic Medical College, Pune,410043.