Nachtmerries komen veel voor en verdienen aparte aandacht Een handreiking voor betere diagnostiek en behandeling

Nightmares are common, and other psychiatric complaints are more severe if people also suffer from nightmares. In mental health care there is currently not much attention for nightmares: they often go unrecognized and untreated. In this article we describe how nightmares can be recognized, especially with some knowledge of other complaints that are often confused with nightmares. In addition, we discuss treatment options for nightmares. The most evidence-based treatment is imagery rehearsal therapy, in which a new ending to the nightmare is imagined during the day. This treatment is very well suited to be used by CBT therapists. This article aims to create more attention for nightmares and their treatment. This will ensure a better night’s sleep for the client and will therefore contribute to the reduction of other psychological symptoms.