Prevalence of clinically relevant nightmares and their differences by sex and diagnosis in psychiatric inpatients

Nightmares have been shown to be associated with numerous forms of psychopathology, but the vast majority of this research has taken place in the general population and very little is known about their relation with psychopathology in those requiring inpatient hospitalization. In a sample of 1,170 voluntarily admitted psychiatric inpatients, this study explores the frequency of reported nightmares in psychiatric inpatients with the aim of examining the prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis in those with and without clinically relevant nightmares. Participants completed the Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index (DDNSI) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID-5) at admission. G-squared analyses were conducted and odds ratios computed to examine for differences between those with and without clinically relevant nightmares. Clinically relevant nightmares were endorsed by 29.4% of the respondents on the DDNSI. Participants reporting clinically relevant nightmares had higher rates of several forms of psychopathology including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anorexia, and Substance Use Disorder, though they were less likely to have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. Nightmare rates were also significantly different by sex. These findings replicate and extend previous research for differences in clinically relevant nightmares in individuals with psychiatric disorders and highlight the importance of integrating evidence-based nightmare assessment and intervention within inpatient psychiatric settings to improve the outcomes of our most psychiatrically vulnerable. • In a sample of 1,170 psychiatric inpatients, we found that nightmares were endorsed by 29.4% of respondents • Those with nightmares had higher rates of many forms of psychopathology including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Substance Use Disorders • Those with nightmares were less likely to meet criteria for Major Depressive Disorder