Should I seek psychiatric help because of a frightening nightmare?

Doctor's Answers 1

One out of every two adults has nightmares on occasion. The decision of whether or not to seek help rests on these questions:

i) are your nightmare(s) causing you significant distress?

ii) are they interrupting your sleep on a regular basis?

iii) do you suffer from conditions that may cause nightmares such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep apnoea, chronic sleep deprivation or restless legs syndrome (a strong urge to move one's legs)?

iv) are you taking medications associated with nightmares such as narcotics, tranquilizers, certain antidepressants, certain hypertension medications? Alcohol and illicit drugs may also cause nightmares.

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