Repetitive and Frightening Dreams and Suicidal Behavior in Patients With Major Depression

This study examined the association between repetitive & frightening dreams & suicidal tendency in patients with major depression. Depressed patients who reported frequent nightmares & depressed patients who reported dreaming but not nightmares were evaluated using the Schedule for Affective Disorders & Schizophrenia suicide subscale to rate the severity of active suicidality. The findings demonstrate that frequent nightmares are associated with suicidal tendency in patients with major depression. Theoretical & clinical implications for the function of dreaming are discussed. (29 refs)