Changes in dream frequency, vividness and intensity in subjects taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Master Thesis
2005
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Various sources of evidence suggest that dream frequency, intensity and vividness are increased with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRJ's) commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety. In this study the effects ofSSRI use on dream frequency, intensity and vividness in psychiatric patients was examined through a comparision of the dream characteristics of an SSRI- medicated patient group vs. an unmedicated patient control group. Each group comprised 20 patients recruited through state psychiatric outpatient facilities affiliated with two research universities. Age and gender were evenly spread across the two groups. Psychiatric disorders represented were generalised an.xiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia. Patients completed a questionnaire consisting of a most recent dream report and self-report likert-scaled questions regarding dream frequency, intensity, vividness and memorability. Two independent raters rated the dream reports for intensity on a likert scale. Self-reported visual vividness was significantly higher (p=0.027, effect size .86) among SSRI users compared with controls, whereas selJreported dream frequency and emotional intensity as well as independent raters assessment of dream intensity were not significantly different across the two groups. Findings of increased dream vividness without increases in dream frequency complement the results of an earlier study. Since serotonin is suppressed during REM sleep, these findings cast further doubt upon the notion of an isomorphic link between REM sleep and dreaming and argue for the searchfor a more sophisticated model of neurotransmitter modulation of sleep-cognition.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-67).
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Kinnear, H. 2005. Changes in dream frequency, vividness and intensity in subjects taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. University of Cape Town.