Frequent Trauma-related NightmaresERRTNCT02236377
Dismantling Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy
A study testing Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy in people with Frequent Trauma-related Nightmares, run by University of Tulsa at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The purpose of this case series dismantling study is to extend previous findings regarding the efficacy of a brief treatment for chronic post-trauma nightmares by examining the dose effect and mechanism of change. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Frequent Trauma-related Nightmares
- What is being tested?
- Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Aug 2014to 15 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 18 years of age or older at the time of the intake,
- experienced a traumatic event, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5),
- have approximately one nightmare each week for the past month
- be able to read and speak English.
Who cannot join
- age of 17 or younger
- acute or apparent psychosis
- unmedicated bipolar disorder
- intellectual disability
- active suicidality,
- recent parasuicidal behaviors
- untreated substance use disorder in past 6 months
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Exposure, Relaxation, Rescripting Therapy (ERRT) Dismantling
The purpose of this case series dismantling study is to extend previous findings regarding the efficacy of a brief treatment for chronic post-trauma nightmares by examining the dose effect and mechanism of change.
Exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy (ERRT) is a promising psychological intervention developed to target trauma-related nightmares and sleep disturbances. ERRT has exhibited strong support in reducing the frequency and intensity of nightmares, as well as improving overall sleep quality in both civilian and veteran samples. In addition, significant decreases in PTSD and depression symptoms have been reported following treatment (Davis et al., 2011; Davis \& Wright, 2007; Long et al., 2011; Swanson, Favorite, Horin, \& Arnedt, 2009). ERRT is currently an evidence-level B suggested treatment (Cranston, Davis, Rhudy, \& Favorite, 2011).
Despite this evidence, the mechanism of change for ERRT remains unclear. We propose to conduct a set of case series in order to examine the possible mechanisms: psycho-education, dose response for exposure, and no exposure components of the treatment. Each part of the treatment is theorized to contribute to the improved treatment outcome and it is hypothesized that participants will benefit no matter what group they are in. All participants will receive 5 to 6 treatment sessions, conducted once per week for about 90 minutes, of a modified version of ERRT.
- Conditions
- Frequent Trauma-related Nightmares
- Being tested
- Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy
- Keywords
- ERRT, Nightmares, Sleep, Trauma, PTSD
- Medical subject headings
- Wounds and Injuries, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting TherapyBehavioural
Also called ERRT
Brief cognitive behavioral treatment targeting trauma-related nightmares and sleep problems
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| ERRT - Enhanced Exposure | Active comparator | Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy, 5 sessions, with enhanced exposure techniques Receives: Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy |
| ERRT - Sleep and Relaxation | Active comparator | Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy protocol, 5 sessions, focused on sleep and relaxation Receives: Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy |
| ERRT-Rescription | Active comparator | Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy, 5 sessions, with rescription but no exposure Receives: Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy |
| ERRT-Sleep | Active comparator | Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy, 5 sessions, with enhanced sleep techniques Receives: Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy |
| ERRT - Consensus Manual | Active comparator | Consensus Protocol, 6 sessions, includes components of ERRT and other nightmare protocols. Receives: Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Nightmare Frequency Past Week
This fill-in-the-blank variable assesses the number of nights the individual experienced nightmares in the past week (range = 0 - 7 nights). Higher values indicate more nights with nightmares (worse outcome).
Measured: up to 6 months followup
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Sep 2014 (estimated)
- Study startAug 2014
- Primary completion15 Aug 2026
- Study completion15 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Frequent Trauma-related NightmaresStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Tulsa
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Joanne Davis, University of Tulsa
- Investigators
- Joanne L Davis, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Tulsa
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02236377
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TU1458R1
- Acronym
- ERRT
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Sep 2014
- Last updated
- 18 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Publications
Davis JL, Rhudy JL, Pruiksma KE, Byrd P, Williams AE, McCabe KM, Bartley EJ. Physiological predictors of response to exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy for chronic nightmares in a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Sleep Med. 2011 Dec 15;7(6):622-31. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.1466.
PubMed 22171201
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Exposure, Relaxation, Rescripting Therapy (ERRT) Dismantling
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02236377
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ERRT / TU1458R1
- Conditions
- Frequent Trauma-related Nightmares
- Keywords
- ERRT, Nightmares, Sleep, Trauma, PTSD
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of TulsaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Aug 2014
- Primary completion
- 15 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Sep 2014 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this case series dismantling study is to extend previous findings regarding the efficacy of a brief treatment for chronic post-trauma nightmares by examining the dose effect and mechanism of change.
Exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy (ERRT) is a promising psychological intervention developed to target trauma-related nightmares and sleep disturbances. ERRT has exhibited strong support in reducing the frequency and intensity of nightmares, as well as improving overall sleep quality in both civilian and veteran samples. In addition, significant decreases in PTSD and depression symptoms have been reported following treatment (Davis et al., 2011; Davis \& Wright, 2007; Long et al., 2011; Swanson, Favorite, Horin, \& Arnedt, 2009). ERRT is currently an evidence-level B suggested treatment (Cranston, Davis, Rhudy, \& Favorite, 2011).
Despite this evidence, the mechanism of change for ERRT remains unclear. We propose to conduct a set of case series in order to examine the possible mechanisms: psycho-education, dose response for exposure, and no exposure components of the treatment. Each part of the treatment is theorized to contribute to the improved treatment outcome and it is hypothesized that participants will benefit no matter what group they are in. All participants will receive 5 to 6 treatment sessions, conducted once per week for about 90 minutes, of a modified version of ERRT.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 5
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| ERRT - Enhanced Exposure | Active comparator | Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting TherapyExposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy, 5 sessions, with enhanced exposure techniques |
| ERRT - Sleep and Relaxation | Active comparator | Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting TherapyExposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy protocol, 5 sessions, focused on sleep and relaxation |
| ERRT-Rescription | Active comparator | Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting TherapyExposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy, 5 sessions, with rescription but no exposure |
| ERRT-Sleep | Active comparator | Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting TherapyExposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy, 5 sessions, with enhanced sleep techniques |
| ERRT - Consensus Manual | Active comparator | Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting TherapyConsensus Protocol, 6 sessions, includes components of ERRT and other nightmare protocols. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 18 years of age or older at the time of the intake,
- experienced a traumatic event, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5),
- have approximately one nightmare each week for the past month
- be able to read and speak English.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- age of 17 or younger
- acute or apparent psychosis
- unmedicated bipolar disorder
- intellectual disability
- active suicidality,
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting TherapyAlso: ERRTBrief cognitive behavioral treatment targeting trauma-related nightmares and sleep problems | Behavioural | ERRT - Consensus Manual, ERRT - Enhanced Exposure, ERRT - Sleep and Relaxation, ERRT-Rescription, ERRT-Sleep |
Primary outcome
Nightmare Frequency Past Week
Time frame: up to 6 months followup
This fill-in-the-blank variable assesses the number of nights the individual experienced nightmares in the past week (range = 0 - 7 nights). Higher values indicate more nights with nightmares (worse outcome).
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 22171201Davis JL, Rhudy JL, Pruiksma KE, Byrd P, Williams AE, McCabe KM, Bartley EJ. Physiological predictors of response to exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy for chronic nightmares in a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Sleep Med. 2011 Dec 15;7(6):622-31. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.1466.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Joanne L Davis, PhD principal investigator
University of Tulsa
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy in people with Frequent Trauma-related Nightmares, run by University of Tulsa at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Nightmare Frequency Past Week (time frame: up to 6 months followup). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02236377, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Sep 2026.