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Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Heart Rate Variability During REM Sleep in Female Rape Victims with PTSD

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Journal of Traumatic Stress

Abstract

Six female rape victims with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed for sleep disturbances. Five responded to cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) and one did not complete treatment. Sympatho-vagal balance was measured using heart rate variability (HRV) during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The treatment responders significantly decreased on HRV while the noncompleter increased. The responders also significantly decreased on sleep disturbances. The noncompleter remained unchanged. Thus a remission in PTSD symptoms following CBT accompanied a reduction in the HRV indicator of sympathetic predominance in REM sleep.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Trauma Recovery, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri

    Pallavi Nishith

  2. Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

    Stephen P. Duntley & Matthew L. Uhles

  3. Heart Rate Variability Laboratory, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

    Peter P. Domitrovich

  4. Center for Trauma Recovery, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri

    Brenda J. Cook

  5. Heart Rate Variability Laboratory, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

    Phyllis K. Stein

Authors
  1. Pallavi Nishith
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  2. Stephen P. Duntley
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  3. Peter P. Domitrovich
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  4. Matthew L. Uhles
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  5. Brenda J. Cook
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  6. Phyllis K. Stein
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Correspondence to Pallavi Nishith.

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Nishith, P., Duntley, S.P., Domitrovich, P.P. et al. Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Heart Rate Variability During REM Sleep in Female Rape Victims with PTSD. J Trauma Stress 16, 247–250 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023791906879

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023791906879

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