Monday 1 August 2022 08:54 AM Study identifies three themes found in the dreams of anxious people trends now

Monday 1 August 2022 08:54 AM Study identifies three themes found in the dreams of anxious people trends now
Monday 1 August 2022 08:54 AM Study identifies three themes found in the dreams of anxious people trends now

Monday 1 August 2022 08:54 AM Study identifies three themes found in the dreams of anxious people trends now

New research suggests that the dream content of people with anxiety disorders may be significantly different to that of healthy individuals, identifying three themes that are more common in the dreams of anxiety patients.

These include dreaming about a former love interest, more emotionally intense dreams, and a higher prevalence of high speed imagery.

The study by researchers at the University of Düsseldorf, and published in the journal Dreaming, set out to investigate the specific characteristics manifested in dreams of people diagnosed with clinical anxiety disorders and to compare them with dreams of healthy persons

Two groups of dreamers, 38 people with the disorders, and 38 healthy people, were tracked using dream diaries, questionnaires, and one-on-one dream analysis, and then compared.

Research has revealed that people with anxiety disorders are more likely to dream about specific scenarios and themes than healthy people (stock image)

Research has revealed that people with anxiety disorders are more likely to dream about specific scenarios and themes than healthy people (stock image)

Researchers concluded that there was a significant difference in terms of dream content, and several topics were found to be more prevalent among those with anxiety disorders. 

These included being chased, being physically attacked, being frozen with fright, death of loved ones and accidents like plane crashes among others. 

Why do we dream?

While many researchers have tackled the topic of why we dream, no one has yet managed to come to a decisive conclusion.

However, there are a number of theories.

Some evolutionary psychologists believe that dreaming can enhance survival, as most dream content is negative and therefore provides practice in dealing with a hostile environment.

Meanwhile other researchers have suggested that dreaming could be related to memory.

The active system consolidation concept proposes that while

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