The author tested the hypothesis that a single bedtime dosage schedule
of tricyclic or neuroleptic medication produces increased frequency of
night terrors by administering a questionnaire to 30 medical patients who
were not receiving such medications and 100 psychiatric patients on either
multiple- or single-dosage schedules. Psychiatric patients on
multiple-dosage schedules reported no more frightening dreams than the
medical patients, whereas almost three-fourths of those receiving single
bedtime doses had frightening dreams, a significant difference from the
medical sample. This preliminary report is presented to call attention to
the possible undesirable effects of a single dose schedule.Abstract Teaser