LAUSR

ABSTRACT Background: Nightmares are a widespread phenomenon. In comparison to the general population, they occur in mentally ill and especially in traumatized individuals with an increased frequency. Despite the high prevalence, there is no short questionnaire in the German language that is able to characterize nightmares, to differentiate between different nightmare types and to assess their impact on daytime functioning. Objective: The Hamburg Nightmare Questionnaire (HNQ) has been developed as a short self-rating instrument to fill this gap. Method: Psychometric characteristics of the HNQ were evaluated in a sample of 707 German soldiers passing through the standard diagnostics of the Center for Mental Health at the German Armed Forces Hospital Hamburg. Results: The results of this study show satisfactory psychometric characteristics as a sound factorial structure and adequate internal consistency for the HNQ as well as initial indications of the construct validity of its subscales. Conclusions: The HNQ is a reliable and economic tool for the assessment of posttraumatic nightmares in clinical as well as research settings. HIGHLIGHTS • The Hamburg Nightmare Questionnaire (HAFB) is a new and short assessment tool for nightmares in clinical and research settings.• HAFB assesses frequency and duration of nightmare occurrence.• HAFB subscales cover the areas of emotional (e.g. fear) and psychophysiological (e.g. heart racing) reactions, dream content, reorientation after awakening and clarity of dream recall.• HAFB measures impairment in areas of everyday functioning such as family life or physical performance resulting from nightmares.