Nightmare Disorder

There’s no medical test that can diagnose nightmare disorder. Instead, healthcare providers rely on a thorough history of your nightmares and other symptoms to diagnose nightmare disorder. They’ll also ask questions about your medical and mental health history.

Some medications can cause nightmares, so your provider may assess your current medications or order drug tests to see if that could be the cause. Medications and substances that can cause nightmares include:

• Beta-blockers.
• Antidepressants.
• Nicotine (from smoking and tobacco products).

Withdrawal from misuse of substances like alcohol can also cause nightmares.