A recent study found that frequent nightmares and night terrors in children could be a sign of psychotic disorders. Long term nightmares were linked to a higher risk of future mental problems.
The study involved more than 6,700 children with multiple assessments. The participants were examined six times between the ages of two and nine.
According to the universityherald the study by researchers from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom found that children who regularly suffer from nightmares before the age of 12 were three and a half times more likely to develop delusions, hallucinations and other psychotic episodes. Children that suffered from night terrors had doubled the risk.
Many children experience nightmares or other night issues, but the problem is only concerning if it occurs frequently over a long period of time. According to bbcnews one of the researchers, Dieter Wolke, said, "Nightmares are relatively common, as are night terrors, it is quite normal, but if they persist then there may be something more serious about it."