Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41566399›Full record

ArticleChild and adolescent psychiatry and mental health2026

Nighttime fears in children: clinical characterisation and the user needs and preferences for a digital parent-led intervention.

Melissa Aji, Amy Datyner, Julie Gougeon, Neelesh Paravastu, Stuart L Champ, Chloe Y S Lim, Arthur Teng, Jennifer L Hudson

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In one paragraph

Article in Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Melissa AjiBlack Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. m.aji@blackdog.org.au.
Amy DatynerBlack Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Julie GougeonBlack Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Neelesh ParavastuBlack Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Stuart L ChampBlack Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Chloe Y S LimBlack Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Arthur TengFaculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Jennifer L HudsonBlack Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundNighttime fears are highly prevalent and are associated with sleep disturbances and later anxiety disorders. Despite their impact, research and treatment options remain limited. Few studies have examined the clinical profile of this population. Families have few intervention options, especially those that are accessible and evidence-based. This mixed-methods study aimed to [1] assess the clinical profile of children experiencing nighttime fears, and [2] explore parents' needs and preferences to inform the co-design of a digital, parent-led exposure-based intervention.

methodsA co-design approach (N = 44) was used involving an online assessment battery with parents of children aged 7-12 years experiencing nighttime fears (n = 34; M child age = 9.6 years; 56% female), two phases of semi-structured interviews with a separate group of parents (n = 5; median child age = 10.7 years; 60% female), and a focus group with psychologists (n = 5; median age: 31.0; 60% female). The assessment battery included a diagnostic instrument assessing DSM-5 psychiatric disorders, and a measure of sleep disturbances. Interviews explored both parents' experiences and their feedback on a prototype intervention. Psychologists discussed clinical insights and treatment approaches. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively; qualitative data were analysed using framework analysis.

resultsSeparation Anxiety Disorder (24%) and Specific Phobia - Natural/Environment type (23%) were the most common primary diagnoses. Sleep disturbances were prevalent, with 70% scoring in the pathological range for initiating and maintaining sleep. Qualitative findings revealed significant emotional distress for both children and parents, limited access to care and the need for clear guidance. Psychologists emphasised the central role of parents and the need for structured support.

conclusionsChildren with nighttime fears often meet criteria for psychiatric disorders and experience significant sleep issues. A co-designed and parent-led digital intervention may address a critical gap for families.

Indexed as

Anxiety disordersChildDigital healthFearSleep wake disorders

Identifiers

PMID41566399
PMCPMC12905873

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.