The Misinterpretation of a Non-REM Sleep Parasomnia as Suicidal Behavior in an Adolescent

We report a case of misinterpretation of a non-REM sleep parasomnia as suicidal behavior in an early adolescent. A 12-year-old female with a history of sleepwalking but no prior psychiatric diagnosis awoke in the middle of the night with a deep laceration to her neck and complete amnesia for the eve...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sleep & breathing 2002-10, Vol.6 (4), p.175
Main Authors: Shatkin, Jess P, Feinfield, Kristin, Strober, Michael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Self destructive behavior
Suicides & suicide attempts
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:We report a case of misinterpretation of a non-REM sleep parasomnia as suicidal behavior in an early adolescent. A 12-year-old female with a history of sleepwalking but no prior psychiatric diagnosis awoke in the middle of the night with a deep laceration to her neck and complete amnesia for the event. During the initial 2-week pediatric hospitalization, it was believed that the wound was intentionally self-inflicted despite patient claims and evidence to the contrary. The patient was placed on a psychiatric hold and transferred to an appropriate facility. We review rule-out diagnoses and evidence supporting this case as an example of a violent non-REM parasomnia resulting in self-injurious behavior. Diagnostic and treatment implications are discussed.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:1520-9512
1522-1709
DOI:10.1007/s11325-002-0175-0