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SLEEPWALKING
SLEEPWALKING DISORDER
Topics in Mental Health
By Shlomo Y. Radcliffe
What is
Sleepwalking Disorder?
Sleepwalking disorder or somnambulism is a condition in
which a person often arises from sleep and displays general motor activity
(i.e. walking) and other activities.
Sleepwalking disorder is 10 times more common in individuals
related to other people with sleepwalking disorder than people with no
relativity to sleepwalkers. Sleepwalking disorder may also be caused by general
illness, fever, sleep deprivation, emotional stress and consumption of alcohol.
Symptoms of
Sleepwalking Disorder (DSM-IV Criteria)
In order for a person to be diagnosed with sleepwalking
disorder the person must meet the following symptoms:
Repeatedly,
the person arises and walks about (usually during the first third of
sleep).
- After
the episode the person has no memory of the episode.
- During
the episode, the person stares blankly, can only be awakened with
difficulty, and responds poorly to others’ attempts at communication.
- With
the exception of a brief period of confusion upon awakening from the
episode, the person’s behaviour and mental activity are unimpaired.
- These
symptoms cause significant distress or impair work, social, or personal
functioning of the person.
- The
symptoms are not the direct cause of a medical condition or the use of
substances, including medication.
Treatment of
Sleepwalking Disorder
Treatment of sleepwalking disorder can often be unnecessary
if the episodes of sleepwalking are not frequent and do not cause any harm to
the sleepwalker or any others. If daytime tiredness is thought to be caused by
the sleepwalking episodes then polysomnography may be suggested as a treatment.
Psychotherapy may be recommended for patients with psychological issues that can
contribute to the sleepwalking.
Some medications that have been used as treatment for
sleepwalking disorder include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam(Xanax) and
diazepam(Valium). Which while do not effectively result in a loss of
sleepwalking episodes, help to relax muscles. Medications for sleepwalking are
generally used in small doses and small periods of time.
In the majority of cases of sleepwalking disorder, the
sleepwalking episodes will gradually decline and usually disappears before the
age of 15 without treatment. Treatment is recommended if sleepwalking disorder
continues into adulthood. Cautionary steps such as removing dangerous objects
that can be banged into during sleepwalking episodes is suggested in order to
prevent injuries to your child.
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