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Rem sleep behavior disorder: potential relationship to post-traumatic stress disorder
A M Husain1, P P Miller, S T Carwile
1Department of Medicine (Neurology), Duke University, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Summary
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) involves acting out dreams. This study found a high comorbidity of RBD with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans, suggesting shared underlying causes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by dream enactment.
- RBD is typically associated with neurological disorders, not psychiatric comorbidities.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition often seen in veterans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of psychiatric comorbidity in veterans diagnosed with RBD.
- To explore the relationship between RBD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a veteran population.
- To review existing literature on RBD and discuss potential shared neuropathology with PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of veterans diagnosed with RBD.
- Clinical assessment for psychiatric comorbidities, focusing on PTSD.
- Literature review on RBD and its association with neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Main Results:
- A notably high incidence of comorbid PTSD was observed in veterans with RBD.
- This finding contrasts with the typical understanding of RBD's comorbidity profile.
- The study highlights a unique series of veterans presenting with both RBD and PTSD.
Conclusions:
- The high comorbidity of RBD and PTSD in veterans suggests a potential link between these conditions.
- Shared neuropathological processes may underlie both RBD and PTSD in some individuals.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms connecting these disorders.