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Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
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Sleep in Children With Psychiatric Disorders
Ujjwal Ramtekkar1, Anna Ivanenko2
1Department of Psychiatry, Mercy Children׳s Hospital, St Louis, MO.
Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
|June 15, 2015
Summary
Pediatric psychiatric disorders frequently involve sleep disturbances. Early identification and behavioral management, like cognitive behavior therapy, are key for effective treatment in children.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
- Behavioral Psychology
Background:
- Sleep disturbances are prevalent in pediatric psychiatric disorders, impacting diagnosis and prognosis.
- Complex interactions exist between sleep issues and psychopathology in youth.
- While common, objective sleep research and targeted interventions are limited in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of sleep disturbances in pediatric psychiatric disorders.
- To highlight the limitations in current research using objective sleep measures and interventions.
- To emphasize effective management strategies for sleep problems in children with psychiatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review encompassing epidemiologic studies and intervention case series.
- Analysis of the relationship between specific sleep complaints and psychiatric diagnoses.
- Evaluation of current treatment approaches, including behavioral therapy and psychotropic medications.
Main Results:
- Sleep disturbances are a significant feature across various pediatric psychiatric diagnoses.
- Objective sleep research (polysomnography, actigraphy) and pharmaceutical intervention studies are sparse in pediatric populations.
- Cognitive behavior therapy-based approaches show promise for managing sleep disturbances.
Conclusions:
- Early identification and behavioral interventions are crucial for treating sleep disturbances in pediatric psychiatric disorders.
- Psychotropic medications may have mixed effects on sleep, potentially causing new issues.
- Hypnotics should be used cautiously due to limited pediatric safety and efficacy data.
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