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Treatment Approach to Sleep Terror: Two Case Reports
Hatice Sodan Turan1, Nermin Gündüz1, Aslıhan Polat1
1Department of Psychiatry, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey.
Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi
|April 1, 2017
Summary
Sleep terror (ST) is a rare parasomnia in adults. This study explores ST, its diagnosis, and the use of long-acting benzodiazepines in two adult cases, despite typical first-line treatment guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Parasomnias encompass disorders with abnormal behaviors during sleep transitions.
- Sleep terror (ST) involves sudden fear, screaming, and autonomic symptoms during delta sleep.
- Adult ST has a low lifetime prevalence (<1%), necessitating thorough clinical evaluation.
Observation:
- Clinical evaluation of ST requires bed partner anamnesis, sleep diaries, and video recordings.
- Comprehensive patient history includes medical, substance abuse, psychological trauma, and neurological aspects.
- ST typically occurs in the first few hours of sleep during the delta phase.
Findings:
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and TCADs may be used for frequent ST attacks.
- Benzodiazepines are generally not first-line due to addiction and relapse risks.
- This study examines two adult ST cases, including the use of long-acting benzodiazepines.
Implications:
- Understanding rare adult ST is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Case studies can inform treatment strategies for complex or refractory parasomnias.
- Further research may clarify the role of specific pharmacotherapies in adult ST.