Evaluating the diagnosis and intervention of a sleepwalking disorder associated with violence: A case study

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate a case of sleep problems associated with violence (non-REM parasomnias) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) besides related therapeutic approaches. The studied case in the present study was a 60-year-old man with a family history of this sleep disorder. The treatment plan in the present study was as follows: Execution of the principles of sleep hygiene by the patient, use of the continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP), and eight sessions of weekly biofeedback therapy. Before the intervention, the subject suffered from anxiety, minor depression, moderate quality of life, some degree of PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea, and periodic limb undesirable movements. After the intervention, there was a relative improvement in all indicators, especially obstructive sleep apnea and limb movements. Practical Implications. Given the prevalence and complexity of non-REM parasomnias, insufficient knowledge of the involved causes and mechanisms, and the failure of many pharmacological therapies, the present study can help discover the possible causes and alternative treatments based on physical and psychological factors.