Psychotherapy High Wycombe Psychotherapy High Wycombe - Last updated 19 April 2024

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DSM-IV: Sleepwalking Disorder

This Parasomnia is characterized by recurrent episodes inwhich the individual while sleeping initiates complex motor behavior which may includearising and walking. They exhibit diminished responsiveness and alertness and may have a blank stare. If they can be awakened, they may be confused and their recall for the event is limited.

Diagnostic criteria for 307.46 Sleepwalking Disorder

A. Repeated episodes of rising from bed during sleep and walking about, usually occurring during the first third of the major sleep episode.

B. While sleepwalking, the person has a blank, staring face, is relatively unresponsive to the efforts of others to communicate with him or her, and can be awakened only with great difficulty.

C. On awakening (either from the sleepwalking episode or the next morning), the person has amnesia for the episode.

D. Within several minutes after awakening from the sleepwalking episode, there is no impairment of mental activity or behavior (although there may initially be a short period of confusion or disorientation).

E. The sleepwalking causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

F. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g. a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.

Based on the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition APA

Also: somnambulism

The online Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists most of the major psychological disorders and illnesses and lists the criteria that must be fulfilled in order for a diagnosis to be made. This resource is not a substitute for proper professional psychiatric diagnosis.