RESUMEN
Most violence connected with sleep disorder is assumed to be related to sleep walking. It is less well known that other sleep disorders can also give rise to violence. The role of narcolepsy in car accidents is mentioned. Sleep drunkenness can lead to confusion resulting in violent behaviour especially on forced awakening. This condition is associated to sleep apnea. Primary or central sleep apnea is caused by disorders of the brain stem affecting the respiratory center. Secondary or upper airway sleep apnea can be caused by virtually any condition that results in cessation of the air flow due to occlusion of the upper airway. The author describes one patient who engaged in assaultive behaviour on forced awakening following earlier alcohol consumption. The pathomechanism of violent behaviour generated by a combination of sleep apnea and respiratory pathology is described. The differential diagnosis, prevention and treatment is outlined. The use of polysomnography in diagnosis and the potentially dangerous effects of drugs with respiratory depressing effects is highlighted.
Asunto(s)
Síndromes de la Apnea del Sueño/psicología , Violencia , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Electroencefalografía , Humanos , Hipoxia Encefálica/psicología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Síndromes de la Apnea del Sueño/diagnósticoRESUMEN
The term "incubus syndrome" is proposed to describe patients suffering from the delusion that they have been sexually approached at night by an unseen lover. Two cases characterized by co-existence of erotomania and schizophrenic sexual delusions are described. The patient's behaviour secondary to the defusion is discussed from the point of view of social significance as well as potential dangerousness.
Asunto(s)
Deluciones/psicología , Conducta Sexual , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Libido , Persona de Mediana Edad , Psicología del Esquizofrénico , Ajuste SocialRESUMEN
The response of the cerebral circulation to modified ECT was monitored by computer programmes in 18 psychotic patients using cerebral impedance plethysmography. Each patient was recorded daily prior to, during and following the course of ECT. Results indicated that ECT was accompanied after 2 h by a marked increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in depressed patients; the schizophrenics showed a decrease in CBF. Patients whose blood flow had improved tended to return to previous levels progressively during the first week.