Sleepwalking Disorder For Psychology II Undergraduate Degree Class Essay

Sleepwalking Disorder For Psychology II Undergraduate Degree Class - Essay Example Sleep walking disorder or somnambulism or noctambulism falls into the category of parasomnias which are actually categorized under sleep disorders. Sleep disorders are the most common problems encountered in psychiatric practice. According to the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), sleep disorders can be classified into 3 types (Bonds & Lucia, 2006): 1. Primary sleep disorders: These occur due to an endogenous disturbance in sleep-wake generating or timing mechanisms. They are often complicated by behavioral conditioning. Primary sleep disorders are further subdivided into parasomnias and dyssomnias. Parasomnias are disruptive sleep-related disorders characterized by undesirable physical or verbal behaviors or experiences during sleep. These phenomena occur as primary sleep events or secondary to systemic disease. The other disorders categorized under parasomnias are sleep terror disorder, REM sleep behavior disorder, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder (Ackroyd & Cruz, 2007). Sleep walking disorder is more common in children than in adults. The incidence is about 2% world wide (Ackroyd & Cruz, 2007). There is no sex difference noted in the occurrence of symptoms in this disorder. The prevalence is highest at 11-12 years of age (Klackenberg, 1982). The condition is not related to socioeconomic status or race of the individual. Parasomnias are seldom associated with morbidity. Sometimes, children can injure themselves by striking at objects. In adults and adolescents, morbidity may be more severe. Complex behaviors like driving a car, cooking and eating can occur. They can injure others also, especially their partners. Sleep walking disorder can also be comorbid with neuroses, panic disorder, phobias, and suicidal ideations (Ackroyd & Cruz, 2007). In all parasomnias