Publication
Title
Dissociative symptoms and sleep parameters : an all-night polysomnography study in patients with insomnia
Author
Abstract
Abstract Background Dissociative disorders encompass a range of symptoms varying from severe absent-mindedness and memory problems to confusion about one's own identity. Recent studies suggest that these symptoms may be the by-products of a labile sleepwake cycle. Methods In the current study, we explored this issue in patients suffering from insomnia (N=46). We investigated whether these patients have raised levels of dissociative symptoms and whether these are related to objective sleep parameters. Patients stayed for at least one night in a specialized sleep clinic, while sleep EEG data were obtained. In addition, they completed self-report measures on dissociative symptoms, psychological problems, and sleep characteristics. Results Dissociative symptom levels were elevated in patients suffering from insomnia, and were correlated with unusual sleep experiences and poor sleep quality. Longer REM sleep periods and less time spent awake during the night were predictive of dissociation. Conclusions This is the first study to show that insomnia patients have raised dissociative symptom levels and that their dissociative symptoms are related to objective EEG parameters. These findings are important because they may inspire sleep-related treatment methods for dissociative disorders.
Language
Dutch, English
Source (journal)
Comprehensive psychiatry. - New York, N.Y.
Publication
New York, N.Y. : 2013
ISSN
0010-440X
DOI
10.1016/J.COMPPSYCH.2012.12.025
Volume/pages
54 :6 (2013) , p. 658-664
ISI
000322683800009
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 10.04.2013
Last edited 09.10.2023
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