Citation

Sjöström N, Waern M, Hetta J. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 85.

Affiliation

Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Ble Streket 15, 41345 Göteborg, Sweden. nils.sjostrom@neuro.gu.se.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964003

Abstract

Aims: Sleep problems and nightmares may be associated to suicidality. In this study we examined the prevalence of specific sleep problems including nightmares in suicide attempters and examined the association between specific sleep problems and suicidality. Methods: 165 patients aged 18-68 years were interviewed with SCID-I and Suicide Assessment Scale at Sahlgrenska University Hospital after a suicide attempt. The interview included Uppsala Sleep Inventory, which is a self-report instrument, designed to detect sleep difficulties. Results: Some kind of sleep problem was reported by 89%. Difficulties initiating sleep (73%) were most common. Other problems included difficulties maintaining sleep (69%), nightmares (66%) and early morning awakening (58%). Frequent nightmares were associated with a fivefold increase in risk for a high suicidality score. The relationship was independent of all axis-I diagnoses. Conclusions: Sleep problems are common among suicide attempters. Frequent nightmares were associated to suicidality. Questions concerning sleep problems and nightmares should be included in the clinical assessment of suicidal patients.

Language: en