SCHLAFSTORUNGEN AUS PSYCHIATRISCHER SICHT

Abstract

The importance of sleep disturbance is illustrated by high rates of this symptom in the general population as well as in the practice of general practitioners. These disturbances very often are connected with psychiatric diseases. The treatment of this symptom is discussed. It is not the isolated symptom sleep disturbances that has to be treated, but the patient and his underlying disease. The physician has to counsel his patient. If necessary, psychotherapy has to be applied. Autogenic training and other non-pharmacological treatment method are of special importance. Drug treatment should only be started after careful choice of the pharmacological substance. In our psychiatric unit we prefer to prescribe antidepressants and low potent neuroleptics to induce sleep. Possibilities of more causal treatment by tryptophanes are discussed. The danger of abuse of and dependency on diazepam preparations is described.