Psychogenic events presenting as parasomnia

Abstract

A 10-year-old child suddenly developed nocturnal enuresis and nocturnal behaviors similar to parasomnia that were occasionally violent. The child had no recollection of the events. Continuous video/electroencephalograph monitoring revealed the episodic nocturnal events with bizarre behaviors during what was perceived to be sleep, but in fact, the child was fully awake with his eyes closed, prior to and during the events. The attacks ceased with individual psychotherapy and family counseling.