Resumen

MEDINA ORTIZ, Óscar et al. Sleep Disorders Associated with Psychiatric Disorders. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2007, vol.36, n.4, pp. 701-717. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: Sleep disorders are frequently found in patients with mental disorders and psychiatric disorders are common in patients with sleep disorders as well. Objective: To portray for the psychiatrist or primary care physician the relationship between sleep disorders and mental disorders. Method: Review of the literature. Results: In illnesses such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia, altered sleep patterns correlate with the clinical manifestations and in some cases predict a relapse or the ensuing of a new crisis, even before the appearance of the core symptoms of the illness. Likewise, knowledge about normal sleep cycles and their in- fl uence on mental disorders may lead to the use of alternative treatments such as sleep deprivation or light exposure. Conclusion: Sleep is affected in patients with psychiatric disorders and may sometimes predict the exacerbation of the illness or the beginning of a new crisis. Being aware of this gives the physician a perspective that goes beyond the basic assessment of classic symptoms associated with mental disorders.

Palabras llave : Sleep disorders; mental disorders; slow wave sleep; REM sleep; polysomnography.