Hypnosis and Guided Imagery

This chapter overviews hypnosis and guided imagery, describing similarities and differences in their application to sleep disorders. It includes an introduction to hypnosis, and provides a definition and, history of the method, as well as a, guide to using hypnosis interventions and their utility and applications for sleep disorders. Some of the sleep disorders found to be effectively treated by hypnosis include nightmares, sleep walking, night terrors, and parasomnia overlap disorder. The chapter also overviews guided imagery and, provides an example and various uses for guided imagery in sleep disorders. The chapter concludes by reviewing the various differences and uses of hypnosis and guided imagery, including the greater research and wider use of guided imagery in its application to sleep disorders.

A Case of DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome in Bahrain with a Novel Mutation

DeSanto-Shinawi syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by loss-of-function mutation in WAC. It is characterized by dysmorphic features, intellectual disability, and behavioral abnormalities. In this case report, we describe the clinical features and genotype of a patient with a novel mutation 1346C > A in WAC. This patient’s dysmorphic features include a prominent forehead, bulbous nasal tip, macroglossia, deep-set eyes, and malar hypoplasia. This patient also showed signs of intellectual disability and behavioral abnormalities such as night terrors. These findings are consistent with those described in earlier reports. Here, we report new findings of epilepsy and recurrent skin infections which had not been reported in prior studies.

The Search for Peace and the Bald Eagle

In this chapter Patrick details his time in the wilderness. He conquers his night terrors, becomes less anxious, and revels in the experience of nature and being alone. Patrick focuses on healing in the Canadian wilderness.

Terror at Northfield

This chapter discusses the relationship between a commonly misdiagnosed parasomnia and various precipitating factors. Expertise in differentiating a benign parasomnia from significant medical disorders in adults and children is important, as is the ability to correctly identify and modify predisposing and precipitating factors. The case presented in this chapter illustrates how making a premature decision based on a small piece of information delayed an important diagnosis and increased the risk of further morbidity. The peak prevalence of sleep terrors is 18 months of age, but they may be seen at any age during childhood. When recurrent sleep terrors recur or develop in adults, evaluation for other primary sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, restless legs, shift work, and sleep deprivation, is warranted, and polysomnography is usually indicated. Identifying and correcting precipitating factors may minimize the recurrence of sleep terrors. Treatment of sleep apnea may greatly reduce the frequency of night terrors and other parasomnias.