We report a case of misinterpretation of a non-REM sleep parasomnia as suicidal behavior
in an early adolescent. A 12-year-old female with a history of sleepwalking but no
prior psychiatric diagnosis awoke in the middle of the night with a deep laceration
to her neck and complete amnesia for the event. During the initial 2-week pediatric
hospitalization, it was believed that the wound was intentionally self-inflicted despite
patient claims and evidence to the contrary. The patient was placed on a psychiatric
hold and transferred to an appropriate facility. We review rule-out diagnoses and
evidence supporting this case as an example of a violent non-REM parasomnia resulting
in self-injurious behavior. Diagnostic and treatment implications are discussed.
Non-REM parasomnia - sleepwalking - self-injurious behavior - adolescent
