Somnambulism or Suicide Attempt: Discussion of Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Process on an Adolescent Case

Sleepwalking is classified under the category of sleep-wake disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5, specifically under the subcategory of parasomnias. It is a disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of getting out of bed and walking around during non-rapid eye movement sleep. During sleepwalking episodes, consciousness is reduced, and both simple and complex movements may occur. A reliable history is the most important guide for diagnosis. Patients usually do not remember or have only partial recall of nighttime awakenings when they wake up in the morning. The exact cause is not known. However, it is more likely to occur in families than in the healthy population. Genetic and neurodevelopmental factors likely play a significant role in the pathophysiology of sleepwalking. Most individuals in these cases do not seek medical help or receive a diagnosis until harm occurs to themselves or others. Although it is considered a rare disorder, there is no definitive information about its prevalence. The condition is expected to decrease and resolve by adulthood. In cases with late onset, neurological disorders should be investigated. In this case report, we aim to discuss the differential diagnosis of sleepwalking based on a case of an adolescent who was consulted by the child and adolescent psychiatry clinic after a fall from a height, suspected of sleepwalking.