Journal Published Online: 01 September 2003
Volume 48, Issue 5

Parasomnia Pseudo-Suicide

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Complex behaviors arising from the sleep period may result in violent or injurious consequences, even death. Those resulting in death may be erroneously deemed suicides. A series of case examples and review of the pertinent literature are provided to increase awareness of the possibility that some apparent "suicides" are the unfortunate, but unintentional, consequence of sleep-related complex behaviors and therefore are without premeditation, conscious awareness, or personal responsibility. The correct cause-of-death determination in such cases may have profound social, religious, and insurance implications for surviving friends and family members.

Author Information

Mahowald, MW
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Schenck, CH
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Goldner, M
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Bachelder, V
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Cramer-Bornemann, M
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS2002399
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2002399