title: Insomnia. Use of a 'decision tree' to assess and treat.
abstract: Insomnia, a remarkably common disturbance in a basic biologic function, arises from multiple psychological, physiologic, and environmental factors. Transient insomnia usually resolves spontaneously. Short-term insomnia is usually normalized by coping with acute changes in a medical condition or a relationship. In patients with insomnia caused by stressful life events, a short (ie, 10 days or less) course of a short- or intermediate-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic may be indicated. Long-term insomnia deserves comprehensive evaluation. Psychiatric disorders are common in patients with long-term insomnia. In patients over age 50, intrinsic sleep disorders are more prevalent. Behavioral therapy, including improved sleep hygiene, stimulus-control techniques, and sleep-restriction therapy, is preferred in the management of long-term insomnia. Pharmacotherapy (eg, low-dose antidepressant or benzodiazepine) is best used as an adjunct.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Jamieson
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D003663:Decision Trees; D006801:Humans; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy