The Basics for Psychiatrists: An Overview of Sleep, Sleep Disorders, and Psychiatric Medications’ Effects on Sleep

<P>Recognition and assessment of a patient’s sleep pattern and sleep problems have often been cited as lacking in the evaluation of patients who present for treatment of mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The reason for this, in part, relates to the complex interrelationship between sleep, psychiatric illness, and psychotropic medications. There is a challenge for physicians in evaluating sleep in individuals who have either substance-use disorders or psychiatric disorders because these areas are often interrelated. It is well known that psychiatric illness of various types will cause sleep disturbances. </P> <h4>ABOUT THE AUTHORS</h4> <P>R. Jeffrey Goldsmith, MD, DFAPA, is a Psychiatrist with the VA Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dual Diagnosis Services, and Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati. Paul G. Casola, MD, PhD, FRCPC, is a Psychiatrist with the Salvation Army Harbour Light Centre, and Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.</P> <P>Address correspondence to: R. Jeffrey Goldsmith, MD, DFAPA, 3200 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220; fax 513-487-6046; or e-mail <a href="mailto:Jeffrey.Goldsmith@va.gov">Jeffrey.Goldsmith@va.gov</a>. </P> <P>The authors disclosed no relevant financial relationships.</P>