Sleep Paralysis
Historical, Psychological, and Medical Perspectives
Brian A Sharpless author Karl Doghramji author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc
Published:20th Aug '15
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Sleep paralysis (characterized by an inability to move, conscious awareness in sleep, and vivid hallucinations) has a history that spans over two-thousand years. However, despite this expansive history, it is only in recent times that a scientific evidence base has accrued. The authors explore sleep paralysis from a range of historical perspectives, placing the phenomenon in a context relevant to clinicians and researchers. Dr. Brian Sharpless and Dr. Karl Doghramji's Sleep Paralysis: Historical, Psychological, and Medical Perspectives examines and synthesizes theoretical and empirical literature on sleep disorder. With a focus on phenomenology and prevalence of sleep paralysis, the book situates the disorder within cultural and historical contexts. Sleep paralysis is found to be a well-described, REM-based phenomenon with a number of known behavioral and psychological correlates. The authors compile and summarize the associated features, diagnostic issues, prevalence rates, and potential etiologies. The clinical ramifications of sleep paralysis are also thoroughly examined in this important text. The authors evaluate the available assessment instruments, provide guidance on differential diagnosis, and compile what is known about its clinical impacts. Although a number of individuals are troubled by sleep paralysis, no empirically-established treatments are available. The authors present medication guidance and a brief five session cognitive-behavioral treatment (with a corresponding adherence measure and assessment instrument) for chronic cases.
This is a unique, superb, and enlightening book on sleep paralysis, a very common phenomenon but rarely written about from a scientific, historical, and social point of view. Anyone interested in how this common experience has affected human thought should read this book. This is a wonderful addition to the psychiatric literature. * Michael Joel Schrift, DO, MA (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine), Doody's Notes *
The recently published Sleep Paralysis. . . represents a concise summary of the current state of research in medical and neuro-psychology; leaving little to be desired. Particularly remarkable, is that even the humanities and cultural aspects are taken into account, so that we indeed find a "magnificent integration of humanistic and scientific medicine", as Charles F. Reynolds so aptly writes in the preface. * Dr. Gerhard Mayer, Institut für Grenzgebiete der Psychologie und Psychohygiene, Zeitschrift für Anomalistik (translated from the German) *
This well-written, comprehensive, and easily readable book is destined to become the definitive resource for anyone-professional or lay-wishing to learn about any aspect of sleep paralysis. The authors have done an excellent job in demystifying this fascinating and common condition, proposing the first systematic approach to the evaluation and treatment of this mysterious condition." - Mark W. Mahowald, MD, Professor, Dept. of Neurology, University of MN Medical School (Retired); Adjunct Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University
Dr. Sharpless and Dr. Doghramji have produced an easy-to-read book which provides the most comprehensive and advanced knowledge of sleep paralysis in literature today. The authors have nicely documented sleep paralysis, a phenomenon noted throughout human history and across all cultures. Many folk myths remain entrenched in different cultures, and knowledge of these beliefs is critical to providing culturally sensitive care. This book will be of practical value to clinicians and appeal to people interested in philosophy, anthropology, religion, and the creative arts." - Thomas W. Uhde, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Director, Sleep and Anxiety Disorders Treatment and Research Unit, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
ISBN: 9780199313808
Dimensions: 234mm x 156mm x 16mm
Weight: 426g
304 pages