Sedative hypnotics

Sedative Hypnotics FEP Clinical Rationale RATIONALE FOR INCLUSION IN PA PROGRAM Background Insomnia is defined as complaints of disturbed sleep in the presence of adequate opportunity and circumstance for sleep. The disturbance can consist of one or more of three features: difficulty in initiating sleep; difficulty in maintaining sleep; or waking up too early. Insomnia can be primary or secondary to a variety of medical illnesses, psychiatric disorders, or drug use. Identifying and treating potential underlying conditions or comorbid diagnoses are priorities in the treatment of insomnia. In order to treat insomnia, various treatment modalities should be considered, such as sleep hygiene, sleep restriction, stimulus control and cognitive behavioral therapy, prior to the addition of pharmacotherapy, and continued throughout pharmacotherapy treatment (1-2).