1055 High Prevalence of Symptoms of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Single Trauma: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with violent nightmares affecting 50–90% of patients. Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), affecting 0.5–4.8% of the general population, may reach 15% prevalence in veterans with PTSD mostly related to repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic event (type 2 trauma). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of probable RBD (pRBD) and its relationship with PTSD symptom severity in patients with PTSD following a sudden and single traumatic event (type 1 trauma). Methods In this single-center, cross-sectional study, French-speaking adults aged 18–50 years with DSM-5 PTSD after type 1 trauma were recruited from the Emergency Medical and Psychological Unit (CUMP) at Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital. Participants completed the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ), the International RBD Symptom Severity Scale (IRBD-SSS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results Forty-one patients (17 men; mean age 36.27±10.39) were included. The prevalence of pRBD (RBDSQ ≥ 5) was 73.17%. PTSD severity correlated with RBD symptom severity (r = 0.529, p=0.003), especially nightmares (r=0.605, p< 0.0001). In the pRBD+ group, RBD severity correlated with unwanted upsetting memories (r=0.507), traumatic dreams (r=0.465), anhedonia (r=0.499), social withdrawal (r=0.453), irritability (r=0.404), concentration difficulties (r=0.587), and sleep disturbances (r=0.587). Conclusion Probable RBD is highly prevalent in PTSD related to a single traumatic event. Its association with PTSD symptom severity supports shared neurobiological pathways and underlines the need for systematic sleep assessment in PTSD management. Support (if any)