Patient 56 Report:

Assigned Supervisor: Dr Edric Mercier

Sleep Study 6

Summary:

Patient 56 (real name Eliza Gardis), age 26 years was on the 25th November, 1967, collected from Stillwater Asylum and initiated into WoSRC's Project Nocturne, Sleep Study 6.

Eliza was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and anxiety in childhood, and surrendered to Stillwater at the age of 11. Her records detail that during her last days with her birth family, she suddenly panicked, ran into traffic, and was declared missing for thirty-two hours, until she was found hiding in an abandoned property eleven miles away, despite having sustained a significant trauma in a collision with a truck. The paramedics and Accident and Emergency staff reported how Eliza insisted a 'bogeyman' had found and chased her.

Her parents admitted her to Stillwater Asylum soon after, under the reasoning that they were not equipped to cope with Eliza's condition. She was admitted while still recovering from her injuries, and was immediately placed under heavy sedation. She remained highly medicated using powerful antipsychotics until she was selected for the project.

Dr Edric Mercier volunteered to act as supervisor for the duration of Miss Gardis' treatment, his reasoning has been recorded below:

"Diagnoses like these are very uncommon in patients of such a young age. She has already lost so many years to neglect, being drugged and left a husk of her former self - which is the usual reaction to these cases. Which is why the work of WoSRC and Project Nocturne is so important. If this works, we could give Eliza her life back, and let her return to her family."

Overview of Project Nocturne:

Nocturne is a sleep and behavioural study conducted by WoSRC (World Sleep Research Centre), and headed by Dr Alistair Moore, PhD.

Its purpose is to gain understanding and explore the potential use of simulated dreams to treat or cure mental disorders.

The team at WoSRC have developed a sleep system allowing controlled sensory, and chemical stimulation, as well as electrical stimulation in the parts of the brain involved in making/sustaining dreams during REM sleep. In theory, it can be used to influence every aspect of a patient's dream, helping them cope better in their waking lives.

Sleep Study 6 specialises in treatment for those with visual and audial hallucinations, particularly when the patient experiences high levels of stress. It uses a combination of therapies to desensitize patients to their triggers, help them better control their thought processes, decrease the intensity of their hallucinations, and cope better in their day-to-day.

Complication Report: Patient experiencing REM parasomnia

Date: 13/1/1968

Comments:

Patient 56 had been responding well to treatment since the beginning of the testing phase. After sessions, when her symptoms were assessed, she described feeling at ease, and visual/audial disturbances were significantly reduced. She presented as healthy, with low levels of anxiety and generally had a more positive attitude towards life. She may well have served as one of Nocturne's most significant success stories.

When the subject of her so-named 'bogeyman' vision was brought up, she appeared a little agitated, but much calmer on the whole.

Her exact words in regards to it were:

"He doesn't know I'm here yet. He can't find me."

That all changed after the events on the afternoon of the 12th. The site had experienced a light snowfall, and the patients were offered the chance to spend an hour outside in the fresh air.

Eliza showed reluctance to wanting to go out, asking for an extra scarf to cover her face. Her request was approved. During the outing, Nurse Greyson forcibly removed her scarf. Her reasoning has been reported in the following statement:

"Well, she couldn't see where she was going through that! She could have fallen flat on her face, or walked into a lamppost! Whoever agreed to send her out like that should get the boot."

Eliza quickly grew agitated, describing how the 'bogeyman' had found her and was coming for her. She was restrained, taken back to her room, and sedated.

Another session was prepared for that evening. She remained in her restraints for concern that she would try to run, risking harm to herself and others. She made further mentions of this 'bogeyman,' claiming he would try and take her as she slept. The patient was assured she would be watched over by her supervisor and his team.

Approximately 65 minutes after falling asleep, Eliza entered REM sleep. Her readings were normal at first, then quickly deteriorated as an unexpected minor malfunction of the sleep system caused a temporary loss of control over the dream state. She regained consciousness, but remained in REM sleep, therefore experiencing REM parasomnia, otherwise known as sleep paralysis. The moment she regained some motor function, she shrieked, almost at enough volume to cause irreparable damage to her vocal chords. She once again demonstrated a deathly fear towards her 'bogeyman' hallucination. In response, she was sedated and the session was terminated.

Follow-up Assessment:

Date: 14/1/1968

56 remains sedated, and all sleep sessions have been discontinued until the reason behind the malfunction can be determined.

Follow-up Assessment:

Date: 17/1/1968

The sleep system has been properly evaluated. The cause behind the fault is still unknown, but as it appears to be functioning optimally, sessions are being resumed.

Patient 56 Report:

Assigned Supervisor: Dr Edric Mercier

Sleep Study 7

Date: 20/1/1968

After an assessment by Dr Moore, 56 has been moved to Sleep Study 7.

Sleep Study 7 is a recently added experimental trial. Like 6, it specialises in treatment for those with visual and audial hallucinations, but for extremely sensitive cases. It has an additional treatment method which involves shared-dreaming - connecting a patient and a medical practitioner to the same dream, so immediate intervention can be provided.

The session is arranged for 21:00 this evening. Dr Mercier has nominated himself to be her dream partner.

Results of Session:

After the dream-sharing session was completed, it was concluded that Miss Gardis has been misdiagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. The nature of her physical experience with this 'bogeyman' does not match with patients accurately diagnosed with the condition. The supervisor has assured her that her visions are in fact very real, that it is a physical or possibly phantasmal force that has been interfering with the sleep system and actively hunting the patient. Its exact intentions remain unknown, as on waking, Dr Mercier attacked the apparition with a live electrical cable. The creature that haunted Eliza since childhood has finally been confronted, and over the coming days, significant improvements in her mental health are anticipated. She may well be discharged to the care of her birth family soon.

Dr Mercier has been removed from Project Nocturne and has been sent for a complete psychological assessment. Patient 56 will be kept on for further testing.