Nocturnal panic attacks

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2002 Sep;60(3-B):717-20. doi: 10.1590/s0004-282x2002000500006.

Abstract

The panic-respiration connection has been presented with increasing evidences in the literature. We report three panic disorder patients with nocturnal panic attacks with prominent respiratory symptoms, the overlapping of the symptoms with the sleep apnea syndrome and a change of the diurnal panic attacks, from spontaneous to situational pattern. The implication of these findings and awareness to the distinct core of the nocturnal panic attacks symptoms may help to differentiate them from sleep disorders and the search for specific treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Dyspnea / complications*
  • Dyspnea / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nortriptyline / therapeutic use*
  • Panic Disorder / drug therapy
  • Panic Disorder / etiology*
  • Panic Disorder / psychology
  • Polysomnography
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / complications*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / drug therapy
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / psychology

Substances

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
  • Nortriptyline