Electroencephalographs Study of Nighttime Panic Attacks

Authors:
  • ILIra M. Lesser
    Ira M. Lesser
  • RPRussell E. Poland
    Russell E. Poland
  • CHCarlos Holcomb
    Carlos Holcomb
  • DRDianne E. Rose
    Dianne E. Rose
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Abstract
A woman whose condition was diagnosed as agoraphobia with panic attacks participated in an all-night polysomnographic study. During the night she experienced a panic attack that was phenomenologically similar to her daytime attacks. The attack occurred suddenly, arising from stage 3-4 (delta) sleep. There was no disruption of sleep architecture immediately before awakening. The occurrence of this panic attack during sleep is discussed in the context of other nighttime sleep disorders.