Diagnosis of nocturnal panic attacks
In order to make a diagnosis, various tests must first be performed. These are usually carried out by a family doctor. In order to carry out further investigations with regard to night panic attacks, the affected persons are finally referred to a therapist or a psychosomatic clinic.
These can use targeted external assessment questions to distinguish an anxiety disorder from panic attacks. A panic attack, even at night, can usually be clearly distinguished from an anxiety disorder. In comparison to an anxiety disorder, panic attacks occur without any connection to exertion or dangerous situations.
Course of the disease with nocturnal panic attacks
Without treatment of the nocturnal panic attacks they can last for many years. The panic attacks occur at different intervals, either more or less frequently. They can affect the affected person enormously in his everyday life and especially in his nightly sleep.
It is not uncommon for such disorders to cause further clinical pictures in those affected – for example depression.With the help of a psychotherapist or targeted medication, night panic disorders can be reduced or even avoided. It is generally true that panic attacks do not disappear by themselves, so that consulting a doctor is recommended in any case. Taking medication on one’s own without consulting a physician or trying to reduce anxiety through alcohol can cause significant addictive disorders and is not considered recommended in any case.
Treatment of nocturnal panic attacks
For the treatment of nocturnal panic attacks, the usual therapy is a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy and medication. Alternatively, psychodynamic psychotherapy can be used to counteract the panic attacks. In addition, there are some self-help groups that can support the affected persons if necessary.
Sport is also considered helpful. In cognitive-behavioral therapy, the affected person is first informed about his or her psychological disorder so that he or she can better understand how the night-time panic attacks occur. Even the knowledge about typical characteristics or the knowledge that many people suffer from such symptoms can usually alleviate the anxiety a little.
In the following step, the affected person consciously tries to trigger a panic attack on himself. This step is intended to give the affected person a feeling of control, as it is the first time he or she has initiated the panic attack himself or herself. In addition, the present therapist can now try to make the harmlessness of the panic attack clear to the affected person.
The patient should face his panic attacks again and again in the following sessions and thus get a feeling of control and security. The fear of a future panic attack can thus be consciously reduced. If such a cognitive behavioral therapy does not show any effect, psychodynamic psychotherapy is considered.
In this process, the responsible therapist investigates the background of the nocturnal panic attacks so that possible triggers and causes can be identified and treated. The affected person may then be able to access suppressed feelings, so that he or she realizes that unresolved conflicts and not physical complaints are the trigger for the panic attacks. But specific breathing exercises or the avoidance of stress can also specifically reduce the night-time panic attacks.
In general, however, one should always seek the advice of a doctor or therapist regarding treatment options. You can read about the individual treatment methods under
- Behavioral Therapy
- Therapy and support for children and adolescents with behavioural problems
Nocturnal panic attacks can be treated with medication in addition to behavioral and psychotherapy. Drugs from the antidepressant class are particularly recommended.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines are examples of typical drugs used to treat nocturnal panic attacks. Serotonin is considered one of the main triggers of a panic attack. SSRIs prevent the serotonin from returning to the cells – it is therefore no longer able to trigger a panic attack.
The benzodiazepines, on the other hand, work in a different way. They are generally considered to be a sedative drug, which reduces anxiety and panic. However, benzodiazepines should always be used with caution because they can become addictive quickly. Antidepressants, like all other drugs, can cause side effects. Make sure you know about them before taking them:
- Side effects of antidepressants
- Serotonin Syndrome
