Panic Attacks and Sleep Disturbances: A Mental Health Perspective

Q: Panic Attacks and Sleep Disturbances: A Mental Health Perspective

Hello, Miss Cat： Panic disorder, when it occurs, is characterized by significant anxiety, tension, palpitations, shortness of breath, sweaty palms, and discomfort in the chest and abdomen. <br>The episode progresses rapidly, often reaching its peak within just 10 minutes, and ind

Occasional panic attacks, racing thoughts at night, and body jerks while falling asleep..?

Hello, doctor.
In early January, I experienced sudden sharp pain in my heart, numbness in my limbs, tingling in my head, dry eyes, headaches, and dizziness.
One night, I suddenly had a panic attack, and every time I was about to fall asleep, my body would jerk and wake me up, which led to some feelings of depression.
During this period, I consulted both a cardiologist and a neurologist, but no significant issues were found, only mild mitral valve prolapse.
The doctors advised me to relax, but I don't feel particularly stressed; it's just my physical condition that bothers me.
Recently, my symptoms have improved, but I find myself overthinking more easily.
Sometimes, I feel like my hands don't belong to me.
I have experienced panic attacks two or three times, which occurred suddenly.
Last night, I couldn't sleep because my mind was racing, and the jerking awake before falling asleep happened again.
I initially thought everything was due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, but I went to a clinic the day before yesterday to test my autonomic nervous system.
Since my symptoms come and go and I was relaxed during the test, the results showed normal autonomic function, although my depression index was relatively high.
I feel more depressed and overthink when I'm alone.
I would like to ask the doctor if my condition could possibly be related to a brain issue causing my depression and panic attacks.
Thank you.

Mao Mao Mao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/01

Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry

Hello, Miss Cat: Panic disorder, when it occurs, is characterized by significant anxiety, tension, palpitations, shortness of breath, sweaty palms, and discomfort in the chest and abdomen.
The episode progresses rapidly, often reaching its peak within just 10 minutes, and individuals may experience a strong sensation of impending fainting or dying.
However, it is essential to rule out any physical illnesses before confirming that it is solely panic disorder.
While panic disorder is related to brain function and can affect the autonomic nervous system, it may not be diagnosable through tests.
Panic disorder often coexists with depression, and if your symptoms are impacting your daily life, you may seek assistance from a psychosomatic medicine or psychiatry department at a hospital.
Wishing you well.

Reply Date: 2017/03/01

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns regarding your recent health issues, particularly the panic attacks and sleep disturbances. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when faced with such distressing symptoms, especially when they impact your daily life and mental well-being.

From your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of physical sensations and psychological distress. The symptoms you mentioned, such as sudden heart pain, numbness in your limbs, and feelings of panic, can indeed be alarming. However, it’s reassuring to hear that you have consulted with both a cardiologist and a neurologist, and they found no significant underlying issues apart from mild mitral valve prolapse. This condition is relatively common and often does not lead to serious complications, but it can sometimes contribute to anxiety or panic symptoms.

Panic attacks are characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills, or hot flashes, and feelings of unreality or detachment. The fact that you experience these attacks, especially when trying to fall asleep, suggests that anxiety may be playing a significant role in your symptoms.

Your experience of feeling detached from your body, such as thinking your hands are not your own, can be a form of depersonalization, which is often associated with anxiety and panic disorders. This sensation can be distressing, but it is typically a temporary response to overwhelming stress or anxiety.

It’s also important to consider the role of sleep disturbances in your situation. Sleep is crucial for mental health, and disturbances can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. The phenomenon of your body jerking awake just before sleep, known as hypnic jerks, is common and can be triggered by stress or anxiety. It’s essential to establish a calming bedtime routine to help signal to your body that it’s time to relax and sleep.

While you mentioned that you don’t feel particularly stressed, it’s possible that your body is reacting to the physical symptoms and the uncertainty surrounding them. The mind and body are closely connected, and physical health issues can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can exacerbate physical symptoms.

Given your elevated depression score and the recurring panic attacks, I recommend seeking support from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can provide a thorough assessment and may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is effective for treating anxiety and panic disorders. Medication may also be an option if your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life.

In the meantime, consider implementing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle physical activity like yoga. These practices can help ground you and reduce anxiety levels.

Lastly, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and any changes you experience. They can help monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

Take care of yourself, and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength. You are not alone in this journey, and with the right support, you can find relief from these distressing symptoms.

Best wishes for your health and well-being.

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