anxiety attack at night?

Question

I know someone who is having serious panic/anxiety attacks at night, they will wake up screaming at the top of their lungs" oh my f$$king god!!!" and stands up and runs and slams their self into the door, as hard as you can ever imagine, and seems out of it too. I am really worried but they refuse to get help, even though they almost broke their leg the other night doing this. please sleep nurses or what ever giving some idea what I can do> thanks

Answer 1

This person may be experiencing night terrors. Although seen primarily in children they can happen to adults too.
It is characterized by repeated episodes of abrupt awakening, usually with a panicky scream, and accompanied by intense anxiety, confusion, agitation, disorientation, unresponsiveness, marked motor movements, and total amnesia concerning the event.

In both adults and children, night terrors may be caused by unresolved psychological conflicts, traumatic events or fatigue. Particularly among adults, prescription drugs such as antihistamines, decongestants, levodopa, reserpine, beta blockers, and antidepressants, as well as withdrawal from addictive drugs, all can provoke sleep disturbance.

It's really important that this person see a doctor right away, who most likely will refer them to a sleep specialist. This person is most likely unwilling to get help because they're afraid of what they may find out; just reassure them that this can be easily treated. Here's a link about night terrors if you'd like to read more. http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/341/main.html#TreatmentofNightTerrors

Even if it's not a night terror then the trip to the doctor won't be wasted because obviously something is affecting this person and they need help.

Answer 2

I've had panic attacks in my sleep, and it is nothing like you've described....I mean, grant it, they are different for everyone, but what you are describing sound like nightmares (like the previous poster described). When I have a panic attack in my sleep, it's just like having one when I'm awake except that I'm sleeping, and the attacks wake me up....rapid heartbeat, feelings of going crazy, sweating, tremors....in addition, it would be highly unsual if this person was only having attacks in their sleep, and not when they are awake....encourage the person to see a therapist, or a licensed counselor.

Answer 3

The person needs to see a professional counselor such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The family doctor can make a referal.

Answer 4

Probably very little you can do but get him/her to talk to a doctor?

I suppose you can talk to them and see if there is reason for attack? Rape? Mugging? Bullied in past?

Answer 5

try some Valium