- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Dr. Daniel Hall-Flavin, board certified in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, is a St. Louis native looking to the Internet as a way to help people improve their health and be more active participants in their own health care by learning from Mayo Clinic's experts.
Dr. Hall-Flavin served on the faculties of Cornell University Medical College, New York Medical College and The George Washington University Medical School before joining the Mayo Clinic staff in 1996. He has special interests in adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine. He served as medical director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence from 1986 to 1999, and is currently involved in translational medicine research involving the introduction of pharmacogenetic technology into the daily practice of community psychiatry.
"With the advent of pharmacogenetics and related fields and the advances in translational medicine, informed collaborative relationships between knowledgeable, capable health professionals and informed, proactive individuals and their families are more vital than ever," he said.
"I'm optimistic that our Internet health education activities will contribute to ever-improving health outcomes for all who participate and apply what is learned."
Causes (1)
- Nocturnal panic attacks: What causes them?
Complications (1)
- Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?
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Question
Nocturnal panic attacks: What causes them?
Can someone have a panic attack while sleeping?
Answer
from Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Nighttime (nocturnal) panic attacks occur with no obvious trigger and awaken you from sleep. As with a daytime panic attack, you may experience sweating, rapid heart rate, trembling, shortness of breath, heavy breathing (hyperventilation), flushing or chills, and a sense of impending doom. These signs and symptoms are quite alarming and can mimic those of a heart attack or other serious medical condition. Although nocturnal panic attacks usually last less than 10 minutes, it may take a while to calm down and go back to sleep after you have one.
It's not known what causes panic attacks. Underlying factors may include genetics, stress and certain changes in the way parts of your brain work. In some cases, an underlying condition, such as a sleep disorder, can cause panic-like signs and symptoms. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and whether you should have any tests for a possible underlying condition.
Treatment including medications and mental health counseling (cognitive behavioral therapy) can help prevent panic attacks — and reduce their intensity when they do occur.
Next questionDepression and anxiety: Can I have both?
- Kircanski K. Subtypes of panic attacks: A critical review of the empirical literature. Depression and anxiety. 2009;26:878.
- Sleep disorders: Causes, effects, and solutions. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2008;35:817.
- Panic attacks and panic disorder: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. Helpguide.org. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/panic_disorder_anxiety_attack_symptom_treatment.htm. Accessed Dec. 3, 2011.
- Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minn. Dec. 13, 2011.
- Whiteside SP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minn. Dec. 12, 2011.
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