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Irregular breathing during sleep in patients with panic disorder
M B Stein1, T W Millar, D K Larsen
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Patients with panic disorder exhibit irregular nocturnal breathing patterns, including abnormal tidal volume and microapneas during sleep. These findings suggest underlying respiratory irregularities even when anxiety is not manifest.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Panic disorder is often associated with altered respiratory patterns.
- Previous research suggests increased irregular breathing in awake patients with panic disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nocturnal breathing patterns in patients with panic disorder.
- To determine if respiratory irregularities occur during sleep in the absence of manifest anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Respiratory polysomnography was performed on 14 patients with panic disorder and 14 healthy controls.
- Ventilatory variability and irregular breathing indices were analyzed during sleep.
- Data analysis was conducted by blinded raters.
Main Results:
- Patients with panic disorder showed increased tidal volume irregularity during REM sleep.
- An elevated rate of microapneas (brief breathing pauses) was observed in patients.
- A subgroup of patients exhibited subtle breathing disorders exceeding 95th percentile norms.
Conclusions:
- Nocturnal breathing irregularities in panic disorder patients are confirmed.
- These findings align with observations of irregular breathing in the awake state.
- Potential links to altered brainstem CO2 sensitivity and sleep panic attacks are discussed.