Would a diagnosis be helpful in this situation..?!
Question: I have night terrors quite frequently (i.e. several times a month) I only get a break from the night terrors when I am really sleep deprived and REM rebound sets in. I also have a pretty exaggerated startle response. I am, as one might say, very jumpy. My night terrors have caused me problems: the cops have come to my door because of the screaming, I disrupt my husband's sleep and he says it hurts his heart (like potential heart attack causer) and I also wake up the baby. Is there anything they can do for this condition? I am already prescribed zoloft for PPD. The night terrors and startle may be the result of PTSD as I was the victim of a violent attack several years ago. Would it be of benefit to seek psychiatric help even though I am already on medication?
Answers: I have night terrors quite frequently (i.e. several times a month) I only get a break from the night terrors when I am really sleep deprived and REM rebound sets in. I also have a pretty exaggerated startle response. I am, as one might say, very jumpy. My night terrors have caused me problems: the cops have come to my door because of the screaming, I disrupt my husband's sleep and he says it hurts his heart (like potential heart attack causer) and I also wake up the baby. Is there anything they can do for this condition? I am already prescribed zoloft for PPD. The night terrors and startle may be the result of PTSD as I was the victim of a violent attack several years ago. Would it be of benefit to seek psychiatric help even though I am already on medication?
You sound like an IDEAL candidate for psychotherapy. It is highly likely that your night terrors and increased startle response are part and parcel of the trauma you experienced. Zoloft, of course, does not "cure" PTSD, but can be helpful in managing related anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Psychotherapy can be an incredibly value tool in the treatment of PTSD. I strongly encourage you to seek the services of a psychologist (not a psychiatrist, as most are NOT adequately trained in the provision of psychotherapy - rather- they are trained in medication management).
One promising new(ish) approach to PTSD treatment is called "EMDR". It would be worth your while to find a therapist who is trained in this treatment modality.
Hang in there,
~M~
Yes, it sounds like working through the prior attack with a skilled therapist would be a benefit. PTSD rarely if ever goes away on its own. Meds do not resolve it. Just because the worst of your symptoms are at night does not mean they are not significant. Antidepressants help with depression and anxiety. Therapy helps resolve post-trauma.
absolutely seek therapy...be proud of yourself...admitting you need help...is always the first step....you deserve peace of mind...and you are worth it...
YES!!!!
I can only recommend you get some books on meditation .self control ,In stead of thinking about the fears when going to bed .take slow deep breaths a slow count of ten in through the nose ,hold the count of three ,out the count of ten through the mouth tense up from the toes to the top of you're head hold for a short time then let everything relax ,
keep the breathing going try and slow the heart rate .concentrate on the fact you are in control of you're thoughts you are present in your dreams.you are in control.
the ninja never really left there subconscious to rule. there life is to be constantly aware of the surroundings even in rest .Don't look for the ultimate sleep search for the control of you're thoughts. Join tai chi tell the master what you are dealing with that is the best thing to do .The martial arts with a good master is the way not medication .
I agree with the other posters that you could benefit from some therapy. Have you ever tried lucid dreaming? This is where you are aware of what you are dreaming and can change the outcome of your dreams to a more positive one. I used to have terrible nightmares but have practically eliminated them by using lucid dreaming. I know that nightmares and night terrors are two different things, but a nightmare may be causing the night terrors, so it's worth a try. In the source below there is a link to an mp3 you can listen to while sleeping that can guide you into lucid dreaming. It was very helpful for me.
if they meds arent working go ahead talk to your doctor and maybe a psychologist to see if there is a root problem to these terrors
Yes! By all means go into therapy. Clearly you need more than just medication. Please call and make an appointment as soon as possible. Best of luck. kjl