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Sleep
Paralysis Plagues African Americans By
Jennifer Day
That’s sleep paralysis, a relatively understudied
phenomenon that seems to occur more frequently among African Americans. “It’s commonly referred to as ‘being ridden by the witch’ in the African-American community,” said Orlena Merritt-Davis, MD, a Wayne State University School of Medicine assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences.
Dr. Merritt-Davis is part of a larger effort at the
School of Medicine led by Thomas Uhde, MD, associate dean for research and
graduate programs, to better understand the link between
panic disorder and different types of frightening arousals from
sleep. Panic disorder is characterized by sudden episodes of overwhelming
anxiety (panic attacks) that often include a number of physical symptoms
such as sweating, racing heart and shortness of breath. During an episode,
individuals often believe they are having a heart attack or going crazy.
Attacks may occur during sleep and, like sleep paralysis, may be extremely
frightening. “Right now, we’re trying to learn more about sleep paralysis and its relationship to panic disorder,” said Dr. Uhde, who is recognized worldwide for his work on panic disorder. “Sleep paralysis in African Americans is remarkably understudied.”
In one study, 15
percent of African Americans who experienced sleep paralysis also had panic
disorder, Dr. Merritt-Davis said. “Unfortunately, African Americans are
significantly underrepresented in mental health research,” she said.
“Reasons cited include mistrust of research, stigma associated with
mental illness and the lack of African-American researchers.” The study seeks
to recruit 100 volunteers. Half of the group will be African American. For more information on the study or to volunteer,
call (888) 362-7792.
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