Pavor

Pavor is a term that refers to intense, overwhelming fear or terror. It is not commonly used in everyday language but appears in medical and psychological contexts, particularly in historical texts. The word "pavor" is derived from Latin, where it means fear or dread. In contemporary usage, it is often associated with specific conditions such as Pavor Nocturnus (night terrors) and Pavor Diurnus (day terrors), although these terms are not widely used in current medical practice.

Overview

Pavor encompasses a range of emotional experiences characterized by sudden, extreme fear that can occur without a clear cause or in response to a specific trigger. It is more intense than typical fear or anxiety reactions and can overwhelm an individual's ability to cope or function normally. Pavor can manifest physically through symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.

Pavor Nocturnus (Night Terrors)

Pavor Nocturnus, commonly known as night terrors, is a sleep disorder primarily affecting children, although it can also occur in adults. It is characterized by episodes of screaming, intense fear, and flailing while still asleep. These episodes are often paired with a temporary inability to regain full consciousness or respond to attempts to comfort the individual. Night terrors are distinct from nightmares in that the person usually does not recall the episode upon waking.

Pavor Diurnus (Day Terrors)

Pavor Diurnus, or day terrors, is less commonly discussed in the literature but refers to similar episodes of intense fear or panic occurring during wakefulness. These episodes can be triggered by specific stimuli or occur spontaneously without apparent cause. Like night terrors, day terrors can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to avoidance behaviors or excessive worry about future episodes.

Treatment and Management

Treatment for conditions associated with pavor typically involves addressing the underlying cause, if known, and may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often effective in helping individuals manage symptoms of anxiety and fear. In cases of night terrors, improving sleep hygiene and creating a safe sleep environment are also important management strategies.

See Also

• Anxiety
• Panic Attack
• Sleep Disorder
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy