sleep terror disorder [AS, slaepan + L, terrere, to frighten] , a condition occurring during stage 3 or 4 of nonrapid eye movement sleep. It is characterized by repeated episodes of abrupt awakening, usually with a panicky scream, accompanied by intense anxiety, confusion, agitation, disorientation, unresponsiveness, marked motor movements, and total amnesia concerning the event. The disorder usually occurs in children, is more common in boys than in girls, and is extremely variable in frequency but is more likely to occur if the individual is fatigued or under stress or has been given a tricyclic antidepressant or neuroleptic at bedtime. Compare nightmare. See also pavor nocturnus.
