After a few minutes I started to settle down, but I was worried that it might happen again. My doctor said it wasn't a heart attack. This frightening experience is all too common for many individuals. Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by a number of anxiety symptoms including palpitations, rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness or tingling, chills or hot flashes, and fears of dying or going crazy. Some individuals may also develop agoraphobia, which involves avoiding places or situations in which panic attacks might occur, like being in a crowd, being on a bridge, or traveling in an automobile.
Agoraphobia can have a crippling influence on day to day functioning.
In its most severe form it can render sufferers completely housebound. Avoiding anxiety becomes a consuming concern. A number of factors may contribute. Most panic sufferers report experiencing a significant life stressor at the time of their first panic attack. Fearful thoughts and avoidance patterns may develop, unfortunately serving to increase anxiety and the likelihood of panic.