This is the fear that one's social behavior or imaginary physical defect will offend or embarrass other people. What all phobias have in common is that the brain makes powerful connections between unpleasant emotions and particular situations. Listen to this NPR discussion about a gene that could influence anxiety. We've all experienced bouts of anxiety. Maybe we worried that we were going to miss a bus or forget the words of a song in an upcoming solo.
Panic attacks are different.
They are much more intense and occur when no real danger exists. Generally, panic attacks occur during or after a long period of stress. Perhaps the sufferer has just moved, had a serious operation, or experienced the death of a loved one. A healthy response to such stressful life situations is to get extra rest or support. But some people have a hard time caring for themselves in this way.