At that point, I just knew that I was going to die. As it turned out, I didn't have a heart attack. I didn't go crazy, and I'm still alive to tell you about what I went through. I was having what doctors call a panic attack. Thoughts of dying or going crazy are common among people having a panic attack.
Panic disorder is different from a panic attack.
Panic disorder results from the long term effects of the attack itself. Complications of this disorder include the fear of having another attack, agoraphobia, and drug or alcohol abuse. According to the National Mental Health Institute, between 20 and 30 million Americans suffer panic disorder. Although panic attacks have been around for centuries, doctors are now beginning to understand what causes these terrifying experiences. In this system, the body prepares either to run from danger or stand up and fight.