Panic attacks can be triggered by too much stress, a traumatic event in one life, or even by consuming too much caffeine or other stimulants. No matter what the underlying cause, a panic attack is always sudden and unexpected. Some individuals have one panic attack and then are never affected again, but when panic attacks are recurring a panic disorder is diagnosed. This type of disorder most often develops in early adulthood, but can begin in childhood or adolescence, and if not taken care of can lead to other anxiety disorders such as phobias. One third of all people with panic disorder develop phobias.
Panic disorder can also lead to depression and substance abuse.
Twice as many women than men are diagnosed with this disorder. Phobias A phobia is an irrational fear of a situation or thing, such as a fear of heights or insects. Other types of phobias include social phobias, the fear of doing things in public, or agoraphobia, the fear open spaces. Phobias can become so serious that a person will go to extreme lengths to avoid the object of their fear. This can severely limit a person's activity and even confine them completely to their home.