Preoedipal conflicts intensify the danger of oedipal longings for panic patients.
Competition with the same-sex parent is linked with angry preoedipal fantasies and associated fears of disruption in attachments. Fantasied or actual successes can thus trigger panic episodes. Regression to a helpless, dependent state such as panic defends against the danger of aggressive, competitive fantasies and actual achievements. However, the regressive state can also be experienced as dangerous, and can be linked with frightening homosexual fantasies. A reactive aggressive oedipal stance can sometimes result, triggering escalating turmoil.