You may genuinely believe you're having a heart attack or stroke, losing your mind, or on the verge of death. Attacks can occur at any time, even waking people from sleep. While most attacks average a couple of minutes, occasionally they can go on for up to 10 minutes. In rare cases, they may last an hour or more. Phobic Disorders Phobias occur in several forms.
Social phobia is a fear of being painfully embarrassed in a social setting.
Social phobia often runs in families and may be accompanied by depression or alcoholism. Agoraphobia, which often accompanies panic disorder, is a fear of being in any situation that might provoke a panic attack, or from which escape may be difficult if one occurred. Severe agoraphobia can result in being housebound. Persistent fears that harm may come to self or a loved one, an unreasonable belief that you have a terrible illness, or an excessive need to do things correctly or perfectly, are common. I must wash them.