The condition can begin at any age. Examples are fear of snakes, fear of flying, or fear of closed spaces. Some of these phobias are often normal in early childhood. The illness can begin any time from late childhood through early adulthood and, left untreated, worsens with time. Panic Disorders Panic disorders afflict 1.5 million Americans during any six-month period.
Victims suddenly suffer intense, overwhelming terror for no apparent reason.
Often, people suffering a panic attack for the first time rush to the hospital, convinced they are having a heart attack. Sufferers can't predict when the attacks will occur. Certain situations, however, such as driving a car, can become associated with them if it was in those situations where the first attack occurred. Untreated, panic sufferers can despair and become suicidal. People with OCD suffer with obsessions, which are repeated, intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause distress and extreme anxiety.