The situationally bound and predisposed Panic Attacks are usually associated with Social Phobia or Specific Phobias. In this case the person will receive the diagnosis of the phobia. A person who is diagnosed as Panic Disorder may currently have limited symptom attacks, but will have had full symptom attacks in the past. Likewise, people may suffer from limited symptom attacks, and because they do not meet all the criteria for Panic Disorder, are not given that diagnosis. None the less, limited symptoms attacks can be severe and disabling.
Some asthmatic medications can produce hyperventilation.
It is not unusual for people to self-medicate for panic attacks through the use of marijuana, alcohol and barbiturates. Withdrawal from alcohol, barbiturates and tranquilizers can provoke panic attacks. Marijuana use creates more disability and should be discontinued. Use of psychedelic drugs has also been implicated in panic attacks. Panic attacks brought about by drugs or medications would not be diagnosed as Panic Disorder, but should be dealt with medically or by discontinuing the use of the drug.