Constantly in Fear of the Next Panic Attack

About the Symptom

Anticipatory anxiety is worry or fear in regards to something that will take place in the future. A panic attack is an abrupt and intense rush of fear or discomfort that reaches peak within minutes and can include physical symptoms. It can be caused by many different medical or psychiatric conditions.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Constantly in fear of the next panic attack

Possible Causes

Generally, Constantly in fear of the next panic attack can be related to:

• Anxiety

  Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a condition in which a person experiences intense, excessive, and persistent worry about a variety of things for six or more months. While anxiety is normal in stressful situations, excessive anxiety can be an indicator of an underlying anxiety disorder and interfere with daily living.

• Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

  Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition causing an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate, which can result in blood clots in the heart. It increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. Common causes include heart valve diseases and heart failure.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  A condition with recurring episodes of abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS is diagnosed when no clear cause can be found despite investigations. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but stress and certain foods are known to cause flare-ups.

• Hyperventilation Syndrome / Panic Attacks
• Lung Cancer
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Benign Arrhythmias (Palpitations)

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Do you fear the next panic attack?

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