Mind Over Matter. Why a Panic Attack Consumes You
Can a panic attack signal a serious health condition?
People who experience panic attacks often believe they might have multiple sclerosis, cancer, Lyme disease, or even a brain tumor. While they might feel as if these explanations are more rational than panic attacks causing physical pain, their proposed diagnoses are very rarely the case, but still contribute to their fear of an impending doom. Of course, if you do feel as if you might have a more serious health problem, it is important to speak with a doctor.
The fear of death can also come from generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or obsessive compulsive disorder. For generalized anxiety, the worst possible situation is often imagined, making it understandable that death would be one. For those with post-traumatic stress, a fear of death is often related to the trauma. For those with OCD, many overanalyze the specifics of the dangers within their daily lives, leading to a fear of death.