Is this a phobia or just a panic disorder?

Question

Starting around the age of 20, I have been getting panic attacks and it has been progressing for the past 4 yrs.
I can't remember the first time, but I can remember most of the triggers were movie theaters (when the movie was getting really intense), and then standing on open fields (playing an instrument for a band). It has gotten so bad now that when I go to class in college I come in thinking "ok this won't happen again" and then persay my math teacher starts talking about the answer to an equation not being valid because then it will be like 3.666666 on forever etc etc. Like the idea of the number going on forever triggers my panic attack, and i sit in my chair and fidgit and get short of breath and I have to leave the class on numerous occasions only making it worse to come back into class, cause I feel like that weird girl in class.
It's hard to watch tv shows about the universe, and it's hard to wait at a red stop lights when driving cause i get so anxious to go. any ideas?

Answer 1

To me it sounds like you have a phobia, which with time and some therapy can be cured.

Good luck, I know it's hard.

Answer 2

Agoraphobia is a form of anxiety disorder, the abnormal fear of expecting or experiencing a difficult or embarrassing situation from which the sufferer cannot find an escape. This translaton is the reason of the common misconception that agoraphobia is a fear of open spaces. This is most often not the case since people suffering from agoraphobia usually are not afraid of the open spaces themselves, but of public spaces or of situations where a person is afraid of having a panic attack and will not be able to receive help.

There's nothing wrong with you. Anxiety, panic attacks, phobias and obsessions are NOT caused by mental or physical illness. Anxiety disorders and panic attacks are caused by a tiny change in the way the brain handles anxiety signals from the sensory organs. You need to retrain your brain, just like learning a new language..

Answer 3

I have the same feelings when I encounter open fields. If I am skating at the ice arena I have to stay by the boards because I feel all of balance out in the middle, or in the middle of the gym with a bunch of people exercising, I have to stay near a wall or I feel all of balance. Driving also does it say if I am on a big interstate and there are hills like in Tennessee and I am going up and down hils. I don't have an answer for you-I wish I did. I had to comment when I read about the open fields because you are not alone in feeling that way. Take care.

Answer 4

A therapist can help you get through this. I used to always carry a paper bag to put over my head and breathe when an attack started. Well, you'd need to leave the room first, but it works for hyperventilation. It's anxiety, but you will have to find the cause and overcome it. Millions of us have or have had it.

Answer 5

However the shrink decides to classify it, the good news is that it's treatable and won't cost you too much. If in the UK you can even fix this on the NHS. It's one of the things that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy actually works for.

Go to your GP and make sure you have evidence of a serious debilitating effect on your life and your ability to pay taxes; dependents if you can arrange them, becoming dangerous to drive, whatever. Give the GP plenty of reasons to refer you.

Don't let it carry on longer than it has to.

Answer 6

It sounds like you all ready know the answer. This sounds like a panic disorder. You should seek treatment. Panic disorders can be treatable with the help of medication & talk therapy. This may not be something you have to suffer with. Best of luck to you.

Answer 7

ya might want to lay off caffeine ..seriously

Answer 8

It's a phobia