Not necessarily. Panic attacks are sudden and intense feelings of terror, fear or apprehension, without the presence of actual danger. Even though your experience may not have been caused by actual “external” danger, you were probably overwhelmed by very real fear. Due to the intense symptoms of panic attacks, and the fact that they often occur without warning, the inner experience is frequently plagued with all sorts of potential dangers. For example, what if I’m having a heart attack? What if I’m going crazy? What if I have an attack while driving and lose control of my car?
In order for a diagnosis of panic disorder to be made, one must experience recurring panic attacks that are not caused by the effects of drugs, alcohol or another medical or psychological condition. It is possible that you had an isolated panic attack and will not have another occurrence. But, since panic-like symptoms may mimic many other disorders, it is important to review your symptoms with your medical doctor.
