br How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Panic Attack br While anxiety and panic attacks do have similar symptoms there br are differences that you should be aware of. br br For instance a panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming br fear and anxiety that usually occurs without any clear reason and br without warning. br br Most of the time these attacks are a one time occurrence, but br some people experience recurring episodes. Recurring episodes br are often caused by a trigger, like speaking in front of a crowd or br doing a presentation at work. br br Panic attacks may also be a part of another disorder such as br depression, panic disorder, or social phobia. These disorders are br generally harmless, but people who suffer with them still feel as if br their life is out of control. br br A panic attack can happen anytime, but it usually happens when br you are away from home. You may be at a store shopping, at work br preparing for a presentation, in a class, driving, walking down the br street or even during asleep. br br Recurring panic attacks along with persistent anxiety for future br attacks and major changes in behavior can be considered a br panic disorder. br br There are two main symptoms of panic disorder: br br 1 - Phobic avoidance br 2 - Anticipatory anxiety br br Agoraphobia is traditionally believed a fear of open places or br public places, it literally means "fear of the marketplace." br However, now it is believed that agoraphobia is fear of br experiencing panic attack in a place where help is difficult or br where escape would be difficult. br br People with panic disorder stay generally active, although there br are specific situations that they tend to avoid. On the other hand, br agoraphobics limit their activities because of fearful thoughts. br These fearful thoughts can be very damaging to a person's life as br well as relationships with others.