Good answer by Green. You know, those of us with panic disorder are all still here -- we all think we're going to die, but we don't. I get very anxious while driving on bridges or freeways, and I've even stopped the car to let someone else drive and thought I was going to lose control, but I never have. I just think I'm going to. That's the joke about this stupid disease -- we have it, but it doesn't really exist, in the sense that the things we're afraid of don't actually lead to anything terrible happening other than us feeling like something terrible is going to happen. My sister used to hyperventilate, but nothing terrible ever happened to her because of it. I don't, but I have the same stupid disease. You just have to get to the point, which I never have but know people who have, where you get past this ridiculous thinking. It's hard, because it is a disease, something's causing it, but people have done it. That's your cure, if there is one.
Good question and one I've not given much thought to before. The two ideas that popped into my head would be spending a lifetime of needless suffering if that person did not get the help they needed........the second thought being that a severe panic attack while driving could cause the driver to totally lose control of their car........I needn't go into what could happen then.
If you'r asking more about immediate, physical sorts of things that could happen, and more specifically "the worst" thing that could happen..........I have read where a few people have hyperventalated so badly, they pass out, but as soon as they're breathing has returned to normal, they are just fine. That is, to my knowledge, the very worst that could happen. And that is, apparently, very rare. You will not have a heart attack or go insane or die......even though it feels that way........it just doesn't happen.
Are you asking this question for yourself or a friend? Have you, or they, just experienced a panic attack? What happened to cause you to write to an anxiety forum and ask this question?
If you've been told you've got panic disorder, which is something a doctor needs to diagnose, he/she certainly should have given you far more information. There is a wealth of excellent information on panic disorder out there. You've made an excellent start by coming here. I'm sure there will be many responses to your question, so I hope you keep coming back. Most of us are old pros at panic/anxiety and depression, so please talk to us. We can tell you much that will relieve your mind.
Please write!
Peace
Greenlydia