One out of five adults experiences a panic attack. And left untreated, one can turn into many and the fear of having just one more can be overwhelming.

Psychotherapist Meghan Lemery said, "Their heart starts pounding, sweating, racing thoughts."

It happens most frequently in the car, at stop lights, and it can come on without warning.

Lemery said, "Most people get so terrified they go to the emergency room thinking that they're in full blown cardiac arrest when in fact it's a panic attack."

According to Lemery, over time, chronic stress can lead to panic attacks.

She said, "A tingling sensation in your arms and in your legs and thoughts of death preoccupied with, oh, my goodness, I'm going to pass out, I'm going to die. This is it."

Panic attacks can start anywhere, a random grocery store, movie theater, even at home. Situations like financial stress, job loss, maybe a divorce can cause panic attacks, but unresolved emotional problems may also be to blame.

Lemery said, "People that have grown up with some sort of emotional trauma in the past that they have never really dealt with, they have pushed down and repressed then all of a sudden they are at a stop light and they have a full blown panic attack and don't know why."

Using drugs, alcohol, nicotine and a lack of sleep can can make it worse.

Lemery said, "A diet high in sugar, caffeine and a lack of sleep is gonna make you feel more anxious."

Because women are more likely to seek help, it appears that it affects them more frequently. In reality, it affects men also. Unfortunately they don't seek help as often and tend to self medicate.

Lemery said, "Men tend to internalize anxiety and stress. Alcohol is a great way to treat the symptoms and feel more relaxed, however, it's not a long term effect of a treatment and it can lead to alcoholism."

When experiencing a panic attack, concentrate on your breathing.

Lemery said, "When we're anxious we tend to be shallow breathers, which just increases our heart rate more. If you can and again, you're in the moment so it can be difficult, stop and take deep belly breaths and just try to relax."

Treatment can include therapy, medication and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Lemery said, "Do the basics of self care. Have someone in your life whose really supportive you can talk to. Exercise, move around and make sure you laugh. With that you won't have to live in fear anymore."