Yes, specific phobia can be associated with panic attacks. When you have a specific phobia and you are exposed to your feared situation or object, then this exposure can lead to a panic attack. For example, let's say you have a fear of bridges. So whenever you cross a bridge, this exposure may be so anxiety-provoking that you have a full-blown panic attack. In fact, panic attacks are associated with a few different anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder (when you are exposed to social situations), specific phobia, and panic disorder. The following chart summarizes which anxiety disorders are associated with panic attacks:
