When a person starts to feel out of control with some thoughts, images or fears that reoccur, that person might be suffering from an anxiety disorder called Obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD). Many of the compulsions and rituals linked to OCD increase the levels of stress and anxiety in a person causing panic attacks to happen. As said by the WebMD, a person that suffers from OCD performs rituals because it lessens anxiety for a moment, but they are still trapped in the endless cycle of behaviors.