I had a panic attack once. I dont think I did that, but maybe. I wasnt watching myself. It happened one day when I was at the tippy top of the World Trade Center, and the elevator doors were opening. I didnt want to get off, but my family exited so I went straight to the bathroom and splashed myself with cold water. My heart raced, I was sweaty, and I felt nauseous. I had suspected I had a fear of heights before that day, but didnt pay it any attention until that happened. I never knew those things (panic attacks) were real until that day. One thing I learned is that they are really irrational. I tried to talk myself out of it, but I didnt feel better until I was lower to the ground.
To your point, though, why did Merkel have a panic attack, if thats what it was?
I had a friend have one a few weeks ago when she read the fine print (all the things that could go wrong) on her upcoming surgery. Her whole body was just shaking uncontrollably.
We eventually got her calmed down. Felt so bad for her.