What is the relationship between dissociation and panic attacks?

Small: In a very serious panic attack, some do feel ''i am just not myself'' but this is quite different from dissociation.

Inverse relationship: Panic attack is associated with overactivity of the autonomic nervous system(fight or flight) with resulting anxiety, sweating, fast heart rate, hyperventilation in response to an anticipated or feared situation. Dissociation however is a psychological defense mechanism that protects one from painful situations through disturbances in memory, counsciousness and personal identity.

Panic/Dissociation: Panic attacks can show depersonalization (being detached from oneself) & derealization (feelings of unreality). Dissociation is altered state of consciousness characterized by detachment from reality or from surroundings. It can involve the above symptoms as in panic, as well as daydreaming, amnesia, fugue states.

DID and panic : People with dissociative disorders often have comorbid panic attacks that are sometimes apparently genetic and at other times brought on by traumatic triggers reminiscent of past events. Of course nightmares and flashbacks can become a source of panic attacks as well.