Astraphobics have an exaggerated fear of thunder and lightning but a realistic understanding of the dangers can help Almost 3% of us may be affected by astraphobia, a fear of thunder and lightning, according to one study. Summer can be a difficult time for sufferers. The name comes from _astrape_, the Greek word for lightning, and a thunderstorm can produce symptoms resembling a panic attack, including chest pains, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath. Continue reading...