All phobias are about feelings.
The question is however, why these feelings are so powerful? Why do they control us so much? Why are they accompanied by physical symptoms and panic attacks? How do we get rid of them?
Now, before I or anyone generalize an answer to those questions, we must take into account the vast body of theories, cures, and treatments that have all failed. I strongly suggest that a person should read 20,000 to 30,000 of the posts on here before they generalize anything. And take into account that more than 90% of the people that register, almost never post.
The more I study this disorder, the more it confuses me. Every new insight turns into a dead-end within weeks.
The way I see it, SA is basically the midpoint of our struggles. Where and why it started, is a mystery. We are like immigrants; we came from different places with different symptoms, and while we may all have the same disorder, it is due to different reasons.
Actually, I think we are more like refugees and this forum is more like a refugee camp. We are seeking refuge from our battles, but we may all be fleeing our own battles. Whether that battle is purely in our minds, or in our body, I don't think makes much difference. It is a monumental obstacle in our lives, and it is hard as hell to get rid of. That is the only conclusion I am sure of when it comes to SA.
Just because we do not know of a physical cause, does not mean that one doesn't exists. 150 years ago, bacteria and viruses did not exist in the scientific community. But we know that these bacterias and viruses had been infecting people for centuries.