I know what you mean in college. I was at a big university and it was overwhelming and I was disconnected all of the time. (I didn't realize I had this disorder back then and I too had a semester where panic attacks were prevalent and scary.) Class sizes were very large and it was too much - taking tests was very difficult because I would get distracted much too easily if someone coughed, sniffled, turned book pages, etc. Waiting for class to begin was hard because others would be socializing, laughing and I was disconnected and felt numb and lost. I took a leave one semester. I guess when I was overwhelmed I would start looking at my notes or a book to distract myself from what was going on around me. It's a horrible feeling.

Can you see a therapist while you're at college? If you need to take a leave of absence for your health don't hesitate. It's more important than school. Good luck.