Panic-stricken following a reflex attack (6)
I believe the answer is:
afraid
'panic-stricken' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for afraid that I've seen before include "Frightened" , "Not confident" , "cowardly" , "makes one panicky" , "Timorous" .)