Compared to Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder is characterized by which statement?

Compared to Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder is characterized by which statement?

• A. Chronic worry about many topics
• B. Insomnia
• C. Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and fear of future attacks
• D. Delusions

Answer: (C)

Panic Disorder is defined by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing concern about having more attacks (fear of future attacks). These sudden surges of intense fear with physical symptoms occur in discrete episodes, and the individual becomes worried about when the next attack will happen, sometimes leading to avoidance. In contrast, Generalized Anxiety Disorder centers on chronic, excessive worry about many topics rather than discrete panic episodes. While sleep problems can appear in anxiety disorders, they do not define Panic Disorder, and delusions point to psychosis rather than panic-related anxiety. So the statement about recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and fear of future attacks best captures Panic Disorder.

Panic Disorder is defined by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing concern about having more attacks (fear of future attacks). These sudden surges of intense fear with physical symptoms occur in discrete episodes, and the individual becomes worried about when the next attack will happen, sometimes leading to avoidance. In contrast, Generalized Anxiety Disorder centers on chronic, excessive worry about many topics rather than discrete panic episodes. While sleep problems can appear in anxiety disorders, they do not define Panic Disorder, and delusions point to psychosis rather than panic-related anxiety. So the statement about recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and fear of future attacks best captures Panic Disorder.