Which disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about additional attacks?

Which disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about additional attacks?

• A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• B. Panic Disorder
• C. Social Phobia
• D. Specific Phobia

Answer: (B)

Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks and ongoing worry about having more attacks (often with behavioral changes to avoid or reduce threat). The attacks are sudden surges of intense fear with physical symptoms that peak quickly, and the person remains preoccupied with the fear of another attack, sometimes altering daily life to avoid triggers. Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves sustained worry about a wide range of topics rather than focus on panic episodes. Social Phobia centers on fear of social situations and scrutiny, and Specific Phobia is fear of a particular object or situation. The combination of repeated unexpected attacks plus persistent concern about future attacks is what uniquely defines Panic Disorder.

Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks and ongoing worry about having more attacks (often with behavioral changes to avoid or reduce threat). The attacks are sudden surges of intense fear with physical symptoms that peak quickly, and the person remains preoccupied with the fear of another attack, sometimes altering daily life to avoid triggers. Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves sustained worry about a wide range of topics rather than focus on panic episodes. Social Phobia centers on fear of social situations and scrutiny, and Specific Phobia is fear of a particular object or situation. The combination of repeated unexpected attacks plus persistent concern about future attacks is what uniquely defines Panic Disorder.