Which statement best describes a Panic Attack?

Which statement best describes a Panic Attack?

• A. A sudden episode of fear with distressing physical sensations
• B. A persistent low mood
• C. A long-standing social phobia
• D. A generalized worry about the future

Answer: (B)

A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and is accompanied by distressing physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain. The statement describing a sudden episode of fear with distressing physical sensations matches this pattern exactly—it's the element of sudden onset plus noticeable bodily sensations that defines a panic attack. The other options point to different conditions: persistent low mood aligns with depression, a long-standing social phobia with social anxiety disorder, and a general worry about the future with generalized anxiety disorder. A panic attack is about a rapid, brief episode with physical symptoms, not a sustained mood state or chronic worry.

A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and is accompanied by distressing physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain. The statement describing a sudden episode of fear with distressing physical sensations matches this pattern exactly—it's the element of sudden onset plus noticeable bodily sensations that defines a panic attack.

The other options point to different conditions: persistent low mood aligns with depression, a long-standing social phobia with social anxiety disorder, and a general worry about the future with generalized anxiety disorder. A panic attack is about a rapid, brief episode with physical symptoms, not a sustained mood state or chronic worry.