Which term describes a sudden surge of intense fear with physical symptoms that peaks within minutes?

Which term describes a sudden surge of intense fear with physical symptoms that peaks within minutes?

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

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is an abrupt, overwhelming surge of fear that comes on suddenly and peaks within minutes, along with physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath. This pattern is the classic description of a panic attack. It’s an episodic event where fear or discomfort escalates quickly and reaches a peak in a short time, often within minutes. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, by contrast, is ongoing worry and tension that lasts for months and is not tied to a sudden surge or peak. Specific Phobia involves intense fear of a particular object or situation and avoidance, not a rapid, generalized panic. Social Anxiety Disorder centers on fear of negative evaluation in social settings and also doesn’t describe a sudden peak of panic in minutes. So, the term that fits a sudden burst of intense fear with physical symptoms that peaks within minutes is a panic attack.

The key idea here is an abrupt, overwhelming surge of fear that comes on suddenly and peaks within minutes, along with physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath. This pattern is the classic description of a panic attack. It’s an episodic event where fear or discomfort escalates quickly and reaches a peak in a short time, often within minutes.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder, by contrast, is ongoing worry and tension that lasts for months and is not tied to a sudden surge or peak. Specific Phobia involves intense fear of a particular object or situation and avoidance, not a rapid, generalized panic. Social Anxiety Disorder centers on fear of negative evaluation in social settings and also doesn’t describe a sudden peak of panic in minutes.

So, the term that fits a sudden burst of intense fear with physical symptoms that peaks within minutes is a panic attack.