What distinguishes Panic Disorder from other anxiety disorders?

• A. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks with persistent concern about further attacks and avoidance.
• B. General worry about life events over six months.
• C. Fear of social situations.
• D. Phobic avoidance of animals.

Answer: (A)

Panic Disorder is defined by recurrent unexpected panic attacks and the subsequent worry about having more attacks along with avoidance of situations that might provoke them. A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear with physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or fear of losing control, and in Panic Disorder these attacks occur unpredictably, not in response to a specific trigger. After these episodes, the person develops persistent concern about future attacks and may change behavior to avoid places or situations where an attack could happen. This combination—sudden, untriggered attacks plus ongoing worry and avoidance—distinguishes Panic Disorder from other anxiety disorders, where worries or fears are tied to particular domains: generalized anxiety involves chronic worry about many topics; social anxiety centers on fear of social scrutiny; specific phobias involve fear of a particular object or situation (like animals).