What distinguishes panic disorder from other anxiety disorders?

What distinguishes panic disorder from other anxiety disorders?

• A. Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with persistent concern about future attacks or behavior changes related to attacks; not limited to a specific situation.
• B. Fear of specific objects or situations with avoidance.
• C. Excessive worry about multiple events for at least 6 months.
• D. Chronic restlessness and muscle tension with no discrete attacks.

Answer: (A)

The key trait being tested is the presence of sudden, recurrent panic attacks that occur unexpectedly, plus persistent concern about having more attacks or a change in behavior to avoid them, with attacks not limited to any specific situation. This combination distinguishes panic disorder from other anxiety disorders. Panic attacks are abrupt and overwhelming, and the worry about future attacks or avoidance behavior creates a pattern unique to panic disorder. By contrast, a specific phobia centers on fear of a particular object or situation with avoidance; generalized anxiety involves chronic, excessive worry about many topics for months without these discrete, unexpected bursts of fear; and constant restlessness and muscle tension without discrete attacks fit more with generalized anxiety disorder rather than panic disorder.

The key trait being tested is the presence of sudden, recurrent panic attacks that occur unexpectedly, plus persistent concern about having more attacks or a change in behavior to avoid them, with attacks not limited to any specific situation. This combination distinguishes panic disorder from other anxiety disorders. Panic attacks are abrupt and overwhelming, and the worry about future attacks or avoidance behavior creates a pattern unique to panic disorder. By contrast, a specific phobia centers on fear of a particular object or situation with avoidance; generalized anxiety involves chronic, excessive worry about many topics for months without these discrete, unexpected bursts of fear; and constant restlessness and muscle tension without discrete attacks fit more with generalized anxiety disorder rather than panic disorder.