Which description best characterizes panic disorder?

• A. Sudden, unexplained panic attacks with feelings of impending doom; treatment includes psychotherapy and drug therapy.
• B. A general fear of many situations with no single focus.
• C. Recurrent thoughts and compulsions that reduce stress.
• D. A delayed response to a traumatic event with nightmares and flashbacks.

Answer: (A)

Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden surges of intense fear that peak quickly and come with physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and a sense of impending doom. A key feature is ongoing worry about having more attacks and changes in behavior to avoid them. The description here matches that pattern and notes therapy options that are commonly used, including psychotherapy (often cognitive-behavioral therapy) and medications.

Other options describe different conditions: a general fear of many situations without a single trigger points to generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive thoughts and rituals describe obsessive-compulsive disorder, and a delayed response to trauma with nightmares and flashbacks describes post-traumatic stress disorder.