Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is a hallmark of Panic Disorder?

1. Chronic worry

2. Repeated panic attacks

3. Fear of social situations

4. Difficulty concentrating

The correct answer is: Repeated panic attacks

Repeated panic attacks are a hallmark of Panic Disorder. This condition is characterized by the occurrence of unexpected and recurrent panic attacks, which are intense periods of fear or discomfort that come on suddenly and peak within minutes. During these attacks, individuals may experience a variety of physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and feelings of impending doom. The unpredictability of these attacks often leads to individuals developing a heightened fear of experiencing additional attacks, which can significantly impact their daily life and functioning. Chronic worry is more associated with generalized anxiety disorder, while fear of social situations is a primary feature of social anxiety disorder. Difficulty concentrating can occur in various anxiety disorders but is not specific to Panic Disorder. The defining feature remains the recurrent nature of panic attacks, making them critical for diagnosing the condition.