Question 1
Panic disorders are considered to be one of the most frequent groups of anxiety disorders. Which of the following symptoms are characteristic of panic disorders?
- The fear of attacks of terror, which are overwhelming and sudden
- The fear of being in situations in which escape may not be possible
- The irrational fear of specific situations or objects
- The unfocused and constant fear that is not associated with any specific situation or object
- None of these
Explanation: Individuals with a panic disorder suffer from sudden, overwhelming and repeated attacks of terror, which can occur out of nowhere. Major changes in behavior and persistent anxiety over having further attacks are characteristic of panic disorders. Often external stimuli or internal thoughts can trigger these attacks.
The other choices are incorrect. The fear of no escape possibilities in crowded situations is considered to be one criteria of agoraphobia, not of panic disorder. The exaggerated fear of specific objects or situations is characteristic for phobic disorders, not of panic disorder. Last, generalized anxiety disorder is marked by the diffuse state of general worries and fears, which are not based on a specific object or event. This is not the best description listed to fit the characteristics for panic disorder.