What differentiates a panic attack from Panic Disorder?

What differentiates a panic attack from Panic Disorder?

• A. A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear with physical symptoms lasting minutes; Panic Disorder requires recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern about future attacks or maladaptive behavior changes for at least 1 month.
• B. Panic Disorder requires only one panic attack.
• C. Panic Disorder is defined by fear of dying during a panic.
• D. Panic Attacks last hours.

Answer: (C)

Panic attacks are abrupt waves of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms that peak within minutes. Panic Disorder, on the other hand, is diagnosed when attacks are recurrent and unexpected and are followed by persistent worry about having more attacks or significant changes in behavior related to the attacks, for at least about a month. The fear of dying can occur during a panic attack, but it’s not the defining feature of Panic Disorder. The crucial distinction is the pattern over time: a single or isolated attack versus multiple attacks with ongoing concern or behavioral changes.

Panic attacks are abrupt waves of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms that peak within minutes. Panic Disorder, on the other hand, is diagnosed when attacks are recurrent and unexpected and are followed by persistent worry about having more attacks or significant changes in behavior related to the attacks, for at least about a month. The fear of dying can occur during a panic attack, but it’s not the defining feature of Panic Disorder. The crucial distinction is the pattern over time: a single or isolated attack versus multiple attacks with ongoing concern or behavioral changes.