A Panic Attack is best defined as which of the following?

• A. A sudden episode of fear with distressing physical symptoms and fear of dying/losing control/going crazy
• B. A prolonged fear response to social situations
• C. A persistent sense of dread about future events
• D. A gradual build-up of anxiety over weeks

Answer: (B)

Panick attacks are sudden peaks of intense fear or discomfort that reach their height within minutes and are accompanied by multiple physical symptoms—rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, tingling, chills or heat—along with a strong fear of losing control, dying, or going crazy. This abrupt, self-limited surge is the hallmark that distinguishes a panic attack from other anxiety experiences. The described scenario matches this pattern: a rapid onset with distressing physical symptoms and fears about losing control or dying. In contrast, a prolonged fear response to social situations points to social anxiety disorder; a persistent sense of dread about future events fits generalized anxiety disorder; and a gradual build-up of anxiety over weeks reflects a more chronic anxious state rather than a discrete panic episode.