Which statement best differentiates a panic attack from Panic Disorder?

• A. A panic attack is a sudden surge of fear with physical symptoms; Panic Disorder requires recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern or behavioral changes for at least 1 month.
• B. A panic attack lasts at least one hour.
• C. Panic disorder is a single panic attack.
• D. A panic attack is an anxiety unrelated to panic disorder.

Answer: (A)

A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear with physical symptoms that peaks within minutes. Panic Disorder is diagnosed when there are recurrent unexpected panic attacks and at least one month of persistent worry about having more attacks or their consequences, or a significant behavioral change to avoid attacks. This combination of multiple attacks plus ongoing worry or change in behavior for a defined period is what distinguishes Panic Disorder from a single panic attack. The other statements don’t fit because panic attacks typically do not last an hour, Panic Disorder is not just a single attack, and a panic attack is not unrelated to Panic Disorder but can occur within it (and in other conditions) as well.