Which feature distinguishes Panic Disorder from isolated panic attacks?

Which feature distinguishes Panic Disorder from isolated panic attacks?

• A. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks followed by a month of persistent concern/worry about another attack and/or avoidance
• B. Not attributable to substance/drug or other medical condition
• C. Panic attacks are always triggered by caffeine
• D. Panic attacks occur during work stress

Answer: (A)

The feature being tested is the persistent pattern that defines Panic Disorder. Panic Disorder isn’t just about having panic attacks; it’s about what happens after them. When attacks are recurrent and unexpected and are followed for at least a month by ongoing worry about having another attack and/or significant avoidance or behavioral changes, that combination signals Panic Disorder. Isolated panic attacks, by contrast, may occur once or a few times and do not produce this sustained anxiety or avoidance. So this option captures the hallmark: repeated unexpected attacks plus a month-long pattern of concern or avoidance. Other statements—like ruling out substances, or attacks being triggered by caffeine, or occurring only during work stress—can occur in various contexts and don’t distinguish Panic Disorder from isolated episodes.

The feature being tested is the persistent pattern that defines Panic Disorder. Panic Disorder isn’t just about having panic attacks; it’s about what happens after them. When attacks are recurrent and unexpected and are followed for at least a month by ongoing worry about having another attack and/or significant avoidance or behavioral changes, that combination signals Panic Disorder. Isolated panic attacks, by contrast, may occur once or a few times and do not produce this sustained anxiety or avoidance.

So this option captures the hallmark: repeated unexpected attacks plus a month-long pattern of concern or avoidance. Other statements—like ruling out substances, or attacks being triggered by caffeine, or occurring only during work stress—can occur in various contexts and don’t distinguish Panic Disorder from isolated episodes.