What is one of the primary characteristics of panic disorder?

The primary characteristic of panic disorder is the fear of future attacks, which can significantly impact an individual's life. This fear often stems from the unpredictable and sudden nature of panic attacks, which are intense episodes of fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Individuals with panic disorder may begin to avoid situations or places where they previously experienced attacks, leading to further anxiety and a cycle of avoidance behavior. Understanding this fear helps explain why individuals with panic disorder often find it difficult to engage in daily activities or to be in situations where they might feel trapped or unable to escape if another attack occurs. This anticipation of future attacks can dominate their thoughts and influence their behavior, making it a hallmark of the disorder.

Other choices like persistent sadness, social withdrawal, and chronic fatigue may be associated with different mental health disorders, but they do not capture the essence of panic disorder as precisely as the fear of experiencing future panic attacks.