Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Question 1

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a panic attack in the context of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Abrupt onset of intense fear and apprehension

Answer

Sustained feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Answer

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Answer

Excessive worry about everyday activities

Question 2

True or False: Panic disorder is a chronic condition that cannot be effectively managed through treatment.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 3

What is a key symptom of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Sudden and intense fear or anxiety

Answer

Persistent sadness and hopelessness

Answer

Hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Disorganized thinking and speech

Question 4

Which of the following is a defining symptom of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Intense fear and anxiety occurring abruptly and reaching a peak within minutes

Answer

Persistent sadness and feelings of hopelessness

Answer

Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

Answer

Muscle weakness and fatigue

Question 5

What is the distinguishing characteristic of a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset with rapid escalation of symptoms

Answer

Gradual development of symptoms over hours

Answer

Predictable occurrence based on specific triggers

Answer

Absence of physical symptoms such as heart palpitations

Question 6

What is the principal objective of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Challenging distorted thoughts and negative beliefs

Answer

Teaching relaxation techniques to manage anxiety

Answer

Prescribing medication to suppress symptoms

Answer

Exposing individuals to feared situations

Question 7

Which of the following is less commonly associated with panic disorder as a comorbid condition?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 8

What is the primary goal of exposure therapy in the treatment of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

To gradually expose individuals to feared situations in a controlled setting

Answer

To teach relaxation techniques for managing anxiety

Answer

To challenge and modify negative thoughts

Answer

To reduce the frequency of panic attacks without addressing underlying causes

Question 9

As per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which criterion is essential for diagnosing panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Sudden intense fear or discomfort with at least four specific symptoms that peak within minutes.

Answer

Constant worry and excessive anxiety about having a panic attack.

Answer

Avoiding situations or activities due to fear of a panic attack.

Answer

Depersonalization or derealization during a panic attack.

Question 10

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of panic disorder: sudden and unexpected panic attacks?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry about future events

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Question 11

What is the term for the fear of experiencing a panic attack in a public place?

Accepted Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Claustrophobia

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of panic attacks experienced in panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Euphoria or a sense of well-being

Answer

Palpitations or racing heart

Answer

Sweating

Answer

Depersonalization or derealization

Question 13

Which of the following is a core diagnostic criterion for panic disorder, as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, manifested by a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms.

Answer

Excessive worry about having future panic attacks, which leads to significant impairment in daily functioning.

Answer

Significant changes in behavior related to panic attacks, such as avoidance of certain situations or activities.

Answer

Depersonalization or derealization, characterized by feelings of detachment from oneself or reality.

Question 14

Which neurotransmitter system is believed to play a primary role in the pathophysiology of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin (5-HT), specifically its dysregulation in certain brain regions.

Answer

Dopamine, which is involved in reward and motivation pathways.

Answer

Norepinephrine, which is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response.

Answer

Glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Question 15

In the treatment of panic disorder, which class of medication is generally considered the first-line pharmacological option?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the availability of serotonin in the brain.

Answer

Benzodiazepines, which have rapid anxiolytic effects but can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants, which have been used historically but have more side effects compared to SSRIs.

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are less commonly used due to potential dietary restrictions and drug interactions.

Question 16

Which of the following is a known risk factor for developing panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

All of the above factors are known risk factors for developing panic disorder.

Answer

Family history of anxiety disorders, suggesting a genetic component.

Answer

Exposure to trauma or highly stressful life experiences, which can trigger the onset of panic attacks.

Answer

Genetic vulnerability, as certain genetic variations have been linked to an increased risk of panic disorder.

Question 17

When conducting a differential diagnosis for panic disorder, it is important to consider which of the following conditions that may mimic its symptoms?

Accepted Answer

All of the above conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of panic disorder.

Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias, which can cause chest pain and palpitations similar to panic attacks.

Answer

Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, which can lead to increased anxiety and heart rate.

Answer

Substance use disorders, as certain drugs can induce panic-like symptoms.

Question 18

Is the following statement true or false: Panic disorder is more prevalent in men than in women.

Accepted Answer

False: Panic disorder is more common in women than in men, with a higher prevalence among females.

Answer

True: Men are more likely to experience panic attacks and develop panic disorder compared to women.

Question 19

Which of the following is **not** a typical symptom of a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Rapid heart rate

Answer

Feeling of unreality

Answer

Chest pain

Question 20

Which of the following is a primary symptom of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort (panic attacks)

Answer

Excessive worry about future events

Answer

Intense fear triggered by a specific object or situation (phobia)

Answer

Avoidance of social situations due to fear of panic attacks

Question 21

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the pathophysiology of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Question 22

What is the primary goal of exposure and response prevention (ERP) in the treatment of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

To gradually reduce fear and avoidance associated with panic attacks

Answer

To teach coping skills for managing panic attacks

Answer

To challenge and modify negative thoughts and beliefs about panic attacks

Answer

To provide a safe and controlled environment for experiencing panic attacks

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a common physical symptom of panic attacks?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive impairment

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a common physical symptom experienced during a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Feeling detached from oneself or surroundings

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Answer

Nausea or stomach upset

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom experienced during a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Depersonalization

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Feeling faint or dizzy

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a primary symptom of a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Feeling a sense of calm

Answer

Rapid heart rate

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Depersonalization

Question 27

According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum number of unexpected panic attacks required for a diagnosis of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

2

Answer

6

Answer

8

Question 28

Which neurotransmitter system is most strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Noradrenergic system

Answer

Dopaminergic system

Answer

Serotonergic system

Answer

GABAergic system

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a common cognitive distortion observed in individuals with panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Rational thinking

Answer

Catastrophizing

Answer

Personalization

Answer

Mind reading

Question 30

Which type of therapy has the strongest empirical support for treating panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Question 31

What is the primary goal of exposure and response prevention (ERP) in the treatment of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the frequency of panic attacks

Answer

To challenge and modify distorted beliefs

Answer

To improve coping skills

Answer

To increase self-esteem

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a common medication used to treat panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Neuroleptics

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Question 33

What is a key aspect of cognitive restructuring in the treatment of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Challenging and modifying distorted thoughts

Answer

Teaching individuals to avoid panic-provoking situations

Answer

Developing relaxation techniques

Answer

Improving problem-solving skills

Question 34

What is the estimated lifetime prevalence of panic disorder in the general population?

Accepted Answer

1-5%

Answer

Less than 1%

Answer

5-10%

Answer

Over 10%

Question 35

Which of the following is a commonly used evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy technique for treating panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention (ERP)

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Client-centered therapy

Question 36

What is the main goal of exposure and response prevention (ERP) in treating panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

To help individuals gradually face and manage their feared situations while preventing avoidance behaviors

Answer

To challenge negative beliefs and develop more positive ones

Answer

To improve overall coping skills and stress management techniques

Answer

To enhance self-esteem and confidence

Question 37

In the treatment of panic disorder, what is the main goal of cognitive restructuring, a key CBT technique?

Accepted Answer

Challenging and changing negative thoughts

Answer

Teaching relaxation techniques

Answer

Improving coping skills

Question 38

Which of the following is a primary symptom of a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Intense and sudden fear of losing control or dying

Answer

Numbness in extremities

Answer

Persistent thoughts of death

Answer

Depersonalization

Question 39

Select the most common cognitive distortion associated with panic disorder:

Accepted Answer

Catastrophizing

Answer

Thought-action fusion

Answer

Mind-reading

Answer

Emotional reasoning

Question 40

Which of the following statements about panic disorder is accurate?

Accepted Answer

It can be effectively managed with a combination of therapy and medication

Answer

It is a persistent condition that requires lifelong medication

Answer

It is more prevalent in older adults

Answer

It is an uncommon condition affecting less than 1% of the population

Question 41

In panic disorder, which cognitive distortion involves exaggerating the seriousness or potential outcomes of a situation?

Accepted Answer

Catastrophizing

Answer

Depersonalization

Answer

Minimizing

Answer

Rationalization

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Chest pain

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Rapid heartbeat

Question 43

A client presents with intense fear and anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms like chest pain and dizziness, that come on suddenly and unexpectedly. These episodes occur frequently and cause significant distress and impairment. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 44

Which of the following accurately describes a key distinction between panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Panic disorder involves sudden, intense panic attacks, while generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry.

Answer

Panic attacks only occur in response to specific triggers in panic disorder, whereas generalized anxiety is more pervasive.

Answer

Panic disorder is more common in men, while generalized anxiety disorder is more common in women.

Question 45

Exposure therapy, commonly used in the treatment of panic disorder, involves:

Accepted Answer

Gradually confronting feared situations to reduce anxiety

Answer

Administering medications to suppress panic attacks

Answer

Using positive affirmations to replace negative thoughts

Answer

Uncovering unconscious conflicts through dream analysis

Question 46

Anticipatory anxiety in individuals with panic disorder refers to:

Accepted Answer

Fear of having future panic attacks and avoiding situations perceived as triggers

Answer

Worry about the consequences of panic attacks

Answer

Intense anxiety that occurs only during panic attacks

Answer

Persistent anxiety about everyday activities

Question 47

Which of the following is a recognized risk factor for developing panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Family history of anxiety disorders

Answer

Regular physical exercise

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Low levels of stress

Question 48

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for panic disorder aims to:

Accepted Answer

Identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about panic attacks, and develop coping mechanisms.

Answer

Resolve unconscious conflicts and repressed memories

Answer

Reduce physiological arousal using relaxation techniques

Answer

Increase positive self-talk and affirmations

Question 49

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of intense and overwhelming fear or anxiety

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness

Answer

Loss of interest in activities

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Question 50

Which cognitive-behavioral factor is a common contributor to panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations

Answer

Childhood physical abuse

Answer

Positive self-talk

Question 51

What is the recommended first-line treatment for panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Hospitalization

Answer

Medication alone

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 52

What is the primary objective of exposure therapy for panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

To gradually confront and reduce fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

To decrease overall anxiety levels

Answer

To improve self-esteem

Question 53

Which statement about the prognosis of panic disorder is accurate?

Accepted Answer

With appropriate treatment, many individuals with panic disorder can significantly improve their condition

Answer

Panic disorder is an неизлечимая condition that inevitably leads to disability

Answer

Most individuals with panic disorder experience complete remission of symptoms within the first year of treatment