Which disorder is defined by recurrent panic attacks and the fear of future attacks?

Panic disorder is specifically characterized by recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that trigger severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Individuals with panic disorder often develop a persistent fear of having future attacks, leading to significant changes in their behavior to avoid situations where attacks may occur. This cycle of experiencing panic attacks coupled with the fear of subsequent attacks can lead to avoidance of public places or being alone, impacting daily functioning.

In contrast, social anxiety disorder revolves around the fear of social situations and being judged or scrutinized by others, rather than the panic attacks themselves. Specific phobia entails an intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation, causing avoidance but not necessarily panic attacks. Generalized anxiety disorder involves chronic, excessive worry across various areas of life, rather than the acute episodes typical of panic disorder. Therefore, panic disorder is uniquely identified by the recurrent nature of the panic attacks and the associated fear of their recurrence.