In DSM-5, how are Panic Attacks described instead of DSM-4 terminology?

In DSM-5, how are Panic Attacks described instead of DSM-4 terminology?

• A. Chronic vs acute
• B. Expected vs unexpected
• C. Mild vs severe
• D. Primary vs secondary

Answer: (B)

Panic attacks in DSM-5 are described by whether they are expected or unexpected. This distinction captures whether there is a cue or trigger you can anticipate (expected) or whether the attack comes on without any identifiable trigger (unexpected). The change focuses on how the attacks relate to situations or cues, which helps differentiate patterns seen across panic disorder and other anxiety conditions. An attack that seems to come “out of the blue” (unexpected) is more typical of panic disorder, while attacks that occur in relation to a specific trigger or cue are considered expected. The other terms—chronic vs acute, mild vs severe, primary vs secondary—don’t convey this cue-based distinction.

Panic attacks in DSM-5 are described by whether they are expected or unexpected. This distinction captures whether there is a cue or trigger you can anticipate (expected) or whether the attack comes on without any identifiable trigger (unexpected). The change focuses on how the attacks relate to situations or cues, which helps differentiate patterns seen across panic disorder and other anxiety conditions. An attack that seems to come “out of the blue” (unexpected) is more typical of panic disorder, while attacks that occur in relation to a specific trigger or cue are considered expected. The other terms—chronic vs acute, mild vs severe, primary vs secondary—don’t convey this cue-based distinction.