What disorder involves intense fear or discomfort with symptoms peaking in 10 minutes, followed by worry about future attacks?

The disorder characterized by intense fear or discomfort that peaks within 10 minutes, accompanied by persistent concern about future attacks, is Panic Disorder. Individuals experiencing a panic attack often report a sudden onset of overwhelming anxiety, along with physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and feelings of impending doom. The hallmark of Panic Disorder is the worry about having additional attacks and the subsequent behavioral changes that can occur, such as avoiding situations where previous attacks have occurred.

Other anxiety disorders present differently. Generalized Anxiety Disorder typically involves a more chronic state of excessive worry and tension about various aspects of life, rather than discrete panic attacks. Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder involve symptoms related to exposure to trauma, where the focus is more on re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance behaviors, and increased arousal, not the acute fear episodes characteristic of Panic Disorder. Thus, the distinctive feature of recurrent panic attacks and the intense fear and avoidance behavior regarding future attacks solidify Panic Disorder as the correct diagnosis.