For the third time in two months, Erica's husband rushed her to the hospital emergency room because Erica thought she was having a heart attack. Her symptoms included a racing, pounding heart, weakness, feeling faint, and feeling as if she were unable to breathe. Although her doctor says she is physically healthy, Erica lives in fear of another attack. Erica is most likely suffering from which psychological disorder?

A. specific phobia

B. panic disorder

C. generalized anxiety disorder

D. obsessive-compulsive disorder

The correct answer is B. Panic disorder

Explanation:

In psychology, panic disorder is a type of mental disorder in which individuals experience panic attacks, that is characterized by rapid heartbeat and sensation of being unable to breathe, control your body as well as intense fear and feeling weak or dizzy. This disorder differs from the generalized anxiety disorder because although panic attacks are experienced these are not part of everyday life as in generalized anxiety and also there is not a specific trigger like in phobias or compulsive behaviors as in obsession-compulsive disorder.

Erica seems to be suffering from panic disorder because she has episodes of panic attacks every certain time and also, her symptoms such as pounding heart, feeling unable to breathe and weakness match those that occur in panic disorders. Besides this, there is not a specific trigger, the anxiety does not occur all the time and there are not compulsive behaviors as in other types of mental disorders.