Which disorder involves episodes of intense anxiety with physical symptoms such as chest pain and feelings of impending doom?

Study for the Swift River Mental Health Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The disorder characterized by episodes of intense anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms like chest pain and feelings of impending doom is Panic Disorder. This condition involves recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden surges of overwhelming fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. During these attacks, individuals may experience various physical symptoms, including heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and a sense of unreality or detachment from oneself, along with the psychological experience of fear of losing control or dying.

The intensity of the physical symptoms can lead individuals to believe they are having a heart attack or another medical emergency, which often exacerbates feelings of anxiety and leads to a cycle of fear surrounding future attacks. This is distinct from the other disorders listed. Major Depressive Disorder primarily involves persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in activities without the acute physical anxiety component. Antisocial Personality Disorder is characterized by a disregard for others' rights and lack of empathy rather than anxiety symptoms. Demotion Disorder is not a recognized psychological disorder in standard classifications and does not pertain to anxiety.

Thus, Panic Disorder is uniquely defined by its acute episodes of anxiety with significant physical manifestations, establishing it as the correct choice.

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