Which statement is NOT a Panic Disorder criterion?

Which statement is NOT a Panic Disorder criterion?

• A. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks.
• B. At least 1 month of persistent worry about additional attacks.
• C. Maladaptive behavior changes related to attacks.
• D. Attacks are always attributable to a medical condition.

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is the diagnostic criteria for Panic Disorder, which require recurrent unexpected panic attacks plus a follow‑up period of worry about more attacks or a change in behavior to avoid them, and importantly that these attacks are not due to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition. The statement that attacks are always attributable to a medical condition contradicts this principle. In Panic Disorder, you must rule out medical causes first and confirm that the attacks themselves are not solely explained by another medical condition. The other statements describe features that can be part of Panic Disorder: recurrent unexpected panic attacks, and persistent worry or behavioral change after attacks.

The key idea here is the diagnostic criteria for Panic Disorder, which require recurrent unexpected panic attacks plus a follow‑up period of worry about more attacks or a change in behavior to avoid them, and importantly that these attacks are not due to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition. The statement that attacks are always attributable to a medical condition contradicts this principle. In Panic Disorder, you must rule out medical causes first and confirm that the attacks themselves are not solely explained by another medical condition. The other statements describe features that can be part of Panic Disorder: recurrent unexpected panic attacks, and persistent worry or behavioral change after attacks.