After at least one panic attack, Panic Disorder requires:

• A. A period of at least six months of persistent distress
• B. Persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences
• C. A diagnosis of social anxiety disorder
• D. A requirement of derealization during attacks

Answer: (B)

After experiencing a panic attack, Panic Disorder is defined by the development of persistent anticipatory anxiety—specifically, ongoing concern or worry about having another attack or about what the attack might mean for one’s life, often with a change in behavior to avoid future attacks. This persistent worry must last for at least one month, which is the key timeframe in the diagnostic criteria.

That’s why the best answer is the persistent concern or worry about future attacks or their consequences. The six-month duration described in the other option belongs to different patterns of anxiety (such as generalized worry seen in other disorders), not Panic Disorder. A diagnosis of social anxiety disorder is a separate condition and isn’t required for Panic Disorder. Derealization during attacks can occur but is not a diagnostic requirement for Panic Disorder, so it isn’t what defines the disorder.