Differential consideration
Panic disorder
F41.0Anxiety & Fear-Based
Why consider it
discrete panic attacks with fear of recurrence
Criteria and features to review
- A. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks (abrupt surge reaching peak within minutes; ≥4 of 13 symptoms)
- B. ≥1 attack followed by ≥1 month of persistent concern/worry about further attacks or their consequences; or significant maladaptive behaviour change
- C. Not attributable to substances or another medical condition
- D. Not better explained by another mental disorder
Questions to clarify
- Which documented criteria and exclusions are met for each possibility?
- What timeline, course, and functional change best distinguishes the alternatives?
- Are substance, medication, medical, developmental, and contextual explanations adequately assessed?