Which of the following is an example of a cognitive symptom commonly associated with anxiety disorders?

Choice A rationale:

"You're experiencing marked fear of specific objects, right?" This statement relates to specific phobias, where individuals have intense fear of particular objects or situations, which is not indicative of panic disorder.

Choice B rationale:

"Your fear of open spaces is leading to avoidance behavior, correct?" This choice reflects agoraphobia, where individuals fear and avoid places or situations where they might feel trapped or helpless, often due to fear of having a panic attack. However, panic disorder involves unexpected panic attacks without the specific trigger of open spaces.

Choice C rationale:

"You're having unexpected panic attacks followed by persistent fear, aren't you?" This statement accurately represents panic disorder. Individuals with panic disorder experience recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, often followed by apprehension about having more attacks or the consequences of the attacks. This persistent fear of future attacks is a key diagnostic criterion for panic disorder.

Choice D rationale:

"It sounds like you're dealing with obsessions and compulsions." This choice pertains to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). This is distinct from panic disorder.

Choice A rationale:

"Hyperventilation." Hyperventilation is a physiological symptom rather than a cognitive symptom. It can occur during anxiety or panic attacks but does not represent a cognitive aspect.

Choice B rationale:

"Restlessness." Restlessness is a behavioral symptom associated with anxiety disorders but does not specifically involve cognitive aspects.

Choice C rationale:

"Confusion." Confusion can be related to various conditions, but it is not a cognitive symptom commonly associated with anxiety disorders.

Choice D rationale:

"Compulsive behaviors." Compulsive behaviors are characteristic of OCD, not generalized anxiety disorder or other anxiety disorders.

Choice E rationale:

"Excessive fear or worry." This choice accurately represents a cognitive symptom commonly associated with anxiety disorders. Excessive fear or worry, often about various aspects of life, is a hallmark cognitive feature of generalized anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders.