Ria experienced a sudden attack of intense fear when she was boarding a plane with her friends to fly to Mexico for spring break. Ria's heart raced, she became dizzy, and she was certain she would die in a plane crash if she boarded the plane. Subsequently she did not go on her trip, and the plane arrived safely in Mexico 3 hours later. Ria experienced __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ria experienced a sudden attack of intense fear, which is characteristic of a panic attack. This is not enough to diagnose panic disorder, which requires recurrent panic attacks and fear of having another attack. Depressive episodes involve feelings of sadness and hopelessness, which are not present in Ria's experience. Agoraphobia involves fear and avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult or help may not be available. While Ria did avoid boarding the plane, her specific fear was related to the plane and not to the situation itself, which is characteristic of panic attacks rather than agoraphobia.

Ria Experienced a Sudden Attack of Intense Fear When She