A 22-Year-Old Female First-Year College Student Reports Waking in the Middle

A 22-year-old female first-year college student reports waking in the middle of the night with a pounding heart, hot flashes, a smothering sensation, and intense nausea. The attack came suddenly and unexpectedly, was not in reaction to a nightmare, and the symptoms subsided within a few minutes. Over the last few months, she is feeling more anxious and has experienced similar episodes each week at varying levels of intensity. She is worried that she might be on the verge of a "nervous breakdown" and admits to being overly aware of her "fast breathing and heart rate." Which of the following would be the most likely diagnosis?

A) Panic disorder
B) Generalized anxiety disorder
C) Posttraumatic stress disorder
D) Borderline personality disorder