How is panic disorder without agoraphobia (PD) defined?

Panic disorder without agoraphobia is characterized by the presence of recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. The crucial aspect of this definition is that individuals experience these panic attacks, but they do not develop agoraphobia. Agoraphobia involves fear or anxiety regarding situations where escape might be difficult, or help may not be available in the event of a panic attack.

Focusing on option B, it highlights that panic disorder can exist independently of agoraphobia, emphasizing that although an individual may experience panic attacks, they do not have the associated fear of leaving their home or being in situations where escape could be challenging. This is essential for diagnosis, as it differentiates individuals who may suffer from panic disorder alone from those who also have agoraphobia, which can complicate treatments and management strategies.

The other options delineate aspects that do not accurately define panic disorder without agoraphobia. For example, fear of crowded spaces is specific to agoraphobia rather than to panic disorder itself. Panic attacks can indeed be triggered by external events, but this is not a definitive characteristic of panic disorder without agoraphobia, as triggers can vary widely among individuals.