Panic is primarily characterized by which of the following?

Panic is primarily characterized by sudden fright or terror, which reflects the acute nature of a panic response. This type of response occurs unexpectedly and can manifest with intense physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and overwhelming feelings of impending doom. The abrupt onset distinguishes panic from other anxiety-related experiences, which might involve a more chronic or persistent state of apprehension.

Chronic anxiety over future events relates more to generalized anxiety disorders, where individuals may worry about various aspects of life over an extended period. Inability to recall memories does not directly pertain to panic; rather, it could be associated with dissociative disorders or extreme stress. Lack of emotional expression may be seen in certain mood disorders or personality profiles but does not capture the essence of a panic experience, which is marked by intense emotional responses during an episode. Therefore, the defining feature of panic is its sudden, overwhelming feeling of terror.