What describes the psychological condition where a person experiences sudden, intense episodes of fear?

The psychological condition characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear is panic disorder. In individuals with panic disorder, these episodes, often referred to as panic attacks, can occur unexpectedly and involve a variety of physical and cognitive symptoms, such as a pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or feelings of impending doom. These attacks can be so overwhelming that they may lead to significant distress and avoidance behaviors, where individuals might start avoiding situations where they fear a panic attack could occur.

Panic disorder is distinct from other anxiety-related conditions. For instance, obsessive-compulsive disorder involves repetitive, unwanted thoughts and the compulsive behaviors that follow those thoughts, rather than sudden fear episodes. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, rather than discrete panic attacks. Similarly, social phobia revolves around a fear of social interactions and being judged by others, not the sudden fear episodes typical of panic disorder. Thus, the defining trait of panic disorder is the unexpected nature of the intense fear experienced during these attacks.