Symptoms that may be misperceived as a heart attack are most characteristic of which psychological condition?

• A. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• B. Panic disorder
• C. Generalized anxiety disorder
• D. Post-traumatic stress disorder

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question is asking about psychological conditions that can produce symptoms similar to a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations.
2. Step 2: Review the key features of each disorder listed: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves repetitive thoughts and behaviors, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves chronic worry, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves re-experiencing trauma, and Panic disorder involves sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms.
3. Step 3: Recognize that panic disorder is characterized by panic attacks, which often include physical symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath that can mimic a heart attack.
4. Step 4: Compare the symptom profiles and note that while anxiety disorders can cause physical symptoms, panic disorder specifically includes acute episodes that closely resemble heart attack symptoms.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the psychological condition most characteristic of symptoms misperceived as a heart attack is panic disorder.