In which disorder do individuals often experience panic attacks?

Individuals often experience panic attacks primarily in the context of panic disorder, but it can also occur in other anxiety-related conditions. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can lead to heightened anxiety, but it is characterized more by excessive worry about various life events rather than distinct panic attacks.

Social anxiety disorder can involve intense fear or discomfort in social situations, which might trigger feelings akin to a panic attack, such as heart racing or difficulty breathing, but these typically arise from the social context rather than frequent, unprompted attacks.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) centers around intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. While individuals with OCD may experience significant anxiety, it does not usually manifest as recurrent panic attacks.

In summary, while all of these disorders can have anxiety components, generalized anxiety disorder is not primarily defined by panic attacks. Panic attacks are a hallmark feature of conditions like panic disorder, but within the context of these options, the others are not directly synonymous with the frequent experience of panic attacks.