Which of the following does NOT define a panic attack?

The correct choice, which does not define a panic attack, is that a panic attack involves persistent episodes lasting weeks. Panic attacks are characterized by their sudden and unexpected onset, typically reaching a peak intensity within minutes and lasting a short duration—often 20 to 30 minutes or sometimes longer, but generally they do not extend over weeks.

The other characteristics, such as experiencing intense feelings of terror, unexpected onset of symptoms, and feelings of fear without a specific trigger, accurately describe panic attacks. These attacks may involve physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness, but they are largely episodic rather than chronic. Understanding that a panic attack is marked by its brief, acute episodes rather than prolonged experiences helps clarify its definition in the context of anxiety disorders.