Which condition is typically categorized as anxiety disorders?

Panic Disorder is categorized as an anxiety disorder because it involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort. During a panic attack, individuals may experience symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, or a fear of losing control. Such experiences are central to anxiety disorders, which generally involve excessive anxiety or fear and avoidance behaviors.

On the other hand, schizophrenia is classified as a psychotic disorder and is characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, and sense of self. Bipolar Disorder, in contrast, is categorized as a mood disorder and involves episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, often linked to seasonal changes but is not classified under anxiety disorders. Each of these conditions has distinct symptoms and criteria that place them in different categories within mental health disorders.