Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

Which type of panic attack occurs without any discernible reason?

1. Unexpected

2. Situational

3. Situational Predisposed

4. Chronic

The correct answer is: Unexpected

The term "unexpected" refers to panic attacks that strike without any clear trigger or cause. These attacks can occur suddenly and typically leave the individual feeling confused and fearful, as they might not understand why the attack happened in the first place. This is significant because unlike other types of panic attacks, which may follow specific situations or circumstances, unexpected panic attacks can seem to happen out of the blue, contributing to heightened anxiety about future attacks. For instance, someone might be relaxing at home, doing everyday activities, and suddenly experience symptoms of a panic attack, such as shortness of breath or heart palpitations, without any identifiable stressor or situation that could explain it. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders. In contrast, situational panic attacks are linked to specific circumstances or triggers, while situational predisposed implies a heightened likelihood of an attack when exposed to specific situations. Chronic does not pertain to the nature of the panic attack's onset but rather refers to the frequency or duration of experiencing panic attacks. Thus, the unexpected type aptly describes those attacks that occur without any discernible reason.