Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

What triggers panic attacks in individuals with social anxiety disorder?

1. The result of interoceptive conditioning

2. Cued by specific social situations

3. Infrequent and nearly always unexpected

4. Indicative of a co-diagnosis of panic disorder

The correct answer is: Cued by specific social situations

In individuals with social anxiety disorder, panic attacks are often triggered by specific social situations. This reflects the nature of social anxiety disorder, where the fear of social evaluation or embarrassment in social settings can provoke intense anxiety responses. When faced with situations such as public speaking, attending social gatherings, or interacting with unfamiliar people, individuals may experience heightened anxiety levels that can lead to panic attacks. These panic attacks are not random or unexpected but rather linked to particular social contexts that the individual finds anxiety-provoking. This understanding highlights that the anxiety associated with social interactions can be so overwhelming that it manifests physically as a panic attack, reinforcing the cycle of fear surrounding social situations. The emphasis on specific triggers distinguishes this phenomenon from other types of panic attacks that may occur without clear situational cues.