Final answer:
Panic disorder is identified by recurrent, sudden panic attacks and is often found in conjunction with other anxiety disorders. It significantly impacts life quality and may have familial patterns as outlined by research, emphasizing the need for professional treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disorder described by symptoms such as characterized by panic attacks, recurrent attacks of overwhelming anxiety that usually occur suddenly and unexpectedly, and often occurring in conjunction with other anxiety disorders rather than as a separate disorder, is typically referred to as panic disorder. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder which includes other forms like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobias, and specific phobias. The occurrence of panic attacks is not just an isolated event; they tend to happen repeatedly and can induce significant worry about future attacks, thus affecting an individual's behavior in an attempt to avoid them.
Research suggests that panic attacks and panic disorder have a substantial impact on the quality of life. Studies by Kessler et al. (2006) and Clark (1996) underline the prevalence and the intense nature of panic disorder, while Biederman et al. (2001) discuss the familial patterns that may exist with this condition. It is critical for those experiencing such symptoms to seek professional help, as effective treatments are available to manage and alleviate the disorder.