Final answer:
Hyperventilation syndrome is characterized by rapid breathing and is often seen in distraught patients, unlike COPD or RDS which have different symptoms and affected populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition characterized by rapid breathing and often associated with distraught patients is known as hyperventilation syndrome. This condition occurs when a person breathes deep and fast, removing too much carbon dioxide from their blood, which can cause lightheadedness, tingling in the hands and feet, and a sense of breathlessness or panic. In contrast, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) consists of long-term poor airflow with symptoms like shortness of breath and a chronic cough, while respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) typically affects prematurely born infants due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant.