Answer: Panic disorder is the disorder that is characterized by the most sudden and unpredictable episodes of distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
People with panic disorder experience recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. Panic attacks can be triggered by a specific situation or can occur unexpectedly, and individuals with panic disorder often worry about future panic attacks, leading to anticipatory anxiety. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by fear or anxiety about social situations, while obsessions and compulsions are symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).