Which of the following is a symptom of a panic attack?

Intense fear of impending doom is a hallmark symptom of a panic attack. During a panic attack, individuals often experience a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. This overwhelming sense of dread can feel as though something catastrophic is about to happen, even when there is no immediate threat present. The panic response is characterized by various physical and psychological symptoms, including palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, and feelings of unreality or detachment. This strong emotional response is what distinguishes panic attacks from other conditions or emotional states.

The other options represent different mental health concerns: low self-esteem relates more to ongoing feelings of worthlessness often associated with depression or anxiety disorders, chronic mild depression describes a pervasive low mood typically seen in disorders like dysthymia, and persistent excessive fear of social situations is indicative of social anxiety disorder. None of these directly align with the acute and intense fear experienced during panic attacks.