Damian experiences sudden episodes of intense anxiety where his heart races and he struggles to regulate his breathing. These episodes occur unpredictably. Which diagnosis best matches Damian's symptoms?

Explanation

Damian's sudden and unexpected bouts of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart and difficulty breathing are characteristic of panic disorder. Unlike obsessive-compulsive disorder or conversion disorder, panic attacks arise abruptly without a clear trigger. Schizophrenia involves psychotic symptoms, which are not described here.