A client suddenly begins trembling, having tachycardia, sweating, and experiencing a feeling of impending doom. Which disorder is this client most likely experiencing?

The client’s symptoms of trembling, tachycardia, sweating, and a feeling of impending doom are characteristic signs of a panic attack. Panic attacks often arise unexpectedly and can occur in the absence of a clear trigger. The physical manifestations, such as rapid heartbeat and sweating, coupled with the intense feelings of fear or anxiety, are hallmark symptoms that meet the criteria for a panic attack.

In contrast, generalized anxiety disorder typically involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life, rather than sudden episodes of intense fear. Social anxiety disorder is primarily focused on an intense fear of social situations and the potential for embarrassment or scrutiny from others, not sudden physical symptoms. Agoraphobia involves a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable during a panic attack, but again, the symptoms indicated in the scenario align more with the immediate and acute nature of a panic attack.