What common symptom can distinguish between various anxiety disorders?

Worry about future attacks is a key symptom when it comes to distinguishing between various anxiety disorders, particularly in conditions like panic disorder. Individuals experiencing panic disorder often live in fear of having future panic attacks, which can significantly impact their daily lives and lead to avoidance behaviors. This anticipatory anxiety can differentiate panic disorder from other anxiety disorders, as it embodies a specific focus on the potential recurrence of panic symptoms.

In contrast, while persistent fear of external stimuli can be a characteristic of specific phobias or social anxiety disorder, it doesn't encapsulate the broader anticipatory anxiety observed specifically in panic disorder. Low energy and fatigue are more general symptoms that can overlap with various mood disorders and are not unique to anxiety disorders. A heightened sense of reality is not a common symptom associated with anxiety disorders; instead, individuals may feel a distorted sense of reality, particularly in acute stress situations. Thus, the distinctive nature of worrying about future attacks serves as a notable feature in identifying and differentiating anxiety disorders.