A 28-year-old client reports having two intense, sudden episodes of overwhelming fear and a racing heart in the last two weeks. The episodes occurred without any apparent trigger. Since the first episode, the client has been constantly worried about having another one and has started avoiding driving on the highway, where the first attack happened. Based on the specific requirements for a diagnosis, which of the following statements is most accurate?

For the past three months, a client has experienced several sudden, intense episodes of overwhelming fear that seem to come 'out of the blue.' These episodes involve a racing heart, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. As a result, the client now lives in constant fear of when the next episode will strike and has quit their job to avoid the public transportation they believe might trigger an episode. Based on the standard diagnostic guidelines, which of the following best describes this situation?