In what disorder do individuals express significant dread anticipating episodes of intense fear?

The disorder characterized by significant dread in anticipating episodes of intense fear is Panic Disorder. Individuals with Panic Disorder often experience recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. Due to the unpredictable nature of these attacks, they may develop a persistent concern or worry about having additional attacks or may change their behavior in an effort to avoid situations where they fear an attack might occur. This anticipation and fear of future panic attacks significantly impacts their daily life and can lead to avoidance behaviors.

The other options pertain to different conditions: Specific Phobia involves an intense fear of a specific object or situation but does not typically focus on the anticipation of a panic attack itself. Unspecified Depressive Disorder centers around depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for other depressive disorders. Separation Anxiety Disorder primarily involves excessive fear or anxiety about separation from attachment figures, focusing more on relationship dynamics rather than fear of intense panic episodes.