Which of the following is a common behavior for individuals with panic disorder?

Individuals with panic disorder often engage in the avoidance of exercise or unfamiliar situations as a common behavior. This stems from the experience of panic attacks, which may occur unpredictably and can be very distressing. As a result, individuals may start to avoid situations where they fear a panic attack could happen, including physical activities like exercise or environments that are unfamiliar or perceived as unsafe. This avoidance behavior is a key characteristic of panic disorder, as it serves to diminish anxiety by preventing the possibility of experiencing a panic attack.

The other behaviors mentioned, such as avoiding social gatherings or exhibiting emotional numbness, can be associated with other anxiety disorders or mental health conditions but are not specifically characteristic of panic disorder. Chronic failure to speak may suggest another issue, such as selective mutism, rather than panic disorder. Thus, the tendency to avoid exercise or unfamiliar situations is particularly aligned with the symptoms and coping strategies seen in individuals suffering from panic disorder.