What mental health disorder is characterized by both panic attacks and phobias?

The mental health disorder characterized by both panic attacks and phobias is classified under anxiety disorders. This category encompasses a range of conditions, where excessive fear or anxiety is a hallmark feature.

Panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness, are commonly associated with panic disorder, a specific type of anxiety disorder. Meanwhile, phobias represent intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, like heights or spiders, and can contribute to avoidance behaviors that significantly impair daily functioning.

By categorizing panic attacks and phobias under anxiety disorders, it highlights the overarching theme of anxiety's impact on mental health, including how the physiological response to fear can manifest through both panic attacks and specific phobias. Thus, the correct identification of these features aligns with the broader understanding of anxiety disorders as a whole, making C the appropriate choice for this question.