A nurse is assessing a patient with a specific phobia. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a specific phobia?

Choice A rationale:

Antipsychotics are not commonly prescribed to manage anxiety and fear associated with phobias. Antipsychotics are primarily used to treat psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, and are not the first-line treatment for anxiety-related disorders.

Choice B rationale:

Antihistamines are not commonly prescribed for managing anxiety and fear associated with phobias. While some sedating antihistamines might have a calming effect, they are not the primary choice for treating anxiety. Antihistamines are more commonly used for allergies and sleep disturbances.

Choice C rationale:

Anticonvulsants are not typically prescribed for managing anxiety and fear associated with phobias. Anticonvulsants are used to treat conditions such as epilepsy and mood disorders like bipolar disorder, but they are not the first-line treatment for specific phobias.

Choice D rationale:

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety and fear associated with phobias. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used antidepressants that can effectively reduce the symptoms of anxiety and phobias by influencing neurotransmitter levels in the brain. These medications help regulate mood and reduce excessive anxiety associated with phobias.

Choice A rationale:

While this characteristic is important, it doesn't distinguish specific phobia from other mental disorders. It's a common requirement for many mental disorders to ensure the symptoms are not transient.

Choice B rationale:

This characteristic is more aligned with Social Phobia, where individuals fear negative evaluation in social situations, rather than Specific Phobia, which involves fear of specific situations or objects.

Choice C rationale:

The persistence of fear or anxiety for at least 6 months is a defining feature of specific phobias. This chronic nature helps differentiate it from transient fears or anxieties.

Choice D rationale:

This characteristic is related to Agoraphobia, where individuals fear situations in which they might develop incapacitating symptoms and lack available help. It doesn't specifically describe the fear of certain situations or objects seen in specific phobias.