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:

Neurochemical imbalances in the brain are more commonly associated with mood disorders like depression and anxiety disorders in general, rather than being a specific cause of the physiological symptoms seen in phobias.

Choice B rationale:

Negative self-beliefs and cognitive distortions are central to anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, but they don't directly explain the acute physiological symptoms like palpitations and sweating seen in phobias.

Choice C rationale:

Traumatic experiences and learned associations are relevant to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders. However, they are not the primary cause of physiological symptoms in specific phobias.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer. Specific phobias trigger a "fight or flight" response through the autonomic nervous system, leading to physiological symptoms like palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath. This response is an evolutionary adaptation designed to prepare the body to respond to threats.

Choice A rationale:

Psychoeducation (Choice A) involves providing the client with information about their condition, treatment options, and coping strategies. It can help the client understand their phobia better and empower them to take an active role in managing their fear.

Choice B rationale:

Cognitive therapy (Choice B) focuses on identifying and challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs related to the phobia. By changing thought patterns, clients can learn to respond to their phobic triggers in a more rational and less anxiety-provoking manner.

Choice C rationale:

Behavioral therapy (Choice C), including exposure therapy, is a cornerstone of phobia treatment. It involves gradually exposing the client to the feared stimulus in a controlled manner, helping them learn that their anxiety decreases over time.

Choice D rationale:

Relaxation therapy (Choice D) teaches clients relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation. These techniques can help reduce overall anxiety levels and provide a sense of control in anxiety-provoking situations.

Choice E rationale:

All of the above (Choice E) is the correct answer because each of the listed non-pharmacological therapies (psychoeducation, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy) plays a valuable role in helping clients cope with their phobias. They can be used in combination to provide comprehensive support for the client's needs.