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:

Psychoeducation involves providing information about psychological conditions, symptoms, and treatment options to clients. However, it is not specifically aimed at helping clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs associated with their phobias.

Choice B rationale:

Cognitive therapy aims to help clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs associated with their phobias. By addressing cognitive distortions and negative thought patterns, individuals can learn to reframe their thinking, reduce anxiety, and manage their phobias more effectively.

Choice C rationale:

Behavioral therapy focuses on modifying behavior through techniques such as exposure therapy and desensitization. While behavioral therapy is often used in phobia treatment, it doesn't primarily target irrational thoughts and beliefs as cognitive therapy does.

Choice D rationale:

Relaxation therapy teaches individuals relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. While relaxation techniques can be beneficial as a complementary approach, they are not specifically focused on addressing irrational thoughts associated with phobias.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Choice A rationale:

The client's fear of flying in airplanes and the intense panic response when even thinking about it are indicative of a specific phobia. Specific phobias involve an intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. In this case, the fear of flying is specific and triggers a significant anxiety reaction.

Choice B rationale:

Social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder) involves an excessive fear of social situations where the individual fears being scrutinized or judged by others. This fear extends beyond a specific object or situation, which is not the case in this scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Agoraphobia involves a fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be available if a panic attack occurs. This fear often leads to avoidance of various places or situations, such as crowded spaces. The client's fear of flying is not characteristic of agoraphobia.

Choice D rationale:

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, often accompanied by a fear of having additional attacks. While the client does experience panic symptoms related to the fear of flying, the primary issue is the specific fear of flying itself, suggesting a specific phobia rather than panic disorder.