A nurse is providing education to a client with social phobia. Which of the following statements accurately describes social phobia?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Specific Phobia. This is the correct answer. The client's symptoms of marked fear and anxiety about a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger, along with resulting distress and impairment, are characteristic of a specific phobia. Specific phobias involve intense fear and avoidance behavior triggered by specific objects or situations, like heights, animals, or certain environments.

Choice B rationale:

Social Phobia. The client's symptoms do not align with social phobia, which centers around fears of social judgment and performance situations, not specific objects or situations.

Choice C rationale:

Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia involves fear of situations where escape may be difficult or embarrassing, such as crowded places. The client's fear does not seem related to this type of avoidance.

Choice D rationale:

Panic Disorder. While panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks, it does not necessarily involve avoidance of specific objects or situations as the primary response. The client's avoidance behavior is more indicative of a specific phobia.