Which of the following is a characteristic of a specific 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:

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.