Which of the following statements accurately describes the diagnostic criteria for phobias?
Phobias are characterized by intense fear, anxiety, panic, and impaired functioning.
Phobias are diagnosed based on the presence of specific physiological symptoms.
Phobias are diagnosed based on the duration and frequency of the symptoms.
Phobias are diagnosed based on the specific type of phobia and its associated features.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
This description is more fitting for panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, which involve intense fear, anxiety, panic, and impaired functioning. Specific phobias can cause distress and impairment, but they are primarily characterized by the fear of a specific object or situation.
Choice B rationale:
Phobias are diagnosed based on the psychological and behavioral symptoms related to the fear of a specific object or situation, not solely on physiological symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
While duration and frequency of symptoms are important factors, they are not the central criteria for diagnosing specific phobias. These factors might be more relevant to other anxiety disorders.
Choice D rationale:
The correct answer. Phobias are diagnosed based on the specific type of fear-inducing object or situation and the associated features of the phobia. These features include the marked and persistent fear, avoidance behavior, and the irrationality of the fear response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
The individual fears or avoids certain situations due to thoughts of difficulty escaping or lack of available help in case of developing incapacitating symptoms (Choice D) is a characteristic of agoraphobia. Individuals with agoraphobia often fear being in situations where escape might be challenging or help might not be readily available if they experience intense anxiety or panic symptoms.
Choice A rationale:
The fear or anxiety is not better explained by another mental disorder (Choice A) is a general criterion for diagnosing anxiety disorders, but it doesn't specifically relate to agoraphobia.
Choice B rationale:
The individual fears or avoids social situations due to the perceived threat of negative evaluation (Choice B) is more indicative of social anxiety disorder, not agoraphobia.
Choice C rationale:
The fear or anxiety is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more (Choice C) is a general criterion for diagnosing anxiety disorders, but it doesn't uniquely characterize agoraphobia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Social phobia is a fear of a particular stimulus that triggers an excessive and unreasonable response. This description aligns more closely with the definition of a specific phobia rather than social phobia. Specific phobias involve a fear of specific objects or situations, not general social interactions.
Choice B rationale:
Social phobia is a fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social or performance situations. This is the correct answer. Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is characterized by an intense fear of negative evaluation in social settings. Individuals with social phobia are often excessively self-conscious and fear humiliation or embarrassment when interacting with others.
Choice C rationale:
Social phobia is a fear of being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing. This description aligns with agoraphobia, which involves a fear of situations from which escape may be challenging, rather than social phobia.
Choice D rationale:
Social phobia is a fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that poses little or no actual danger. This description aligns more with the definition of a specific phobia, where the fear is often triggered by a specific object or situation that poses limited real danger.
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