Question

Pari, who is eight years old now, continues to cling to her parents and refuses to go to school without them. She screams, throws tantrums and feels fearful when she is left alone in a room by herself. These are characteristic features of:

• A. Panic disorder
• B. Phobia
• C. Separation anxiety disorder
• D. Generalised anxiety disorder

Hint:

When diagnosing anxiety disorders, always look for the "trigger" or focus of the anxiety. Is it a specific object (Phobia)? Is it separation (Separation Anxiety)? Is it everything in general (GAD)? Or does it seem to come out of nowhere (Panic Disorder)?

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question describes a specific pattern of anxiety in a child. We need to identify the disorder that best fits the symptoms.

Panic disorder: Characterized by sudden, recurrent panic attacks (intense fear with physical symptoms).
Phobia: An intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation.
Separation anxiety disorder: A childhood disorder characterized by excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached (usually parents).
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): Characterized by chronic, excessive, and uncontrollable worry about a variety of things.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Pari's symptoms are all centered around the theme of separation from her parents. She "clings to her parents," "refuses to go to school without them," and becomes fearful "when she is left alone." This is the classic presentation of Separation Anxiety Disorder. Her age (eight years old) is also relevant, as some separation anxiety is normal in very young children, but it is developmentally inappropriate and considered a disorder at this age if it is excessive and causes significant distress or impairment.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The characteristic features described are those of Separation anxiety disorder.