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: Conceptual Identification:
The presented scenario details a child's anxiety pattern. The objective is to identify the disorder that most accurately matches the observed symptoms.

Panic disorder: Defined by abrupt, recurring panic attacks involving intense fear and physical manifestations.
Phobia: Characterized by an extreme, irrational fear directed at a specific entity or situation.
Separation anxiety disorder: A childhood disorder marked by excessive distress regarding detachment from home or primary attachment figures (typically parents).
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Identified by persistent, excessive, and unmanageable worry across multiple domains.
Step 2: Symptomatic Analysis:
Pari's presented symptoms exclusively revolve around the theme of separating from her parents. Her behaviors include "clinging to her parents," "refusing to go to school without them," and experiencing fear "when she is left alone." These indicators are consistent with Separation Anxiety Disorder. Her age of eight years is pertinent; while some degree of separation anxiety is normal in younger children, it is considered developmentally inappropriate and a disorder at this age when it is excessive and leads to significant distress or functional impairment.
Step 3: Conclusive Determination:
The documented characteristic features align with Separation anxiety disorder.