Diagnoses - Phobias

Question 1

The key distinction in the differential diagnosis of social phobia versus agoraphobia is: (2x)

Answer 1

NATURE OF THE FEARED OBJECT

Question 2

The parents of an 18 y/o adol who is overweight notice that their child is avoiding high caloric foods, such as meat and pasta. When the parents inquire about this, the teen says, “I am afraid of eating.” The evaluating psychiatrist asks when the eating behavior changed, and the teen reports having had an episode of panic which occurred while eating and was accompanied by choking feelings. A fear of choking while eating and a wish to avoid foods that might cause choking developed. The teen denies other episodes of panic. Dx? (2x)

Answer 2

SPECIFIC PHOBIA

Question 3

Take agoraphobic to crowded place and stay there until anxiety dissipates

Answer 3

FLOODING

Question 4

Which psychotherapeutic technique is most clearly indicated for treatment of simple phobia?

Answer 4

EXPOSURE THERAPY

Question 5

Pt presents with chapped and reddened hands. Upon questioning, pt admits to washing the hands many times a day because “I work in a hospital cafeteria and am intensely afraid of contracting a flesh-eating bacterial infection.” The most likely Dx:

Answer 5

SPECIFIC PHOBIA

Question 6

Pts with blood phobia have 2 stage response when exposed to stimulus. First is increased anxiety and elevated BP. 2nd response?

Answer 6

HYPOTENSION

Question 7

Pt reports having a fear of driving and experiences feeling of panic, SOB, heart racing, sweating, and clamminess when anticipating a drive down street roads. Pt acknowledges going out of the way to avoid this situation. Pt denied similar Sx in other settings. Dx:

Answer 7

SPECIFIC PHOBIA

Question 8

Avoids interpersonal situations due to anxiety and panic attacks

Answer 8

SOCIAL PHOBIA

Question 9

28 y/o M episodic anxiety, palpitations, flushing, shaking, chest tightness. Mostly at work or w/ group of friends. Embarrassed, afraid to go to work, avoiding people:

Answer 9

SOCIAL PHOBIA

Question 10

Most effective approach in behavioral treatment of phobias:

Answer 10

IN-VIVO EXPOSURE

Question 11

This medication is commonly used in social phobia associated with performance situations, shortly before exposure to a phobic stimulus?

Answer 11

ATENOLOL