Sunil is 24 years old and has an IQ of about 65. He speaks clearly and understands what others say. He studied up to Class 5 in a supportive school and has a few close friends. He now works as a helper in a packing unit, doing simple unskilled work, and plans to marry next year. He copes well on most days, but he needs his sister's help when things become stressful. Their father has been drinking heavily for many years, and his drinking has cost him his job and hurt the family. Sunil's younger brother, Arjun, now shows marked anxiety and strong fears about leaving the house.
A counsellor working with this family is worried about Arjun. Besides anxiety and phobias, children of persons with alcoholism show higher rates of which other problems?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Depression and substance-related disorders
Option (1) Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder — Incorrect. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are serious disorders of thought and mood. They are not among the problems named for children of persons with alcoholism.
Option (2) Obsessive-compulsive disorder and somatic symptom disorder — Incorrect. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves unwanted repeated thoughts and actions, and somatic symptom disorder involves body complaints without a medical cause. They are not the problems linked with a parent's alcoholism.
Option (3) Depression and substance-related disorders — Correct. Alcoholism has serious effects on the children of the drinker. They show higher rates of anxiety, phobias, depression and substance-related disorders, so Arjun needs to be watched for these too.
Option (4) Autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability — Incorrect. Autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability are neurodevelopmental disorders that start in early childhood. They are not described as effects of a parent's drinking.
NCERT (2026-27): “… Alcoholism destroys millions of families, social relationships and careers. Intoxicated drivers are responsible for many road accidents. It also has serious effects on the children of persons with this disorder. These children have higher rates of psychological problems, particularly anxiety, depression, phobias and substance-related disorders. …” |