Anshul, a seven year old child is so fearful and anxious about separating from his mother that he doesn't even go out to play. While sleeping he holds his mother's hand tightly and doesn't let her go to the washroom at times. Anshul might be showing symptoms of :
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Separation anxiety disorder
Option (1) Specific phobia — Incorrect. A specific phobia is an irrational fear of a particular object or situation, such as a certain animal or an enclosed space. Anshul fears being away from his mother, not an object.
Option (2) Social anxiety disorder — Incorrect. It is intense and incapacitating fear and embarrassment when dealing with others (social phobia). Anshul is not afraid of people judging him; he cannot bear to let his mother go.
Option (3) Separation anxiety disorder — Correct. Individuals with SAD are fearful and anxious about separation from attachment figures to an extent that is developmentally not appropriate. At seven, Anshul will not go out to play and holds his mother’s hand so tightly in his sleep that she cannot leave even for the washroom.
Option (4) Panic disorder — Incorrect. Panic disorder consists of recurrent anxiety attacks of sudden intense terror. Anshul’s fear is steady and tied to one situation, separation from his mother.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 29-05-2026 (Slot 2).
NCERT: Psychology — Chapter 4: Psychological Disorders, Separation anxiety disorder; Table 4.1 (2025-26)
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