Arjun, a 30-year-old shopkeeper in Lucknow, once had a sudden attack of a racing heart and breathlessness at a crowded fair. Over the next few months, he grew afraid of going to new places he had not visited before. He stopped going to markets and other unfamiliar places. Now he hardly steps out of his house, and his daily work has suffered badly. Which anxiety disorder does Arjun's present behaviour best show?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Agoraphobia
Option (1) Specific phobia — Incorrect. A specific phobia is an irrational fear of one kind of thing, such as a certain animal or an enclosed space. Arjun's fear is not tied to one object; it covers every unfamiliar place and even leaving home.
Option (2) Social anxiety disorder — Incorrect. Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is intense fear and embarrassment when dealing with other people. Arjun is not afraid of meeting or facing people; he is afraid of entering unfamiliar places.
Option (3) Agoraphobia — Correct. Agoraphobia is a fear of entering unfamiliar situations. Many such people are afraid of leaving their home, so their normal life is badly limited. Arjun's growing fear of new places, staying at home and failing work fit it fully.
Option (4) Generalised anxiety disorder — Incorrect. Generalised anxiety disorder is long-lasting, vague fear that is not attached to any particular object, with worry about the future and constant tension. Arjun's fear is tied to unfamiliar places and leaving home, so it is not vague.
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