Seven-year-old Pihu cannot stay in a room by herself and shadows her parents' every move. A psychologist thinks she has separation anxiety disorder. Consider the following statements about her condition.
(A) Her fear of separation from attachment figures is to an extent that is developmentally not appropriate.
(B) To avoid separation, she may fuss, scream or throw severe tantrums.
(C) Her disorder belongs to the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.
(D) She is likely to be fearful of entering new situations.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Only three
(A) Her fear of separation from attachment figures is to an extent that is developmentally not appropriate. — Correct. In separation anxiety disorder (SAD), the fear of being apart from attachment figures is more than is normal for the child's age.
(B) To avoid separation, she may fuss, scream or throw severe tantrums. — Correct. Children with SAD fuss, scream, throw severe tantrums or make suicidal gestures to avoid separation.
(C) Her disorder belongs to the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. — Incorrect. SAD is a type of anxiety disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorders involve unwanted thoughts and repeated acts such as washing or checking.
(D) She is likely to be fearful of entering new situations. — Correct. Children with SAD are fearful of entering new situations, and cling to their parents.
NCERT (2026-27): “One day while driving home, Deb felt his … “Activity 4.3 going to school alone, are fearful of entering new situations, and cling to and shadow their parents’ every move. To avoid separation, children with SAD may fuss, scream, throw severe tantrums, or make suicidal gestures.” |