Specific phobia differs from generalized anxiety disorder in which of the following ways?

• A. Specific phobia is treated only with medication, while generalized anxiety disorder is treated only with psychotherapy.
• B. Specific phobia typically begins in adulthood, whereas generalized anxiety disorder usually starts in childhood.
• C. Specific phobia involves intense fear of a particular object or situation, while generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive anxiety about a wide range of everyday events.
• D. Specific phobia is characterized by persistent worry about multiple life domains, while generalized anxiety disorder is limited to fear of one specific trigger.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of both disorders. Specific phobia is characterized by an intense, irrational fear of a particular object or situation, while generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves excessive anxiety and worry about a variety of everyday events or activities.
2. Step 2: Identify the key difference in symptom focus. Specific phobia centers on a single, specific trigger, whereas GAD involves broad, persistent worry across multiple domains of life.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the treatment approaches. Both disorders can be treated with psychotherapy and/or medication, so the statement that one is treated only with medication and the other only with psychotherapy is incorrect.
4. Step 4: Consider the typical age of onset. Specific phobia often begins in childhood or adolescence, not typically in adulthood, and GAD can also start in childhood or adulthood, so the age-related statement is inaccurate.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct distinction is that specific phobia involves intense fear of a particular object or situation, while generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive anxiety about a wide range of everyday events.