What is the main difference between generalized anxiety disorder and phobic disorder?

• A. Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry about a variety of everyday situations, while phobic disorder is characterized by intense fear triggered by a specific object or situation.
• B. Generalized anxiety disorder is only diagnosed in children, whereas phobic disorder affects adults exclusively.
• C. Generalized anxiety disorder causes hallucinations, but phobic disorder does not.
• D. Generalized anxiety disorder is treated only with medication, while phobic disorder requires only psychotherapy.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of everyday situations, not limited to any specific trigger.
2. Step 2: Understand the definition of Phobic Disorder (also known as Specific Phobia). It involves an intense, irrational fear triggered by a specific object or situation, such as heights, animals, or flying.
3. Step 3: Compare the scope of anxiety in both disorders. GAD involves broad, generalized worry across many areas, while phobic disorder focuses on a particular fear stimulus.
4. Step 4: Recognize that GAD and phobic disorder differ in their symptom triggers and focus, which is key to distinguishing between them clinically.
5. Step 5: Note that the other options (diagnosis age, hallucinations, treatment methods) are incorrect or misleading, as both disorders can affect various age groups, do not typically involve hallucinations, and treatment can include both medication and psychotherapy depending on the case.