Which of the following individuals is most likely to be diagnosed with a phobic disorder?

• A. A person who has frequent mood swings between mania and depression
• B. A person who experiences recurrent intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
• C. A person who has persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in daily activities
• D. A person who experiences intense, irrational fear and avoidance of specific objects or situations, such as spiders or heights

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of a phobic disorder. A phobic disorder is characterized by an intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance behavior that interferes with daily functioning.
2. Step 2: Analyze each option by matching the symptoms described with the characteristics of phobic disorder. For example, mood swings between mania and depression suggest bipolar disorder, not a phobia.
3. Step 3: Recognize that recurrent intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are indicative of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is different from phobic disorders.
4. Step 4: Identify that persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in daily activities are symptoms of major depressive disorder, not a phobia.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the individual who experiences intense, irrational fear and avoidance of specific objects or situations (such as spiders or heights) fits the criteria for a phobic disorder.