Whenever John, a 10-year-old boy, is allowed to go outside to play with his peers, he becomes very anxious. He usually asks instead if he can stay inside to play alone. When he is unable to stay in, he begins to cry and complains of a stomach ache. What is the most likely diagnosis for John?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

John's fear and avoidance of social situations with his peers suggest social phobia, a type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive fear or anxiety in social situations where one might be scrutinized or evaluated by others. Separation anxiety and school phobia involve fear or stress related to specific situations or environments (e.g., being separated from a parent or being at school). Depression may involve feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem, but John's symptoms do not suggest such a diagnosis.

Whenever John, a 10-Year-Old Boy, Is Allowed to Go Outside