A client comes to the community mental health clinic seeking treatment for severe anxiety associated with a recent job promotion that requires a 30-minute commute via train. The nurse recognizes that this client most likely suffers from which psychological disorder?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Individuals with agoraphobia have fear and anxiety about being in (or anticipating) certain situations or physical spaces. The fear they experience is out of proportion to any actual danger. These individuals are also highly concerned about having trouble escaping or getting help in the event of a panic attack or panic symptoms. The primary psychological need in agoraphobia is to avoid panic, and individuals with this condition will engage in various behaviors to lessen anxiety and avoid specific situations. In severe agoraphobia, the individual may become homebound, not going to public places for fear of experiencing a panic attack that may cause them to become embarrassed or perform an uncontrollable act. The person with agoraphobia will often feel the need to be accompanied by a relative or friend when facing situations. Agoraphobic individuals most typically fear being in the following situations: Outside the home alone In a crowd or standing in line Traveling in a bus, train, car, ship, or airplane On a bridge or in a tunnel Open spaces (eg, parking lots, marketplaces) Enclosed spaces (eg, theaters, concert halls, stores) (Option B) In generalized anxiety disorder, the anxiety is evident in various situations and can impact all areas of an individual's life (eg, workplace, family/relationships, general well-being). (Option C) In social anxiety disorder, individuals fear being scrutinized, observed, or embarrassed in social or performance settings (eg, public speaking, eating in public). (Option D) Zoophobia is fear of animals. Educational objective: Agoraphobia is characterized by intense anxiety about being in a situation from which there may be difficulty escaping in the event of a panic attack. A person with agoraphobia may avoid open spaces, closed spaces, riding in public or private transportation, going outside the home, bridges/tunnels, and crowds.

A Client Comes to the Community Mental Health Clinic Seeking