A client with social anxiety disorder is receiving treatment at the local community mental health center. Which situation most likely caused the client to seek therapy?

Question

A client with social anxiety disorder is receiving treatment at the local community mental health center.  Which situation most likely caused the client to seek therapy?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by an excessive and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which the client is exposed to strangers and the possibility of scrutiny by others. Examples of such social interactions include meeting unfamiliar people, being observed eating or drinking in public, and giving a speech. The client may fear criticism, embarrassment, humiliation, and rejection from unfamiliar people in unfamiliar social situations and will exhibit physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating, trembling, palpitations, diarrhea, and blushing. Although all these situations could provoke some degree of anxiety in a client with SAD, having to represent the company at a convention with hundreds of strangers is most likely what brought this client to the community mental health center. Clients with SAD often have anticipatory anxiety and worry for days or weeks before a feared event. They may recognize that their fear is exaggerated and will seek assistance and counseling. (Option A) The prospect of a new neighborhood may cause the client some anxiety; however, in this situation, the client has some control over exposure to new neighbors. The client can control this fear by limiting encounters or avoiding the neighbors altogether. (Option C) Seeing a new HCP may cause some degree of discomfort in a client with SAD; however, as a one-on-one encounter, it is not like to cause severe anxiety or panic. (Option D) In this situation, the client will be around familiar and possibly unfamiliar people. If necessary, the client can create a comfort zone by limiting contact with unfamiliar people. Educational objective: Clients with social anxiety disorder have an excessive, persistent fear of social or performance situations involving strangers and the possibility of criticism, embarrassment, humiliation, and rejection. The fear of the situation(s) causes severe anxiety and avoidance.

A Client with Social Anxiety Disorder Is Receiving Treatment at the Local