It was a test day, there were no oral reports due, and the class was getting ready to view a video. Regardless of the relaxed nature of the class, Baxter suddenly felt his muscles tighten and his heart rate increase as if he had had a sudden fright. It was happening again. These symptoms are typical of _______________.
A. a panic disorder
B. a phobia
C. a generalized anxiety disorder
D. an obsession
i know its not D or B... im very confused.. i think its A?
http://drdavespsychologypage.intuitwebsites.com/Panic__Don_t.pdf
To determine the most likely answer, let's break down the symptoms described and compare them to the characteristics of each option.
Option A: A panic disorder is characterized by recurring panic attacks, which involve sudden and intense fear or discomfort. Symptoms of a panic attack can include a rapid heart rate, trembling, sweating, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom. The description of Baxter's muscles tightening and heart rate increasing aligns with some of these symptoms, suggesting that a panic disorder could be a possible answer.
Option B: A phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a specific situation, object, or activity. Although Baxter's symptoms could be similar to those experienced in a phobia, such as a sudden fright, phobias are usually triggered by a specific stimulus. The scenario in the question doesn't mention a specific trigger, so a phobia may not be the best option.
Option C: A generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves excessive and uncontrollable worrying about everyday events and situations. While Baxter's symptoms of muscle tightening and increased heart rate could be associated with anxiety, GAD typically involves chronic and pervasive worry, not just acute symptoms.
Option D: An obsession is a persistent and unwanted thought or idea that causes distress. It doesn't align with the physical symptoms described in the question, so we can exclude this option.
Based on the symptoms presented, the most plausible answer would indeed be A. a panic disorder. However, it's important to note that a formal diagnosis can only be made by a qualified healthcare professional.