Phobia is defined as which of the following?

Phobia is defined as which of the following?

• A. A persistent and irrational fear of a specific situation, activity, or object that leads to avoidance
• B. A temporary mood change in response to stress
• C. A normal fear of dangerous situations
• D. A recurrent dream about objects

Answer: (A)

Phobia is an anxiety-related condition defined by a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that leads to avoidance. The fear is out of proportion to the actual danger, lasts over time, and impairs everyday functioning. A temporary mood change in response to stress doesn’t capture the lasting, exaggerated fear that characterizes a phobia. A normal fear of dangerous situations is appropriate and proportionate, not excessive or persistent. A recurrent dream about objects isn’t a waking-life fear and doesn’t describe a phobic response. So, the statement describing a persistent and irrational fear that leads to avoidance best defines a phobia.

Phobia is an anxiety-related condition defined by a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that leads to avoidance. The fear is out of proportion to the actual danger, lasts over time, and impairs everyday functioning. A temporary mood change in response to stress doesn’t capture the lasting, exaggerated fear that characterizes a phobia. A normal fear of dangerous situations is appropriate and proportionate, not excessive or persistent. A recurrent dream about objects isn’t a waking-life fear and doesn’t describe a phobic response. So, the statement describing a persistent and irrational fear that leads to avoidance best defines a phobia.