Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice Indian Medical PG questions for Social Anxiety Disorder. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Question 1: Systemic desensitization therapy is used for
- A. Phobia (Correct Answer)
- B. Depression/Mania
- C. Organic brain syndrome
- D. Schizophrenia
Social Anxiety Disorder Explanation: ***Phobia***
- **Systemic desensitization** is a highly effective behavioral therapy specifically designed to treat **phobias** and other **anxiety disorders**.
- It involves gradually exposing the individual to the feared object or situation while teaching them **relaxation techniques** to replace the anxiety response.
*Depression/Mania*
- These conditions are primarily treated with a combination of **pharmacotherapy** (e.g., antidepressants, mood stabilizers) and other forms of psychotherapy like **cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)** or **interpersonal therapy**.
- Systemic desensitization is not a primary or effective treatment for the core symptoms of **mood disorders**.
*Organic brain syndrome*
- This is a broad term referring to mental impairment caused by a **physical disease or injury affecting the brain**, such as dementia or delirium.
- Treatment focuses on addressing the **underlying medical cause** and managing cognitive or behavioral symptoms, not desensitization.
*Schizophrenia*
- Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by **psychosis**, **disorganized thinking**, and significant functional impairment.
- Treatment primarily involves **antipsychotic medications** and psychosocial interventions, rather than exposure-based therapies like systemic desensitization.
Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Question 2: Management of a violent patient in psychiatry includes all except:
- A. CBT (Correct Answer)
- B. Haloperidol
- C. ECT
- D. BZD
Social Anxiety Disorder Explanation: ***CBT***
- **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)** is a long-term psychological intervention aimed at changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. It is **not suitable for immediate management** of an acutely violent patient.
- While CBT can be beneficial for aggression management in a stable patient, it requires patient cooperation, cognitive engagement, and time, which are not available during a **violent psychiatric emergency**.
*Haloperidol*
- **Haloperidol** is a potent typical antipsychotic frequently used in acute settings for rapid tranquilization of violent or severely agitated patients.
- It is effective in reducing **psychosis-related agitation** and can be administered **intramuscularly** for quick onset of action.
- Often used in combination with benzodiazepines for optimal control of acute violence.
*ECT*
- **Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)** may be considered in **severe, treatment-resistant cases** of violence associated with conditions like uncontrolled mania, catatonic excitement, or psychotic depression when pharmacological interventions have failed.
- While not used for immediate acute management due to logistical requirements (consent, anesthesia, specialized setup), it can be an effective option for severe psychiatric conditions with persistent violence.
- It works by inducing a brief controlled seizure, which can rapidly alleviate severe symptoms.
*BZD*
- **Benzodiazepines (BZDs)** like lorazepam or diazepam are **first-line agents** in the acute management of violent or agitated patients due to their rapid anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant properties.
- They are particularly useful for **calming acute agitation** and are often combined with antipsychotics for rapid tranquilization.
- Can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously for quick action in psychiatric emergencies.
Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Question 3: Which of the following disorders is classified under somatic symptom and related disorders in the DSM-5?
- A. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- B. Phobic disorders (e.g., social anxiety disorder)
- C. Conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder) (Correct Answer)
- D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Social Anxiety Disorder Explanation: ***Conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder)***
- **Conversion disorder** is characterized by neurological symptoms (e.g., paralysis, blindness) that are **incompatible with recognized neurological or medical conditions**, yet are not intentionally produced.
- It falls under **somatic symptom and related disorders** because the primary features are physical symptoms causing distress or functional impairment, rather than being malingered or feigned.
*Phobic disorders (e.g., social anxiety disorder)*
- **Phobic disorders** are classified under **anxiety disorders** in the DSM-5, not somatic symptom and related disorders.
- They are primarily characterized by **intense, irrational fears** of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance rather than prominent physical symptoms without a medical cause.
*Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)*
- **PTSD** is classified under **trauma- and stressor-related disorders** in the DSM-5, distinguished by symptoms developing after exposure to a traumatic event.
- Its core features include **intrusive memories, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity**, rather than unexplained physical symptoms.
*Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)*
- **OCD** is classified under **obsessive-compulsive and related disorders** in the DSM-5.
- It is primarily characterized by the presence of **obsessions (recurrent, intrusive thoughts)** and/or **compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts)**, which are distinct from somatic symptoms.
Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Question 4: In which of the following conditions is behavior therapy considered most effective?
- A. Panic Attack
- B. Psychosis
- C. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (Correct Answer)
- D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder Explanation: ***Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)***
- **Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)**, a type of behavior therapy, is the gold standard and most effective treatment for OCD.
- ERP directly targets the **obsessions** and **compulsions** by gradually exposing individuals to feared situations without allowing them to perform their rituals.
- OCD shows the **highest response rates** to pure behavior therapy compared to other psychiatric conditions.
*Psychosis*
- While supportive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) can be helpful, **behavior therapy alone is not considered the primary or most effective treatment** for core psychotic symptoms.
- Management of psychosis primarily relies on **antipsychotic medications** to address symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
*Panic Attack*
- Behavior therapy and CBT are effective for **Panic Disorder**, but the effectiveness is somewhat lower than for OCD.
- Treatment for panic disorder often requires a **combination of behavioral and cognitive techniques** rather than pure behavior therapy alone.
- Management typically includes breathing exercises, exposure to physical sensations, and cognitive restructuring.
*Generalized Anxiety Disorder*
- **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)**, which includes behavioral components, is highly effective for GAD, but the **cognitive elements are essential** for addressing worry and rumination.
- Pure behavior therapy (e.g., systematic desensitization) is less effective for GAD compared to OCD, as GAD involves pervasive cognitive distortions that require cognitive restructuring.
Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Question 5: What is the definition of phobia?
- A. An intense, irrational fear that leads to avoidance (Correct Answer)
- B. Fear of specific objects or situations
- C. A type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive fear
- D. A severe anxiety disorder characterized by irrational fear
Social Anxiety Disorder Explanation: ***An intense, irrational fear that leads to avoidance***
- A phobia is primarily an **intense and persistent fear** reaction that is **irrational** in nature, meaning it is disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the object or situation.
- This overwhelming fear invariably leads to **avoidance behavior**, where the individual actively tries to stay away from the feared stimulus.
*Fear of specific objects or situations*
- While phobias often involve specific objects or situations, this definition alone is insufficient as it doesn't capture the **intensity**, **irrationality**, or the **avoidance** component that are hallmarks of a true phobia.
- Many people experience fear of specific things without it reaching the clinical threshold of a phobia, as long as it doesn't cause significant distress or impairment.
*A type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive fear*
- This definition is broadly correct but is not the most precise or complete definition of a phobia itself.
- While phobias are indeed a type of **anxiety disorder** and involve excessive fear, the key defining features of **irrationality** and **avoidance** are not explicitly stated, nor is the clear distinction from generalized anxiety.
*A severe anxiety disorder characterized by irrational fear*
- Similar to the previous option, this highlights the **irrational fear** and categorizes it as an **anxiety disorder**.
- However, it omits the crucial element of **avoidance**, which is a defining diagnostic criterion and a hallmark behavioral response in phobias, and it also uses the broad term "severe" when the impact can vary.
Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Question 6: Specific phobias are best classified under which of the following categories?
- A. Mood disorders
- B. Psychotic disorders
- C. Personality disorders
- D. Anxiety disorders (Correct Answer)
Social Anxiety Disorder Explanation: **Anxiety disorders**
- **Specific phobias** are characterized by marked and persistent fear of a specific object or situation, which falls under the umbrella of **anxiety disorders**.
- The core feature is intense anxiety or panic when exposed to the phobic stimulus, leading to avoidance behavior.
*Psychotic disorders*
- These involve a significant loss of contact with reality, often featuring **hallucinations, delusions**, or disorganized thought and speech.
- Specific phobias do not involve such a profound disruption of reality or psychotic symptoms.
*Mood disorders*
- These are primarily characterized by a disturbance in the person's sustained emotional state, such as **depression (low mood)** or **mania (elevated mood)**.
- While anxiety can co-occur with mood disorders, specific phobias are distinct conditions defined by their fear response to specific triggers.
*Personality disorders*
- These are characterized by **enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior** that deviate significantly from cultural expectations, are pervasive and inflexible, and cause distress or impairment.
- Specific phobias are not considered deeply ingrained, pervasive patterns of relating to the world, but rather a focused fear response.
Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Question 7: A 45-year-old male presents with recurrent episodes of palpitations, sweating, and a fear of losing control. He has been experiencing these episodes for the past six months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Generalized anxiety disorder
- B. Panic disorder (Correct Answer)
- C. Social anxiety disorder
- D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder Explanation: ***Panic disorder***
- The presentation of recurrent, unexpected **panic attacks** characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear, palpitations, sweating, and a fear of losing control is classic for **panic disorder**.
- These episodes often manifest with physical symptoms that mimic a medical emergency, leading to significant distress and avoidance behaviors.
*Generalized anxiety disorder*
- This condition involves **persistent and excessive worry** about various life circumstances for at least six months, rather than discrete, intense episodes of fear.
- While physical symptoms like restlessness and fatigue can occur, they are generally less acute and not as severe as the sudden "fight-or-flight" response seen in panic attacks.
*Social anxiety disorder*
- This disorder is characterized by marked fear or anxiety about **social situations** where the individual might be scrutinized by others.
- While it can involve symptoms like palpitations and sweating in social contexts, it doesn't typically present with unexpected attacks unrelated to social performance.
*Obsessive-compulsive disorder*
- This disorder is defined by the presence of **obsessions** (recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images) and/or **compulsions** (repetitive behaviors or mental acts) that the individual feels driven to perform.
- The symptoms described—palpitations, sweating, and fear of losing control—are not typical primary manifestations of OCD, which focuses on specific obsessions and compulsions.
Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Question 8: A nondiabetic, nonhypertensive patient has occasional extra heartbeats. The doctor informed them it is benign, but the patient continues to seek investigations from doctor to doctor. This is a type of:
- A. Depression
- B. Conversion disorder
- C. Somatoform pain
- D. Illness Anxiety Disorder (Correct Answer)
Social Anxiety Disorder Explanation: ***Illness Anxiety Disorder***
- This condition is characterized by **preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness**, despite minimal or no somatic symptoms, or an excessive preoccupation if symptoms are present.
- The patient's repeated seeking of investigations despite medical assurance of a benign condition aligns with the diagnostic criteria of **illness anxiety disorder**, where reassurance has little effect.
*Depression*
- While **depressive symptoms** (e.g., low mood, anhedonia) can coexist with health anxieties, the primary driver here is the fear of serious illness rather than pervasive sadness or loss of interest.
- Patients with depression typically report a **generalized dysphoria** or lack of energy, which is not the central issue described.
*Conversion disorder*
- Involves **neurological symptoms** (e.g., paralysis, blindness, seizures) that are incompatible with recognized neurological conditions and are not intentionally produced.
- The patient's concern is about a benign cardiac finding, not the sudden onset of **functional neurological deficits**.
*Somatoform pain*
- This term is older and has largely been replaced by **Somatic Symptom Disorder with predominant pain**, where psychological factors play a significant role in the onset, severity, exacerbation, or maintenance of pain.
- The patient's main concern is about the **implication of a benign symptom** rather than experiencing overwhelming pain itself.
Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Question 9: A 25-year-old presents with depression, anxiety, and unexplained physical symptoms for 6 months. Most likely diagnosis?
- A. Somatic symptom disorder
- B. Major depressive disorder (Correct Answer)
- C. Illness anxiety disorder
- D. Adjustment disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder Explanation: ***Major depressive disorder***
- MDD commonly presents with **somatic symptoms** in addition to psychological symptoms, especially in Indian/Asian populations where up to 60-70% of depressed patients present with prominent physical complaints.
- The triad of **depression, anxiety, and unexplained physical symptoms** for 6 months is characteristic of MDD with somatic features.
- Common somatic manifestations include: headaches, body aches, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, and other unexplained physical complaints.
- The presence of depression and anxiety as **primary features** (not secondary to health concerns) points toward MDD rather than a somatic symptom disorder.
*Somatic symptom disorder*
- Requires **one or more somatic symptoms** PLUS excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms (e.g., disproportionate concerns about seriousness, persistent high anxiety about health, excessive time/energy devoted to symptoms).
- The **primary focus** would be the physical symptoms and health-related anxiety, not depression/anxiety as independent features.
- The stem lacks evidence of excessive preoccupation or maladaptive responses to the somatic symptoms.
*Illness anxiety disorder*
- Characterized by **preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness** with no or only mild somatic symptoms present.
- The focus is on the fear of being sick rather than distress from actual physical symptoms.
- Does not primarily present with depression as a core feature.
*Adjustment disorder*
- Requires **identifiable stressor** with symptoms developing within 3 months of stressor onset.
- Symptoms are expected to resolve within 6 months after the stressor ends.
- No stressor is mentioned in this case, and the 6-month duration without mention of stressor resolution makes this less likely.
Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG Question 10: What is the drug of choice for treating generalized anxiety disorder?
- A. Alprazolam
- B. Buspirone (Correct Answer)
- C. Phenytoin
- D. β-blocker
Social Anxiety Disorder Explanation: ***Buspirone***
- **Buspirone** is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that is effective for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and has a lower risk of dependence and sedation compared to benzodiazepines.
- It acts as a partial agonist at **5-HT1A serotonin receptors**, which contributes to its anxiolytic effects without affecting GABAergic systems.
*β-blocker*
- **β-blockers** are primarily used to manage the **physical symptoms of anxiety**, such as palpitations and tremors, often in performance anxiety, rather than the core cognitive and emotional symptoms of GAD.
- They do not address the underlying psychological aspects of generalized anxiety.
*Alprazolam*
- **Alprazolam** is a **benzodiazepine** that provides rapid relief of anxiety symptoms but carries a significant risk of **dependence, withdrawal, and sedation**, making it less suitable for long-term treatment of GAD.
- Due to these risks, benzodiazepines are typically reserved for short-term use or acute anxiety management rather than as a first-line treatment for chronic GAD.
*Phenytoin*
- **Phenytoin** is an **antiepileptic drug** primarily used to treat seizures and does not have a recognized role in the management of generalized anxiety disorder.
- Its mechanism of action involves stabilizing neuronal membranes and is unrelated to the neurochemical pathways targeted in anxiety disorders.
More Social Anxiety Disorder Indian Medical PG questions available in the OnCourse app. Practice MCQs, flashcards, and get detailed explanations.
