A first grader is brought to the school clinic complaining of stomach pain and fears of his mother being in an automobile accident. After performing a physical examination and talking to his mother, the school nurse finds no physical basis for the child's stomach aches or fears. Which of the following anxiety disorders is he more than likely experiencing?

Explanation

•With separation anxiety, children experience panic or excessive worrying about losing their primary caregiver. They are reluctant to go to school or depart from the caregiver because of the fear of separation.

•Separation anxiety disorder is when the anxiety is atypical of the expected developmental level and age.

•Social phobia refers to the fear of social situations and subsequent avoidance behaviors, particularly when the child fears humiliation or embarrassment when under the scrutiny of others.

•Obsessions are recurrent, persistent, intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that cause marked anxiety and interfere with interpersonal, social or occupational function.

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