Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Panic disorder may be linked to a psychodynamic fear of what?

1. Isolation

2. Failure

3. Separation

4. Rejection

The correct answer is: Separation

Panic disorder is often associated with underlying psychological conflicts and fears. In psychodynamic theory, the fear of separation is particularly significant. Individuals with panic disorder may have anxiety about being separated from loved ones or their primary sources of safety and security. This fear can manifest as panic attacks, which often occur in situations where the person feels they might be cut off from support or comfort. The relationship between panic disorder and separation anxiety can be rooted in early childhood experiences, where disruptions in attachment can lead to heightened fears of abandonment or loss. This fear can grow over time and contribute to the development of panic disorder, as the individual may unconsciously perceive any situation that disrupts their sense of safety as a threat. By addressing this connection, clinicians can help patients understand their panic attacks in the context of their underlying fears and anxieties, particularly those related to separation from significant others. This psychodynamic perspective provides valuable insights for therapeutic interventions aimed at resolving these deep-seated conflicts.