In DSM-5, what change occurred for Specific Phobia regarding recognition of fear as excessive for adults?

In DSM-5, what change occurred for Specific Phobia regarding recognition of fear as excessive for adults?

• A. They must recognize fear as excessive
• B. They do not need to recognize fear as excessive
• C. They must recognize fear as excessive only if there is impairment
• D. They must have comorbid depression

Answer: (B)

DSM-5 relaxed the requirement that adults with Specific Phobia recognize their fear as excessive. Now the diagnosis can be made based on a marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation, immediate fear, avoidance, and persistence for at least six months, with distress or impairment, regardless of whether the person views the fear as excessive. This shift acknowledges that many individuals experience severe, impairing phobias without labeling their fear as unreasonable, improving diagnostic accuracy. The other criteria—duration, functional impact, and not being better explained by another disorder—still apply.

DSM-5 relaxed the requirement that adults with Specific Phobia recognize their fear as excessive. Now the diagnosis can be made based on a marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation, immediate fear, avoidance, and persistence for at least six months, with distress or impairment, regardless of whether the person views the fear as excessive. This shift acknowledges that many individuals experience severe, impairing phobias without labeling their fear as unreasonable, improving diagnostic accuracy. The other criteria—duration, functional impact, and not being better explained by another disorder—still apply.