Final answer:
A 10-year-old exhibiting extreme fear of using the bathroom at school likely has a specific phobia, an anxiety disorder that can be managed with psychological support and therapy, such as CBT. Resources for educators are available to assist in supporting children with similar anxieties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The case of a 10-year-old with an extreme fear of using the bathroom at school due to concerns that other children will laugh if they hear or smell him can be indicative of a type of anxiety disorder. This may be diagnosed as specific phobia, where the fear is centered on a specific situation or environment. The diagnosis would likely involve a detailed history, psychosocial assessment, and the application of DSM-5 criteria for specific phobias. It's important that the child receives appropriate psychological support to manage this fear, which may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help him learn coping strategies and gradually face his fear in a controlled and supportive way.
Clinical Relevance
Cases like Freud's 'Analysis of a phobia in a five-year-old boy' and the Normative approach to child development offer insight into understanding and treating such phobias. Teachers and caregivers can also benefit from resources like 'Blackboards and Bathrooms' to better support children struggling with similar anxieties.