Final answer:
Rene and her mother have anxiety disorders: Rene has a specific phobia of elevators and escalators, while her mother has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) related to dirt and germs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rene and her mother each have a type of anxiety disorder. Rene's fear of elevators and escalators is an example of a specific phobia, which is a type of anxiety disorder. Her mother's fear of dirt and germs, leading to excessive cleaning, is an example of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is also classified as an anxiety disorder.
Both specific phobias and OCD are characterized by irrational fears and anxiety-related behaviors. In the case of Rene and her mother, these fears and behaviors significantly impact their daily lives and cause distress.
Anxiety disorders can be treated with therapy and/or medication, and it's important for individuals affected by these disorders to seek professional help if their symptoms are interfering with their daily functioning.