Question

Rishi, an 18-year-old student, complains that he feels fearful most of the time but doesn't know why. Without warning, his heart begins to pound, his hands get icy, and he breaks out in a cold sweat. Rishi most likely suffers from:

a) Bipolar disorder
b) Social anxiety disorder
c) Panic disorder
d) Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer 1

Rishi's symptoms of unexpected, intense fear, and related physical symptoms suggest he has panic disorder option c is correct, an anxiety disorder characterized by sudden and repeated episodes of severe anxiety, known as panic attacks.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rishi, an 18-year-old student who experiences unexpected episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as a pounding heart, sweating, and feeling cold, most likely suffers from panic disorder. Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that features reoccurring and unexpected panic attacks, characterized by a variety of physical and psychological symptoms.

Rishi's condition does not align with the symptoms of the mood disorder bipolar disorder or Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) which commonly involves recurrent, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

Also, while social anxiety disorder involves significant anxiety or fear in social situations, Rishi's symptoms occur without warning and are not necessarily triggered by social interactions. Therefore, given the symptoms described, panic disorder is the most likely diagnosis.