American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

Which anxiety disorder is the most common?

1. Panic disorder

2. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

3. Generalized anxiety disorder

4. Specific phobia

The correct answer is: Specific phobia

Specific phobia is the most prevalent anxiety disorder among the options listed. It is characterized by a marked and persistent fear of specific objects or situations, which can lead individuals to avoid encounters with these stimuli, significantly disrupting their daily lives. This disorder affects a substantial portion of the population, with studies indicating that it occurs in approximately 12% of people at some point in their lives. Factors contributing to the high prevalence of specific phobia include its wide range of triggers, which can include animals, natural environments, situations (like flying or being in enclosed spaces), and other specific objects. Additionally, specific phobias often develop in childhood, persisting into adulthood if not addressed. In contrast, while panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder are also common and can significantly impact individuals, they do not match the prevalence rates of specific phobia. Panic disorder involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks and the fear of future attacks, which tend to be less common than the specific fears associated with phobias. Obsessive-compulsive disorder includes both obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors), presenting a lower lifetime prevalence compared to phobias. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about