As Will approached the witness stand, he stopped and clutched his throat.He had to leave the courtroom because he was unable to speak.If he had no other symptoms, his condition might be diagnosed as ____.
A)panic disorder
B)factitious disorder
C)agoraphobia
D)functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Will's inability to speak suggests a neurological symptom, but with no apparent physical cause. This fits the criteria for conversion disorder, a condition in which psychological distress is converted into physical symptoms. Panic disorder, factitious disorder, and agoraphobia are less likely diagnoses in this case as they do not present with the specific symptom of sudden onset of speech difficulties.

As Will Approached the Witness Stand, He Stopped and Clutched