As Will approaches the witness stand, he stops and clutches his throat. He has to leave the courtroom because he is unable to speak. If he has 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 symptoms suggest a functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder), where psychological stress manifests as physical symptoms without an underlying medical cause. Panic disorder and agoraphobia involve intense fear or anxiety, and factitious disorder involves intentionally producing or faking symptoms for a psychological need to assume a sick role, which doesn't align with Will's sudden, symptom-specific distress.

As Will Approaches the Witness Stand, He Stops and Clutches