Question 19

Phobias are extreme and unreasonable.

Having a phobia is not considered normal or beneficial because these fears are characterized as extreme and unreasonable, which can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily life.

A) always require medication.

This statement is incorrect because not all phobias necessitate medication for treatment. Many individuals can manage their phobias through behavioral therapies and coping strategies, as suggested in the extract, without the need for medication.

B) cause harm to other people.

While certain phobias may lead to avoidance behaviors that could affect others, phobias primarily cause distress to the individual experiencing them rather than direct harm to other people. Thus, this option does not accurately represent the nature of phobias as described in the passage.

C) are terminal, meaning they never go away.

This option is misleading. Phobias are not classified as terminal conditions; many individuals can overcome or significantly reduce their phobias through various therapeutic approaches. The passage does not imply that phobias are permanent or unmanageable.

D) are extreme and unreasonable.

This is the correct answer, as the passage explicitly states that phobias are characterized by their extreme and unreasonable nature. Such intense fears can lead to debilitating effects, making them distinct from normal fears that are healthy and protective.

Conclusion

Phobias are fundamentally different from regular fears due to their extreme and unreasonable characteristics, which result in significant distress and dysfunction. Options A, B, and C fail to capture the essence of phobias as defined in the passage, reinforcing that D accurately reflects why having a phobia is not normal or beneficial.