Which of the following is NOT listed as an example of an anxiety disorder?

Which of the following is NOT listed as an example of an anxiety disorder?

• A. Bipolar disorder
• B. PTSD
• C. OCD
• D. Panic disorder

Answer: (A)

Anxiety disorders are defined by patterns of excessive fear, worry, or avoidance that are central to the condition. Among the options, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorder all revolve around fear or anxiety as defining features and include specific symptoms tied to anxiety responses: PTSD with trauma reminders and hyperarousal, OCD with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing distress, and panic disorder with recurrent unexpected panic attacks and ongoing worry about future attacks. Bipolar disorder, in contrast, is a mood disorder characterized by distinct mood episodes—manic or hypomanic phases and depressive phases. Anxiety symptoms can occur, but they are not the defining feature or primary classification of bipolar disorder. Because the question asks for what is not listed as an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder is the correct choice.

Anxiety disorders are defined by patterns of excessive fear, worry, or avoidance that are central to the condition. Among the options, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorder all revolve around fear or anxiety as defining features and include specific symptoms tied to anxiety responses: PTSD with trauma reminders and hyperarousal, OCD with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing distress, and panic disorder with recurrent unexpected panic attacks and ongoing worry about future attacks.

Bipolar disorder, in contrast, is a mood disorder characterized by distinct mood episodes—manic or hypomanic phases and depressive phases. Anxiety symptoms can occur, but they are not the defining feature or primary classification of bipolar disorder. Because the question asks for what is not listed as an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder is the correct choice.