Question

Anxiety neurosis is characterized by all EXCEPT

• A. suicidal intent
• B. panic attacks
• C. multiple somatic complaints
• D. over-concern

Hint:

Ask yourself which option belongs to depression rather than to fear-based illness.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This is an EXCEPT question, so it wants the one feature that is NOT typically part of anxiety neurosis (generalised anxiety disorder with panic features).

Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
Anxiety neurosis presents with excessive worry, physical (somatic) symptoms driven by autonomic arousal, and episodes of acute panic. It is fundamentally a disorder of fear and apprehension, not of hopelessness or self-harm, so features linked to mood disorders such as depression are the odd ones out.

Step 3: Working Through the Options:
Panic attacks are a core feature, sudden surges of intense fear with palpitations, sweating, and breathlessness. Multiple somatic complaints, headache, chest tightness, gastrointestinal upset, are also typical because anxious patients report their distress through the body. Over-concern, or excessive worry about everyday matters, is the defining trait of the disorder. Suicidal intent, in contrast, is a feature of depressive illness, not anxiety neurosis; anxious patients are fearful of dying, not seeking to end their life, so this is the answer that does not belong.

Step 4: Conclusion:
The correct answer is suicidal intent.