A lady while driving a car meets with an accident. She was admitted in an ICU for 6 months. After being discharged she often gets up in the night and feels terrified. She is afraid to sit in a car again. The diagnosis is :
**Core Concept**
Trauma-induced anxiety disorder, specifically a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) known as "fear of driving" or "amnestic driving phobia," can be a long-lasting consequence of a traumatic event. This condition is characterized by an excessive and persistent fear of driving, often accompanied by avoidance behaviors.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient's symptoms of terror, avoidance of driving, and a history of a traumatic event are indicative of PTSD. The fear of driving is likely linked to the traumatic event, and the prolonged hospital stay may have exacerbated the condition. PTSD is often associated with hyperarousal, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors, which can be seen in this patient's nocturnal disturbances and fear of driving.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not directly related to the patient's symptoms and history. While it might be a plausible diagnosis for someone with a different set of symptoms, it does not fit the patient's presentation.
**Option B:** This option may be a related condition, but it is not the primary diagnosis for this patient. The patient's symptoms are more closely aligned with PTSD than with a simple anxiety disorder.
**Option C:** This option is not relevant to the patient's symptoms or history. The patient's condition is not primarily related to a sleep disorder.
**Option D:** This option is not a valid diagnosis for this patient. While the patient may experience sleep disturbances, the primary diagnosis is PTSD, not a sleep disorder.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
PTSD can manifest in various ways, including avoidance behaviors, hyperarousal, and hypervigilance. It is essential to consider a patient's history and symptoms when diagnosing PTSD, as it can be a long-lasting and debilitating condition.
**Correct Answer:** C.