Question

A person who experiences intense fear of open, public places where escape might be difficult is likely suffering from:

• A. Agoraphobia
• B. Social Anxiety Disorder
• C. Specific Phobia
• D. Panic Disorder

Hint:

Agoraphobia can be remembered as: \[ \text{Agora} = \text{Marketplace/Open Space} \] Hence, fear of open public spaces.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear of situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable during panic-like symptoms. Common feared situations include:
• Crowded public spaces
• Open marketplaces
• Public transportation
• Large gatherings People with agoraphobia may avoid leaving their homes due to extreme anxiety.

Step 1: Understand the symptoms described.
The question mentions:
• Fear of open places
• Fear of public spaces
• Fear that escape may be difficult These symptoms directly match agoraphobia.

Step 2: Differentiate from other disorders.
Social Anxiety Disorder:
Fear of social judgment or embarrassment. Specific Phobia:
Fear related to a specific object or situation. Panic Disorder:
Repeated panic attacks without necessarily involving public-place fear.

Step 3: Identify the correct disorder.
Thus, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Agoraphobia}} \]