Which disorder involves fear of situations where escape might be difficult due to panic symptoms?

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

Answer: (B)

This describes agoraphobia—the fear of being in places or situations where escaping might be difficult or help might not be available if panic-like symptoms occur. People with this condition often avoid or endure with great distress situations such as being outside the home alone, standing in crowds, traveling in vehicles, or being in open or enclosed spaces. The worry centers on not having a quick or easy way to escape or get assistance if a panic attack or other distressing symptoms happen, which can lead to significant avoidance and impairment.

Panic Disorder, by contrast, centers on recurrent panic attacks and the fear of having more attacks, not specifically on avoiding situations due to concerns about escaping during panic. Social Anxiety Disorder involves fear of social or performance situations due to scrutiny or embarrassment, not primarily about the ability to escape. Specific Phobia is a fear of a particular object or situation, not about broad environments where escape would be problematic in the context of panic symptoms.