What condition is characterized by avoidance of places or situations where escape might be difficult?

Agoraphobia is characterized by the fear and avoidance of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack or similar situation. Individuals with agoraphobia often avoid open spaces, crowded places, or being far from home, as they may feel trapped or helpless if they were to experience anxiety in those settings. This condition often leads to a significant restriction of one's lifestyle and social interactions, fundamentally driven by fear of anxiety-related symptoms in public situations.

Social Anxiety Disorder, while also involving avoidance, primarily pertains to the fear of social interactions and situations where one might be judged or scrutinized by others, rather than a broader avoidance of various public settings due to a sense of entrapment. Specific Phobias refer to intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance but not necessarily tied to the fear of incapacitation outside one’s home. Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves excessive anxiety and worry about various aspects of life but does not inherently include the avoidance of specific places or situations. Thus, the distinct feature of agoraphobia is the primary concern with situations from which escape might be difficult, making it the correct choice.