A new client is diagnosed with agoraphobia. Which of the following would the healthcare identify as a characteristic of this disorder?
Select one:
A.
Fear Of using public transportation
B.
Avoids interacting with strangers and speaking in public
C.
Avoids being in the presence of spiders
D.
Refuses to use a public restroom because Of the virus, fungus, and bacteria
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
A. Fear of using public transportation
Explanation:
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear and avoidance of situations or places where escape might be difficult or help might not be available in the event of a panic attack or other incapacitating symptoms. People with agoraphobia often experience significant anxiety in situations where they feel trapped or helpless, which can lead them to avoid such situations altogether.
Characteristic Features:
- Fear of Specific Situations: Individuals with agoraphobia typically have a fear of being in places or situations where they might struggle to leave or get help if they experience severe anxiety or panic. This includes public transportation, enclosed spaces like elevators, or crowded areas. This fear often leads them to avoid these situations, sometimes resulting in them staying at home most of the time.
- Panic Attacks: The fear is often linked to previous experiences of panic attacks or extreme anxiety in similar situations. For example, if a person experienced a panic attack while on a bus, they might develop a fear of using public transportation due to the association with the panic attack.
- Avoidance Behavior: The avoidance behavior in agoraphobia is typically driven by the concern of experiencing a panic attack in a place where escape might be difficult or where they would feel embarrassed or helpless.
- Impact on Daily Life: This avoidance behavior can severely impact daily life, leading individuals to restrict their activities and isolate themselves, which can further exacerbate feelings of anxiety and limit their functioning in everyday situations.
In contrast, options B, C, and D describe fears that are more aligned with specific phobias (e.g., social anxiety, arachnophobia) or concerns related to hygiene, rather than the broader situational avoidance characteristic of agoraphobia.