A client states, 'I am terrified of leaving my apartment!' This describes which phobia?

A client states, 'I am terrified of leaving my apartment!' This describes which phobia?

• A. Hydrophobia
• B. Agoraphobia
• C. Claustrophobia
• D. Xenophobia

Answer: (B)

The situation describes agoraphobia. It’s a fear of being in places or situations where escape might be difficult or help wouldn’t be readily available, which often leads to avoiding leaving home or stepping outside one’s safe space. When someone says they’re terrified of leaving their apartment, they’re signaling anxiety tied to being in the outside environment and potentially facing panic or embarrassment without means to escape. Hydrophobia would be a fear of water, claustrophobia a fear of confined spaces, and xenophobia a fear or dislike of strangers; none of these match the fear of leaving one’s home to the extent described. In practice, agoraphobia can occur with or without panic symptoms and is treated with approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy with gradual exposure and, when appropriate, medications such as SSRIs.

The situation describes agoraphobia. It’s a fear of being in places or situations where escape might be difficult or help wouldn’t be readily available, which often leads to avoiding leaving home or stepping outside one’s safe space. When someone says they’re terrified of leaving their apartment, they’re signaling anxiety tied to being in the outside environment and potentially facing panic or embarrassment without means to escape. Hydrophobia would be a fear of water, claustrophobia a fear of confined spaces, and xenophobia a fear or dislike of strangers; none of these match the fear of leaving one’s home to the extent described. In practice, agoraphobia can occur with or without panic symptoms and is treated with approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy with gradual exposure and, when appropriate, medications such as SSRIs.