What is the definition of agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is primarily characterized by an intense anxiety or fear about being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack or similar symptoms. This anxiety typically arises in various scenarios, such as being in crowded places, traveling on public transport, or being outside alone. The correct choice reflects this essential aspect of agoraphobia by highlighting the underlying fear of not being able to escape these difficult or overwhelming situations.

In contrast, the other options focus on specific fears rather than the broader context of agoraphobia, which encompasses a more generalized fear of situations that could lead to feelings of helplessness or panic. For instance, a fear of social situations pertains to social anxiety disorder, while a fear of speaking in public pertains specifically to glossophobia. Furthermore, an irrational fear of enclosed spaces aligns more with claustrophobia than agoraphobia, which deals with anticipation of being unable to get away from a challenging environment rather than just a fear of confined spaces.