Person experiencing fear when he travels by bus alone is a case of
**Question:** Person experiencing fear when he travels by bus alone is a case of
A. Agoraphobia
B. Claustrophobia
C. Panic disorder
D. Social anxiety disorder
**Correct Answer:** A. Agoraphobia
**Core Concept:** Agoraphobia is a specific phobia characterized by excessive and irrational fear of situations or places where the individual feels trapped, helpless, or cannot escape easily, and where help might not be readily available. This fear is more severe than the normal fear associated with the situation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder where an individual experiences an intense fear or avoidance of situations that may lead to panic attacks or embarrassment. In the context of the question, traveling alone by bus falls under the category of an "open space" or "large public place," which is a common phobic situation in agoraphobia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
B. Claustrophobia (C. Phobic disorders) is a specific phobia characterized by an excessive fear of confined places or spaces, such as elevators, narrow spaces, or enclosed rooms. In the given question, traveling alone by bus is not confined or narrow, so claustrophobia is incorrect.
C. Panic disorder (D. Mood and anxiety disorders) is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and fear of having another attack. The question does not mention panic attacks, but focuses on fear of traveling alone by bus, making panic disorder an incorrect diagnosis.
D. Social anxiety disorder (D. Mood and anxiety disorders) is characterized by excessive fear or avoidance in social situations. In the given question, the person fears traveling alone, which is not a social situation and therefore, social anxiety disorder is incorrect.
**Clinical Pearl:** Agoraphobia can be a result of a traumatic event like a past panic attack or a learned fear from observing others' reactions to panic attacks in similar situations. It can be managed with cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and medications, depending on the severity of the disorder.