Which of the following describes agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is characterized primarily by an intense fear or anxiety about being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable should a panic attack occur. This can lead to avoidance of crowded places, open spaces, or situations in which the person feels they might not be able to safely leave. The key aspect of agoraphobia is the concern about being in places where the individual feels trapped or helpless, which aligns with the description of avoiding crowded or wide open places.

The other options represent different specific phobias. Excessive fear of dogs corresponds to cynophobia, while the fear of social situations and embarrassment relates to social anxiety disorder. An irrational fear of heights is known as acrophobia. While these are all types of anxiety disorders, they do not encapsulate the unique features of agoraphobia, which revolves around the fear of being in situations that might provoke panic or feel unsafe.