Benny has an overwhelming fear of being in situations from which he cannot readily escape or in which there is no likely help in case a panic attack should occur. For example, Benny avoids shopping malls, movie theaters and restaurants. Benny most likely has __________

A) social phobia.
B) panic disorder.
C) dissociative disorder.
D) agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia is a fear of situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or in which help may not be available in the event of a panic attack. Avoiding situations such as shopping malls, movie theaters, and restaurants are common among individuals with agoraphobia. Social phobia is a fear of social situations where embarrassment or scrutiny is possible. Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Dissociative disorder involves disruptions or breakdowns in memory, consciousness, identity, emotion, and / or perception.