A nurse is assessing a client with a phobia and asks, "What specific object or situation causes you the most fear or anxiety?" The client responds, "I'm terrified of flying in airplanes. Every time I even think about getting on a plane, I start to panic." Based on the client's response, the nurse recognizes that the client is experiencing:

Choice A rationale:

The client's fear of flying in airplanes and the intense panic response when even thinking about it are indicative of a specific phobia. Specific phobias involve an intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. In this case, the fear of flying is specific and triggers a significant anxiety reaction.

Choice B rationale:

Social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder) involves an excessive fear of social situations where the individual fears being scrutinized or judged by others. This fear extends beyond a specific object or situation, which is not the case in this scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Agoraphobia involves a fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be available if a panic attack occurs. This fear often leads to avoidance of various places or situations, such as crowded spaces. The client's fear of flying is not characteristic of agoraphobia.

Choice D rationale:

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, often accompanied by a fear of having additional attacks. While the client does experience panic symptoms related to the fear of flying, the primary issue is the specific fear of flying itself, suggesting a specific phobia rather than panic disorder.

Choice D rationale:

The individual fears or avoids certain situations due to thoughts of difficulty escaping or lack of available help in case of developing incapacitating symptoms (Choice D) is a characteristic of agoraphobia. Individuals with agoraphobia often fear being in situations where escape might be challenging or help might not be readily available if they experience intense anxiety or panic symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

The fear or anxiety is not better explained by another mental disorder (Choice A) is a general criterion for diagnosing anxiety disorders, but it doesn't specifically relate to agoraphobia.

Choice B rationale:

The individual fears or avoids social situations due to the perceived threat of negative evaluation (Choice B) is more indicative of social anxiety disorder, not agoraphobia.

Choice C rationale:

The fear or anxiety is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more (Choice C) is a general criterion for diagnosing anxiety disorders, but it doesn't uniquely characterize agoraphobia.