Final answer:
Laura likely has a specific phobia, an anxiety disorder characterized by persistent fear of snails, significantly impacting her daily activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Laura's reaction to snails suggests she may be experiencing a specific phobia. This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent and irrational fear of an object, activity, or situation, such as snails in Laura's case. The avoidance and distress that Laura displays when faced with the possibility of encountering snails, to the extent of hiring a gardener, indicate a significant impact on her daily life, which is a hallmark of a phobia. Treatment options often include therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help alleviate the fear by gradually exposing the individual to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner.