Final answer:
The correct option is (B). Specific Phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by marked and persistent fear triggered by specific objects or situations, which is excessive or unreasonable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anxiety disorder that includes marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipated presence of a specific object or situation, is known as Specific Phobia. This condition involves powerful, irrational fear reactions that lead individuals to avoid the dreaded object or situation. In contrast, Panic Disorder is characterized by spontaneous and unexpected panic attacks, while Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life. Agoraphobia involves an intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or where help wouldn't be available if things go wrong, often tied into panic attacks.
Specific Phobia differs from other anxiety disorders by its tight focus on particular stimuli. For instance, someone might have a phobia of spiders (arachnophobia) and experience intense fear upon encountering one, or even thinking about encountering one. This fear must be excessive or unreasonable, lasting for six months or longer, and it must significantly interfere with the person's normal routine, occupational functioning, or social activities or relationships.