Final answer:
The correct answer is option a) Agoraphobia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alexia's behavior suggests that she may be suffering from agoraphobia, which is an anxiety disorder characterized by a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong. These often include open spaces, public transit, shopping malls, or simply being outside their home. Individuals with agoraphobia may only feel safe in a few, often very familiar, places.
In Alexia's case, her comfort in walking on a block where she knows many people, yet her nervousness and fear when venturing too far from home, align with symptoms of agoraphobia. It's a condition that differs from social anxiety disorder (an intense fear of social interaction or being judged), generalized anxiety disorder (excessive worry about various topics, events, or activities), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (recurring unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors). Understanding the characteristics of these disorders is important because anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental disorders in the United States.