Final answer:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, are used to treat agoraphobia by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, thereby helping to reduce anxiety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to which class of drugs is used to treat agoraphobia is A. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs, such as Prozac, increase the levels of serotonin in the central nervous system by blocking the reuptake of serotonin. These drugs have become popular for treating various anxiety disorders, including agoraphobia, due to their efficacy and relatively few anticholinergic side effects compared to tricyclic antidepressants.
By increasing serotonin, SSRIs can help reduce the intense fear and anxiety associated with open or public spaces that characterize agoraphobia. Although SSRIs are primarily known for treating depression, they have also been found useful in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders and may help alleviate the symptoms of agoraphobia.