Which disorder is often characterized by a significant fear of an object or situation?

Specific phobia is characterized by an intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation, which can lead individuals to go to great lengths to avoid encountering the feared object or situation. The fear experienced is often out of proportion to the actual danger posed and can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Individuals with specific phobia typically recognize that their fear is excessive, yet they struggle to control their anxiety response.

In contrast, panic disorder involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks and a persistent worry about the possibility of experiencing another attack. Social anxiety disorder is marked by an intense fear of social situations and the potential for embarrassment or judgment by others. Agoraphobia involves a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often leading to avoidance of places such as crowded areas or public transportation. While both agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder involve fear, they do not focus specifically on objects or specific situations as does specific phobia.