Which condition involves intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult?

The condition characterized by intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult is indeed agoraphobia. Individuals experiencing agoraphobia often feel anxious in places such as crowded areas or enclosed spaces, leading them to avoid these situations altogether for fear that a panic attack or overwhelming anxiety may occur and that they would be unable to leave. This avoidance behavior can severely limit a person’s ability to participate in daily activities or travel outside of their home.

Other options represent different anxiety-related conditions, but they do not specifically focus on the fear of escape or being trapped in situations. Panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks, but does not inherently include avoidance of locations where escape is perceived as difficult. Generalized anxiety disorder features excessive worry about various life events but lacks the specific situational avoidance seen in agoraphobia. Specific phobias entail an intense fear of particular objects or situations, yet they don't encompass the broader avoidance of situations like agoraphobia does. Therefore, agoraphobia is the most fitting choice as it directly relates to the described fear and avoidance behavior.