AP Psychology 5.4.E: Anxiety Disorders

Point 5: Agoraphobia

To earn this point students must explain how Annabelle's fear inhibits her from engaging in college life.

Responses could also explain how Annabelle's fear is reduced, thus facilitating her engagement in

college life.

Notes

- Responses must include some reference to fears associated with agoraphobia, such as being in

public places, crowds, open spaces, away from secure places or persons; in situations where she

cannot escape; or of having a panic attack.

- Students must go beyond merely labeling agoraphobia as an "anxiety disorder"; some mention of

a fear of public places, or the like, must be included.

- Do not score social phobias. References to "experiencing embarrassment" only score if they are

specifically linked to panic attacks.

- Do not score specific phobias (e.g., "fear of people," "fear of high places"). A "fear of people," a

"fear of a group of people," or a "fear of social situations" is not precise enough, but a "fear of

crowds" denotes a large group.

Examples

Score

"Annabelle becomes very anxious in crowds, so she doesn't go to her classes."

Do not score

"Annabelle has a fear of public places so she doesn't adapt well."

AP ${ }^{\text {® }}$ PSYCHOLOGY

2012 SCORING GUIDELINES