A woman is excessively fearful of dogs without prior bad experiences. What condition is she most likely suffering from?

The woman’s excessive fear of dogs, especially without any prior negative experiences, aligns with the characteristics of a phobia. Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations that can lead to significant distress and avoidance behavior. Unlike general anxiety or panic disorders, where the fear may not be tied to a specific object, a phobia is a focused and often disproportionate response to a particular stimulus.

In this case, the fear of dogs can provoke anxiety and panic in the woman despite there being no known triggers, indicating that this fear is not just a normal response but rather a phobic condition. Phobias can disrupt daily life and functioning, as the fear may lead her to avoid places where dogs might be present.

Other conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, are characterized by broader, more pervasive anxiety that does not center on a specific object or situation. Post-traumatic stress disorder involves re-experiencing a traumatic event, which does not fit the woman's situation, given that she has had no prior bad experiences with dogs. Therefore, the specific nature of her fear indicates a phobia is the most suitable diagnosis.