What is the most likely diagnosis for a 45-year-old female with anxiety in crowds and fear of places with no easy escape?

The scenario describes a 45-year-old female experiencing anxiety specifically related to being in crowds and fearing places where escape may be difficult. This is characteristic of agoraphobia, which is defined by an intense fear or anxiety about being in situations where escape might be challenging or help unavailable in the event of a panic-like symptoms or other incapacitating or embarrassing symptoms.

Individuals with agoraphobia often avoid situations such as crowded areas, public transportation, or other open spaces, preferring to stay in environments where they feel safe. The presence of anxiety in conjunction with the fear of not being able to escape points directly to agoraphobia as the most likely diagnosis.

Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about various aspects of life, but does not specifically include the fear of crowded places or escape. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsions, which do not align with the provided symptoms. Panic attacks may occur as part of agoraphobia but do not solely define it; they are more about sudden episodes of intense fear without specifically highlighting avoidance behaviors associated with agoraphobia. Therefore, considering all the aspects of the case, agoraphobia fits best as the diagnosis.