Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder. It involves fearing and avoiding places or situations that may cause the person to panic or feel trapped. Often, people with agoraphobia fear an upcoming situation – this can include public transportation, being in open or enclosed spaces, standing in lines, or being in crowds.

People with agoraphobia may avoid situations for fear of getting lost, falling, or having diarrhea and not being able to get to a bathroom. In addition, people with agoraphobia often develop it after having one or more panic attacks, causing them to worry about another attack.

Agoraphobia often makes it difficult to feel safe in public places. People with agoraphobia may need a companion to go to public places. It may get to the point where they feel they can’t leave their home, even with a companion.

Agoraphobia treatment can be challenging for patients because it directly involves confronting fears. However, with commitment and proper treatment – usually cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication – agoraphobic patients can see improvement and alleviate symptoms.

Researchers do not know the exact cause of agoraphobia, but it is often associated with an existing panic disorder. About one-third of people with panic disorder develop agoraphobia, but it can also occur alone.

Symptoms

Agoraphobia symptoms generally involve fears of:

•    Leaving home or leaving home alone

•    Crowds or waiting in line

•    Confined spaces (movie theaters, elevators, small stores, etc.)

•    Open spaces (parking lots, bridges, malls, etc.)

•    Using public transportation

These situations make people with agoraphobia fearful because they feel they won’t be able to escape or find help if they start to panic. They may also worry about other disabling or embarrassing symptoms or events, such as dizziness, falling, fainting, or diarrhea.

Additional Physical Symptoms

•    Chest pain or rapid heart rate

•    Fear or a shaky feeling

•    Hyperventilation or trouble breathing

•    Lightheadedness or dizziness

•    Sudden chills or flushing (red face)

•    Excessive sweating

•    Upset stomach

Treatment

•    Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

•    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

•    Medication

Sources

Much of this page was inspired by Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic articles.

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