Agoraphobia
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia, meaning "fear of the marketplace" in Greek, is a type of anxiety disorder. It's a condition where a person feels intensely anxious about being trapped in certain situations (i.e., public places or places where crowds gather) from which they can't easily escape or get help if they were to panic.
Movie theatres, long lineups in banks or stores, and buses or subways are examples of problem places for people with agoraphobia. They often end up avoiding these situations or only go with someone they feel "safe" with. In extreme cases, they may end up housebound, terrified to go anywhere in public.
Agoraphobia affects men and women almost equally, with 0.8% of men and 0.9% of women experiencing it in any given 12 month period. It disproportionally affects people with panic disorder: about one third of people with panic disorder also have agoraphobia.
Causes of Agoraphobia
In many cases, agoraphobia develops after a person has experienced a panic attack. This involves feelings of intense, overwhelming terror along with physical symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, a pounding heart, and shortness of breath.
Although panic attacks are unpredictable, the person learns to avoid the situation that seemed to trigger the episode for fear of having another one. Others may just feel uncomfortable in agoraphobic situations without ever having had, or going on to have, panic attacks. A few will go on to develop a complete panic disorder.
Symptoms and Complications of Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia can come on suddenly or develop gradually, typically between the ages of 18 and 35. It is rare for it to start after the age of 40. It's an emotional and physical reaction to being put into a specific situation that triggers fear. Symptoms include:
- strong feelings of panic, dread, terror, and horror
- recognizing that the anxiety is overblown, yet not being able to "talk yourself out of it"
- rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, and an overwhelming urge to flee the situation – all physical reactions associated with extreme fear
- going to great lengths to avoid the situation that causes fear
Left untreated, agoraphobia tends to fluctuate in severity and can even disappear on its own. However, if the condition prevents you from working, socializing, or otherwise living a normal life, you should talk to a doctor to get the help you need.
