Article written:
10th Jan 2023
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder in which a person experiences intense fear, or a panic attack, in situations that makes them feel trapped or helpless. This fear may be triggered by an actual or anticipated situation, such as using public transportation, being in a crowd, an enclosed area, or an open space. [1]
Most people with agoraphobia develop it after experiencing one or more panic attacks. This causes them to worry about having another panic attack in a place where escape may be difficult, or help would be unavailable. The resulting and persistent anxiety can have a significant effect on their quality of life.
Agoraphobia causes feelings of helplessness and isolation as individuals start to avoid places or situations that remind them of past panic attacks.
People with agoraphobia may feel unsafe in public spaces and need a companion, such as a relative or friend, to accompany and support them. It may become so overwhelming that it is difficult for them to leave home.
Several different situations can trigger agoraphobia. The most common are listed below [2]:
The main physical symptoms of agoraphobia that occur when an individual enters an uncomfortable or stressful situation include:
Agoraphobia can appear at any age. However, it is most likely to manifest in late teens or early adult years [2]. There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing agoraphobia including:
There are physical factors that can trigger agoraphobia, such as:
Resources: