Agoraphobia

Definition

Agoraphobia is fear of being in places where help might not be available, typically fear of crowds, bridges, or of being outside alone.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Agoraphobia is a disorder that most often accompanies other Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or specific phobias.

If it occurs with panic disorder, the onset is usually during the 20's, and women are affected more often than men. People with this disorder may become house bound for years, which is likely to hurt social and interpersonal relationships.

Symptoms

• Fear of being alone
  
• Fear of losing control in a public place
  
• Fear of being in places where escape might be difficult
  
• Becoming house bound for prolonged periods
  
• Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
  
• Feelings of helplessness
  
• Dependence upon others
  
• Feeling that the body is unreal
  
• Feeling that the environment is unreal
  
• Anxiety or panic attack (acute severe anxiety)
  
• Unusual temper or agitation with trembling or twitching
  

Additional symptoms that may occur:

• Lightheadedness, near Fainting
  
• Dizziness
  
• Excessive sweating
  
• Skin flushing
  
• Breathing difficulty
  
• Chest pain
  
• Heartbeat sensations
  
• nausea and Vomiting
  
• Numbness and tingling
  
• Abdominal distress that occurs when upset
  
• Confused or disordered thoughts
  o Intense fear of going crazy
  o Intense fear of dying
  

Signs and tests

The individual may have a history of phobias, or the health care provider may hear a description of agoraphobic behavior from family, friends, or the affected person.

The individual may be sweating, have a rapid pulse (heart rate), or have .