Agoraphobia

Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixababy

Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixababy

 
 

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia refers to a fear of any place where escape may be difficult, including large open spaces or areas with crowds, as well as various means of travel. People with agoraphobia may avoid situations such as being alone outside of the home, traveling in a car, bus, or airplane, being in a crowded area, being in enclosed spaces such as shops and cinemas, or being on a bridge or in an elevator.

Agoraphobic people are often afraid that in the event of an emergency or if they feel the need to escape, they will not be able to do so easily.  As an example, if they feel a pending panic attack, they want to be able to leave without being embarrassed.  

Agoraphobia is classified as an anxiety disorder.  It is diagnosed by marked fear of two or more of the following:

Using public transportation

Being in open spaces

Being in enclosed spaces

Standing in line or being in a crowd

Being outside the home alone

And the individual fears or avoids these situations because of thoughts that escape might be difficult or help might not be available in the event of developing panic-like symptoms.  

The situation invokes fear or anxiety.

The individual avoids the situations or requires a companion to approach the situations.

The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger.

The fear or anxiety often lasts for 6 months or more.

The fear, anxiety or avoidance causes clinically significant distress.

If another medical condition is present, the fear, anxiety or avoidance is clearly excessive.

The fear, anxiety or avoidance is is not better explained by the symptoms of another mental disorder.