Agoraphobia

About Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder involving marked fear or anxiety about situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be available if panic like or other embarrassing symptoms occur. DSM-5 requires fear in at least two of five situation types: using public transportation, being in open spaces such as parking lots or bridges, being in enclosed places such as shops or theaters, standing in line or being in a crowd, and being outside the home alone. The situations are avoided, require a companion, or are endured with intense fear, and the fear is out of proportion to the actual danger. In severe cases a person may become largely housebound. Agoraphobia often develops after panic attacks, as people come to avoid places where attacks occurred, but DSM-5 recognizes it as a separate diagnosis that can occur without panic disorder. The name comes from the Greek word agora, meaning marketplace. Onset is usually in late adolescence or early adulthood. Cognitive behavioral therapy with gradual exposure to feared situations is the best established treatment, and SSRIs and SNRIs are among the medications used. Many people improve with treatment, though symptoms can persist without it.