AGORAPHOBIA

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance"—Franklin D. Roosevelt

​

The central feature of Agoraphobia is anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or where help might not be available in the event of having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms. Some situations people with Agoraphobia commonly avoid include:

​

• Public transportation

• Parking lots

• Marketplaces

• Bridges

• Shops

• Theaters

• Crowds

• Being outside of the home alone

​

Although agoraphobia can exist both with and without panic disorder, in a majority of individuals the restrictions in behavior occur as part of their fear of having a panic attack in an "unsafe" or public place. This can lead these individuals to severely curtail even everyday activities such as driving, working, going to stores, or simply leaving the house. Others can face their feared situation only with a trusted companion or "safe person." Individuals with Agoraphobia avoid any situation where they fear they will harm or embarrass themselves, or in which they would be helpless should a panic attack occur.