Health Encyclopedia

Agoraphobia

Definition

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Agoraphobia often accompanies another anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder or a specific phobia.

If it occurs with panic disorder, the onset is usually in the 20s, and women are affected more often than men. People with this disorder may become housebound 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 housebound for prolonged periods of time
Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
Feelings of helplessness
Dependence on 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
- Intense fear of going crazy
- Intense fear of dying

Signs and tests

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

The individual may sweat, have a rapid pulse (heart rate), or have high blood pressure.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to help the phobic person function effectively. The success of treatment usually depends upon the severity of the phobia.

Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias. The person is asked to relax, then imagine the things that cause the anxiety, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Graded real-life exposure has also been used with success to help people overcome their fears.

Antianxiety and antidepressive medications are often used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias.

Expectations (prognosis)

Phobias tend to be chronic, but respond well to treatment.

Complications

Some phobias may affect job performance or social functioning.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of agoraphobia develop.

Prevention

As with other panic disorders, prevention may not be possible. Early intervention may reduce the severity of the condition.

Review Date:11/15/2006
Reviewed By:Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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