What is Agoraphobia

Subject: What is Agoraphobia Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:16 pm

Agoraphobia
Introduction

Agoraphobia is a term that is used to describe a number of related phobias (irrational fears) that are connected to situations such as:

leaving home
entering shops
being in crowds or public places
travelling alone on buses, trains or planes

Agoraphobia can often lead to a change in behaviour where a person with the condition will avoid situations that may cause them anxiety. They may start only leaving the house with a friend or partner, or ordering groceries online rather than going to the supermarket. This change in behaviour is known as avoidance. Avoiding normal activities can lead to an individual’s life becoming restricted.
Agoraphobia and panic disorder

Many people with agoraphobia also have panic disorder and a history of panic attacks. In these cases, agoraphobia often develops as a result of a previous panic attack.

The person may worry about being in an environment or situation where escaping or getting help would be impossible or embarrassing if they were to have a panic attack. They may also think that having a panic attack will be life-threatening. For example, they think they stop breathing or their heart will beat too fast and they will have a heart attack.

See the Health A-Z topic about Panic disorder for more information about this condition.
Agoraphobia without panic disorder

It was once believed that all cases of agoraphobia were related to panic disorders and panic attacks. However, research carried out in the last two decades has shown that almost half of people with agoraphobia have no previous history of panic disorders or panic attacks.

In such circumstances, agoraphobia may be caused by different phobias, such as a fear of crime, terrorism, illness or accident. However, people who have agoraphobia without panic disorder are often motivated by the same fears as those with panic disorder, such as experiencing their first panic attack if they are in a situation or environment that provokes anxiety.
How common is agoraphobia?

Mind, the mental health charity, estimates that in the UK there are around 10 million people with a phobia. As many as half of all people with a phobia may have agoraphobia.

However, there may be many more people with phobias (including agoraphobia) due to the fact that some people do not feel comfortable talking about their condition, and therefore many cases may go unreported.

Agoraphobia is twice as common in women as men, and the condition usually starts between the ages of 18 and 35.

It is estimated that agoraphobia without panic disorder affects around 4% of women and 2% of men during any 12-month period.

Glossary
Anxiety

Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling when you feel worried, uneasy or distressed about something that may or may not be about to happen.
Panic

To panic is to be quickly overcome with a feeling of fear or worry.
Heart

The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood around the body.
Heart attack

A heart attack happens when there is a blockage in one of the arteries in the heart.

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