Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Definition

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder. It is an irrational fear of being trapped in places or situations where escape is difficult. People with agoraphobia may not leave the house.

Causes

The exact cause of anxiety disorders is not known. Agoraphobia often occurs with panic disorders. People with a panic disorder may having a panic attack and not having anyone around to help them. This can lead them to avoid certain places or situations. Other factors that may contribute to the development of agoraphobia include:

  • Genetics
  • Changes in brain chemistry or activity
  • Having a nervous system that reacts excessively, even to normal stimuli
  • Increased awareness of physical changes, such as increased heart rate
  • Distorted thinking, which may start a cycle of fear

Nervous System

female nervous system 3D
Changes or genetic problems in the nervous system (brain and nerves) may contribute to agoraphobia.
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Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of agoraphobia include:

  • History of panic attacks or panic disorder
  • A tendency to be nervous or anxious
  • Stressful situations
  • Family members with panic disorder or phobias
  • Other psychiatric disorders

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Feared situations may trigger a panic attack. Attacks start quickly and peak in about 10 minutes. A panic attack usually includes four or more of the following:

  • Intense fear
  • Shaking
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Pounding or racing feeling in the chest
  • Sweating
  • Blushing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Hot flashes or chills
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Nausea
  • Feeling of loss of control or "going crazy"
  • Fear of having a heart attack or dying

Agoraphobia is also commonly associated with the following conditions:

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be asked questions about your:

  • Use of alcohol and drugs
  • Mental health history
  • Family's mental health history

There are no tests for agoraphobia or panic disorder. Your doctor may order heart or blood tests done to look for an underlying cause.

Treatment

Treatment aims to help you overcome irrational fears and live more independently. Goals include:

  • Reducing the number and severity of panic attacks
  • Learning to manage panic attacks that do occur

Treatments may include:

Cognitive therapy can help to change troublesome thought patterns. Behavioral therapy will help you learn how you can alter your actions. The combination therapy will help you:

  • Identify and change anxious thoughts
  • Use relaxation techniques to decrease feelings of anxiety
  • Control breathing by taking slower, deeper breaths
  • Cope with physical changes associated with anxiety
  • Confront feared situations

Exposure therapy exposes you to the factor causing the fear while in a safe environment. The sessions often include repeated, detailed imagining of the traumatic experience. The therapy will help people face their fear and gain control of it while it is happening. Exposure therapy methods range anywhere from a gradual approach to the fear to complete confrontation all at once.

Exposure therapy may be done alone or in combination with other treatments.

Your doctor may prescribe medication as well as therapy. Medication options may include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Benzodiazepines—may cause dependence
  • Other anti-anxiety medicines

It is important to take all medications as instructed by the doctor.

Stress management may also help. Lifestyle changes to manage stress include:

Prevention

Agoraphobia often develops as a response to panic attacks. If you have had a panic attack, instead of avoiding the place or situation, seek medical care. Early treatment for panic attacks can help prevent agoraphobia.