Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTypesCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCopingFrequently Asked Questions

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Table of Contents

Symptoms

Types

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Coping

Frequently Asked Questions

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Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that involves an extreme and irrational fear of being unable to escape a difficult or embarrassing situation. People fear they will experience panic or other incapacitating symptoms when trapped in a public and inescapable setting.

Due to these avoidance behaviors, the life of a person with agoraphobia can become very restrictive and isolated—greatly affecting their personal and professional life. For example, heightened fears and avoidance behaviors can make it difficult for a person with agoraphobia to travel for work or to visit with family and friends. Even small tasks, such as going to the store, can become extremely difficult.

Fear and avoidance can become so severe with agoraphobia that the person with the phobia becomes confined to their home. Fortunately, agoraphobic symptoms can be treated.

Agoraphobia and Fear of Leaving the House

Symptoms of Agoraphobia

Symptoms of agoraphobia may include:

Panic attacks often precede the onset of agoraphobia. When forced to endure a feared situation, a person may experience apanic attackthat causes symptoms including:

The Symptoms of Agoraphobia

Types of Agoraphobia

Although many people with agoraphobia will also have panic disorder, it is possible to be diagnosed with agoraphobia without having a history of panic disorder.When this occurs, the person still has a fear of being stuck in a situation where escape would be difficult or humiliating. However, they generally do not fear having full-blown panic attacks.

Rather, they may be afraid of having some other type of distressing anxiety symptom or other intense physical issues, such as vomiting or having asevere migraine. For instance, the person may be afraid that they will lose control of their bladder in public or faint without any help being available.

Approximately one-third to half of those diagnosed with panic disorder will also develop agoraphobia. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that agoraphobia occurs to approximately 0.9% of adults in the U.S. population in any given year.This condition typically develops in adulthood, though it can emerge earlier in adolescence.

Agoraphobia vs. Other Phobias

The avoidance behaviors present in agoraphobia differ from the diagnostic criteria of aspecific phobia. For instance:

Causes of Agoraphobia

The exact causes of agoraphobia are not known, but there are a number of risk factors that may increase your risk of developing this condition. These include:

Learned associations can also play a role in the development of agoraphobia. Experiencing a panic attack in a certain situation or setting can lead to a fear that such a reaction will occur again in the future.

In some cases,post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) can contribute to the development of agoraphobia. PTSD can occur following a traumatic event and lead to hypervigilance and anxiety symptoms, which can lead to the onset of agoraphobia.

Diagnosis of Agoraphobia

To receive a diagnosis of agoraphobia, a healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and check for any underlying medical conditions that might be causing those symptoms. You may be asked about your medical history and you will be asked about the nature, duration, and severity of your anxiety symptoms.

In order to be diagnosed with agoraphobia, you must:

Treatment for Agoraphobia

If a person does develop agoraphobia with panic disorder, symptoms typically begin to occur within the first year that the person starts having recurring and persistent panic attacks. Agoraphobia can get worse if left untreated.

For the best outcomes in managing agoraphobia and panic symptoms, it is important to seek treatment as soon as symptoms arise. Treatment options typically include a combination of both medication andpsychotherapy.

Psychotherapy

Medications

Medications may also be prescribed to help manage certain symptoms of agoraphobia. These medications include:

Coping With Agoraphobia

In addition to seeking help from a mental health professional, there are also lifestyle changes that can help you to better manage the symptoms of agoraphobia. These include:

Through thesupport of family and friendsand professional help, a person with agoraphobia can manage their condition. With medication and psychotherapy, a person with agoraphobia can expect to eventually experience fewer panic attacks, fewer avoidance behaviors, and a return to a more independent and active life.

If you or a loved one are struggling with agoraphobia, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with agoraphobia, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

How to Cope With Agoraphobia

Frequently Asked QuestionsThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that less than 1% of the population reports having agoraphobia during the past 12 months.Additionally, males and females appear to have agoraphobia at near-equal rates at 0.8% and 0.9% respectively. Though, other health institutions suggest that the prevalence may be a bit higher, or somewhere between 1% and 2%.The cause of agoraphobia is unclear, though this condition often exists along with panic disorder. In fact, roughly one in three people with a panic disorder also develop agoraphobia.A family history of agoraphobia or a history of trauma may also contribute to the development of agoraphobia.Generally, a combination of psychotherapy and medication provides the best treatment outcome for people with agoraphobia.That said, the most effective treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Lifestyle changes can help reduce agoraphobic symptoms as well.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that less than 1% of the population reports having agoraphobia during the past 12 months.Additionally, males and females appear to have agoraphobia at near-equal rates at 0.8% and 0.9% respectively. Though, other health institutions suggest that the prevalence may be a bit higher, or somewhere between 1% and 2%.

The cause of agoraphobia is unclear, though this condition often exists along with panic disorder. In fact, roughly one in three people with a panic disorder also develop agoraphobia.A family history of agoraphobia or a history of trauma may also contribute to the development of agoraphobia.

Generally, a combination of psychotherapy and medication provides the best treatment outcome for people with agoraphobia.That said, the most effective treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Lifestyle changes can help reduce agoraphobic symptoms as well.

11 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Agoraphobia.Cleveland Clinic.Agoraphobia.Hoffart A, Hedley LM, Svanøe K, Langkaas TF, Sexton H.Agoraphobia with and without panic disorder: A 20-year follow-up of integrated exposure and psychodynamic therapy.J Nerv Ment Dis. 2016;204(2):100-7. doi:10.1097/nmd.0000000000000419Keane L, Loades M.Review: Low self-esteem and internalizing disorders in young people - a systematic review.Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2017;22(1):4-15. doi:10.1111/camh.12204Preti A, Piras M, Cossu G, et al.The burden of agoraphobia in worsening quality of life in a community survey in Italy.Psychiatry Investig. 2021;18(4):277-283. doi:10.30773/pi.2020.0342Harvard Health Publishing.Agoraphobia: Has COVID fueled this anxiety disorder?American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJ, Sawyer AT, Fang A.The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses.Cognit Ther Res. 2012;36(5):427-440. doi:10.1007%2Fs10608-012-9476-1Wechsler T, Kumpers F, Muhlberger A.Inferiority or even superiority of virtual reality exposure therapy in phobias? – A systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials specifically comparing the efficacy of virtual reality exposure to gold standardin vivoexposure in agoraphobia, specific phobia, and social phobia.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1758. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01758Batelaan N, Van Balkom A, Stein D.Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder: An update.Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2012;15(3):403-15. doi:10.1017/S1461145711000800University of Florida Health.Agoraphobia.Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Washington D.C.: 2013.

11 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Agoraphobia.Cleveland Clinic.Agoraphobia.Hoffart A, Hedley LM, Svanøe K, Langkaas TF, Sexton H.Agoraphobia with and without panic disorder: A 20-year follow-up of integrated exposure and psychodynamic therapy.J Nerv Ment Dis. 2016;204(2):100-7. doi:10.1097/nmd.0000000000000419Keane L, Loades M.Review: Low self-esteem and internalizing disorders in young people - a systematic review.Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2017;22(1):4-15. doi:10.1111/camh.12204Preti A, Piras M, Cossu G, et al.The burden of agoraphobia in worsening quality of life in a community survey in Italy.Psychiatry Investig. 2021;18(4):277-283. doi:10.30773/pi.2020.0342Harvard Health Publishing.Agoraphobia: Has COVID fueled this anxiety disorder?American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJ, Sawyer AT, Fang A.The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses.Cognit Ther Res. 2012;36(5):427-440. doi:10.1007%2Fs10608-012-9476-1Wechsler T, Kumpers F, Muhlberger A.Inferiority or even superiority of virtual reality exposure therapy in phobias? – A systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials specifically comparing the efficacy of virtual reality exposure to gold standardin vivoexposure in agoraphobia, specific phobia, and social phobia.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1758. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01758Batelaan N, Van Balkom A, Stein D.Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder: An update.Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2012;15(3):403-15. doi:10.1017/S1461145711000800University of Florida Health.Agoraphobia.Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Washington D.C.: 2013.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute of Mental Health.Agoraphobia.Cleveland Clinic.Agoraphobia.Hoffart A, Hedley LM, Svanøe K, Langkaas TF, Sexton H.Agoraphobia with and without panic disorder: A 20-year follow-up of integrated exposure and psychodynamic therapy.J Nerv Ment Dis. 2016;204(2):100-7. doi:10.1097/nmd.0000000000000419Keane L, Loades M.Review: Low self-esteem and internalizing disorders in young people - a systematic review.Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2017;22(1):4-15. doi:10.1111/camh.12204Preti A, Piras M, Cossu G, et al.The burden of agoraphobia in worsening quality of life in a community survey in Italy.Psychiatry Investig. 2021;18(4):277-283. doi:10.30773/pi.2020.0342Harvard Health Publishing.Agoraphobia: Has COVID fueled this anxiety disorder?American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJ, Sawyer AT, Fang A.The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses.Cognit Ther Res. 2012;36(5):427-440. doi:10.1007%2Fs10608-012-9476-1Wechsler T, Kumpers F, Muhlberger A.Inferiority or even superiority of virtual reality exposure therapy in phobias? – A systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials specifically comparing the efficacy of virtual reality exposure to gold standardin vivoexposure in agoraphobia, specific phobia, and social phobia.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1758. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01758Batelaan N, Van Balkom A, Stein D.Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder: An update.Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2012;15(3):403-15. doi:10.1017/S1461145711000800University of Florida Health.Agoraphobia.

National Institute of Mental Health.Agoraphobia.

Cleveland Clinic.Agoraphobia.

Hoffart A, Hedley LM, Svanøe K, Langkaas TF, Sexton H.Agoraphobia with and without panic disorder: A 20-year follow-up of integrated exposure and psychodynamic therapy.J Nerv Ment Dis. 2016;204(2):100-7. doi:10.1097/nmd.0000000000000419

Keane L, Loades M.Review: Low self-esteem and internalizing disorders in young people - a systematic review.Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2017;22(1):4-15. doi:10.1111/camh.12204

Preti A, Piras M, Cossu G, et al.The burden of agoraphobia in worsening quality of life in a community survey in Italy.Psychiatry Investig. 2021;18(4):277-283. doi:10.30773/pi.2020.0342

Harvard Health Publishing.Agoraphobia: Has COVID fueled this anxiety disorder?

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.

Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJ, Sawyer AT, Fang A.The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses.Cognit Ther Res. 2012;36(5):427-440. doi:10.1007%2Fs10608-012-9476-1

Wechsler T, Kumpers F, Muhlberger A.Inferiority or even superiority of virtual reality exposure therapy in phobias? – A systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials specifically comparing the efficacy of virtual reality exposure to gold standardin vivoexposure in agoraphobia, specific phobia, and social phobia.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1758. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01758

Batelaan N, Van Balkom A, Stein D.Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder: An update.Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2012;15(3):403-15. doi:10.1017/S1461145711000800

University of Florida Health.Agoraphobia.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Washington D.C.: 2013.

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