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Definition Return to top
Agoraphobia is a fear of being in places where help might not be available. It usually involves fear of crowds, bridges, or of being outside alone.
Causes Return to top
Agoraphobia often accompanies another anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder or a specific phobia. If it occurs with panic disorder, it usually starts in a person's 20s, and women are affected more often than men.
Symptoms Return to top
Additional symptoms that may occur:
Exams and Tests Return to top
The individual may have a history of phobias. Family, friends, or the affected person may tell the health care provider about agoraphobic behavior.
Signs include:
Treatment Return to top
The goal of treatment is to help you function effectively. The success of treatment usually depends on the severity of the phobia.
Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias. You are asked to relax, then imagine the things that cause the anxiety, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Gradual exposure to the real-life situation also been used with success to help people overcome their fears.
Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications are often used to help relieve the symptoms of phobias.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Phobias tend to be chronic, but respond well to treatment.
Possible Complications Return to top
Some phobias may affect job performance. People with this disorder may become housebound for years, which is likely to hurt their social and interpersonal relationships.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of agoraphobia.
Prevention Return to top
As with other panic disorders, prevention may not be possible. Early intervention may reduce the severity of the condition.
References Return to top
Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Agoraphobia (panic disorder with agoraphobia and agoraphobia without history of panic disorder). In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2004:chap 84.
Katon W, Geyman JP. Anxiety disorders. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 57.
Update Date: 12/15/2008 Updated by: Linda Vorvick MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
