Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a debilitating disorder in which the Agoraphobics are not necessarily afraid of open spaces; they are afraid of having panicking, wherever these fearful feelings may occur. Many may happen at home, in church, or in crowded supermarkets.

Agoraphobia is a condition which develops when a person begins to avoid spaces or situations associated with anxiety. Phobic situations may be driving, shopping, crowded places, traveling, standing in line, being alone, meetings and social gatherings.

Agoraphobia occurs when an internal anxiety condition that has become so intense that the suffering individual fears going anywhere or doing anything where these feelings of panic have occurred before. Once the panic attacks have started, these episodes are an ongoing stress, even when other more obvious pressures have diminished. This generally leads to increased panic attacks and, for some people, an increase in the situations or events which can produce the feelings. Others experience fearful feelings continuously, more an overall feeling of discomfort instead of panic.

A person may fear having anxiety attacks or embarrassing themselves in certain situations. Many people remain in a painful state of anxious worry because of these fears. Some become restricted or housebound while others function normally but with great difficulty.

Agoraphobia is a severe anxiety condition and a phobia, as well as avoidant behavior.

Agoraphobia usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Females, low-income populations, and individuals who are widowed, separated, or divorced are at increased risk of developing agoraphobia.

Having a history of panic attacks is a risk factor for developing agoraphobia, agoraphobic individuals are at increased risk for developing panic attacks also. Other anxiety disorders that tend to co occur with agoraphobia can be social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

When the signs and symptoms of anxiety are not easily, quickly, and clearly relieved and are so severe that you believe medication may be needed; and the symptoms are interfering with your personal, social, or professional life a doctor should be consulted.

When the signs and symptoms of anxiety have been present for a prolonged period and appear to be stable or the symptoms are severe and come on suddenly, they may indicate serious medical illness.