People fear they will experience panic or other incapacitating symptoms when trapped in a public and inescapable setting.
Agoraphobia is sometimes mistaken as a fear of leaving the house, but it is more complex.
It can occur on its own or alongside another mental health condition, such aspanic disorder.
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Even small tasks, such as going to the store, can become extremely difficult.
Fortunately, agoraphobic symptoms can be treated.
Panic attacks often precede the onset of agoraphobia.
However, they generally do not fear having full-blown panic attacks.
Approximately one-third to half of those diagnosed with panic disorder will also develop agoraphobia.
These include:
Learned associations can also play a role in the development of agoraphobia.
In some cases,post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) can contribute to the development of agoraphobia.
Extended periods of isolation may increase the risk of developing agoraphobia.
The book categorizes different mental disorders and is published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Agoraphobia can get worse if left untreated.
Treatment options typically include a combination of both medication andpsychotherapy.
Medications
Medications may also be prescribed to help manage certain symptoms of agoraphobia.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
The cause of agoraphobia is unclear, though this condition often exists along with panic disorder.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce agoraphobic symptoms as well.
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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.
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.
