Overview
Agoraphobia is a mental and behavioral condition, especially an anxiety disorder marked by anxiety symptoms in situations when the individual considers their surroundings to be hazardous and there is no quick way out. These settings might include open areas, public transportation, retail centers, crowds and lines, or just being alone outside their house. Being in these circumstances may cause a panic attack. Those who are impacted will go to considerable efforts to avoid these circumstances. People may become utterly unable to leave their houses in extreme circumstances.
Agoraphobia is thought to be caused by a mix of hereditary and environmental causes. The disorder frequently runs in families, and stressful or traumatic situations like as the loss of a parent or being attacked may serve as a trigger. Agoraphobia is listed as a phobia in the DSM-5, alongside specific phobias and social phobia. Separation anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder are all disorders that can cause comparable symptoms. Agoraphobia has been demonstrated to be associated with depression, drug misuse, and suicidal thoughts.
It is unusual for agoraphobia to resolve without therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a sort of counseling that is commonly used in treatment (CBT). About half of the persons who use CBT achieve resolution. In certain cases, people with agoraphobia have reported enhancement with benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. About 1.7% of adults suffer from agoraphobia. Women are impacted almost twice as frequently as males. The disorder usually appears in early adulthood and becomes less prevalent as one gets older. It is uncommon in children.