Definition : Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that can be present in different degrees. It is "the fear of fear" or the fear of experiencing a panic attack. It is the fear of finding oneself in places or situations where it would be difficult to escape and find help in the event of a panic attack.

This irrational fear leads to avoidance behaviour and anticipatory anxiety which impairs professional, personal and social functioning. The concealment strategies brought on by the fear are painstaking.

Agoraphobics are restricted in their activities.They need to be accompanied outdoors and sometimes even indoors. An agoraphobic person can feel trapped in a place where there seems to be no escape.

Common Situations which can trigger Agoraphobia

1. Being alone outside of the house, sometimes inside the house.

2. Being in a crowd, in a waiting line.

3. In the bus, metro, car or a plane.

4. On a bridge, freeway, overpass or in a tunnel.

5. In the elevator, on the high floor of a building.

6. In cinemas, theaters, or restaurants.

7. Shopping at the supermarket, at a mall.

8. At the bank, the dentist, the doctor's office, or the hairdresser.

9. In a meeting, at a party.

10. In a closed space (such as far from the door in a closed room).